# RC filter impulse response is exponential decaying but inverse Fourier is Sinc function

As we all know that the inverse Fourier transform of a frequency domain unit pulse/rectangular function (which looks like low pass filter) is Sinc function. So, I was under the impression that any low pass filter impulse response would look like Sinc function.

However, the RC low pass filters impulse response look like an exponentially decaying function.

Since both are low pass filters with the similar looking frequency domain transfer functions, why RC low pass filter response does not look like Sinc function?

• No, sinc function in the time domain only applies to rectangular frequency response (and vice versa). A first order (RC) LPF does have a decaying exponential. And there are other characteristics : uniquely, a Gaussian LPF has a Gaussian time domain response... There used to be a time when math courses taught the commonest Laplace transforms like these. – user_1818839 Jan 11 at 23:02
• Is a rectangular pulse the same as an exponentially decaying waveform? Not only they are not, but one is symmetric, the other is not. According to your logic -- "Since both are low pass filters with the similar looking frequency domain transfer functions" -- a Bessel lowpass is the same as an elliptic/Cauer lowpass. The transfer functions are really not the same. – a concerned citizen Jan 11 at 23:02

• There is exactly one sinc function, and its Fourier transform is square. There may be functions like the sinc function -- but their Fourier transforms are going to be way more square than $1/(\tau s + 1)$. So I think my point stands. – TimWescott Jan 13 at 19:19
• By definition $\mathrm{sinc} x = \lim_{\chi \to x} \frac{\sin \pi \chi}{\pi \chi}$. That page you reference is generating what it calls "windowed sinc". Not plain ol' sinc. – TimWescott Jan 14 at 1:04