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Introduction to Signal & Systems | Signals and Systems - Electrical Engineering (EE) PDF Download

Introduction

The intent of this introduction is to give the reader an idea about Signals and Systems as a field of study and its applications. But we must first, at least vaguely define what signals and systems are.

  • Signals are functions of one or more variables .
  • Systems respond to an input signal by producing an output signal .

 

Introduction to Signal & Systems | Signals and Systems - Electrical Engineering (EE)
 

Examples of signals include : 
1. A voltage signal: voltage across two points varying as a function of time.
2. A force pattern: force varying as a function of 2-dimensional space.
3. A photograph: color and intensity as a function of 2-dimensional space.
4. A video signal: color and intensity as a function of 2-dimensional space and time

 

Examples of systems include : 

1. An oscilloscope: takes in a voltage signal, outputs a 2-dimensional image characteristic of the voltage signal.
2. A computer monitor: inputs voltage pulses from the CPU and outputs a time varying display.
3. An accelerating mass : force as a function of time may be looked at as the input signal, and velocity as a function of time as the output signal.
4. A capacitance: terminal voltage signal may be looked at as the input, current signal as the output. Examples of mechanical and electrical systems

 

Examples of mechanical and electrical systems 

You are surely familiar with many of these signals and systems and have probably analyzed them as well, but in isolation . For instance, you must have studied accelerating masses in a mechanics course (see Fig (a)), and capacitances in an electrostatic course (see Fig (b)), separately.

Introduction to Signal & Systems | Signals and Systems - Electrical Engineering (EE)      Introduction to Signal & Systems | Signals and Systems - Electrical Engineering (EE)

 

We will develop very general tools and techniques of analyzing systems, independent of the actual context of their use. Our approach in this course would be to define certain properties of signals and systems (inspired of course by properties real-life examples we have), and then link these properties to consequences. These "links" can then be used directly in connection with a large variety of systems: electrical, mechanical, chemical, biological… knowing only how the input and output signal are related! Thus, our focus when dealing with signals and systems will be on the relationship between the input and output signal and not really on the internals of the system.

 

Issues that will concern us in signals and systems include 
1. Characterization (description of behavior) of systems and signals.
2. Design of systems with certain desired properties.
3. Modification of existing systems to our advantage.

With this introduction, let us go on to formally defining signals and systems.

Conclusion: 

In this lecture you have learnt:

Signals are functions of one or more independent variables.
Systems are physical models which gives out an output signal in response to an input signals.
Trying to identify real-life examples as models of signals and systems, would help us in understanding the subject better.

The document Introduction to Signal & Systems | Signals and Systems - Electrical Engineering (EE) is a part of the Electrical Engineering (EE) Course Signals and Systems.
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FAQs on Introduction to Signal & Systems - Signals and Systems - Electrical Engineering (EE)

1. What is signal processing?
Ans. Signal processing refers to the analysis, modification, and synthesis of signals, which are mathematical representations of real-world phenomena. It involves various techniques and algorithms to extract useful information from signals, such as audio, images, and sensor data.
2. How are signals classified in signal processing?
Ans. Signals can be classified into various types in signal processing. The most common classification is based on the domain of the signal, such as time-domain signals and frequency-domain signals. Time-domain signals represent the amplitude of a signal over time, while frequency-domain signals represent the amplitude of a signal at different frequencies.
3. What are systems in signal processing?
Ans. In signal processing, systems refer to entities that process or manipulate signals. A system can be as simple as a basic filter or as complex as an advanced algorithm. Systems can be linear or nonlinear, time-invariant or time-varying, and causal or non-causal, depending on their characteristics and behavior.
4. What is the Fourier transform in signal processing?
Ans. The Fourier transform is a powerful mathematical tool used in signal processing to decompose a signal into its frequency components. It converts a signal from the time domain to the frequency domain, providing information about the amplitude and phase of each frequency component present in the signal. The Fourier transform is widely used in applications such as audio processing, image processing, and data compression.
5. How is signal processing applied in real-world applications?
Ans. Signal processing has numerous real-world applications across various fields. It is used in audio and speech processing for tasks like noise reduction, speech recognition, and audio compression. In image and video processing, it is utilized for tasks like image enhancement, object detection, and video compression. Signal processing also plays a crucial role in communication systems, biomedical engineering, radar and sonar systems, control systems, and many other areas.
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