Signals and Systems Introduction

This course is about signals and their processing by systems. It involve

Modeling of signals by mathematical functions Modeling of systems by mathematical equations Solution of the equations when excited by the
functions

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What are Signals?

A Signal is something that represent information. Our world is full of signals, both natural and man-made. Examples are:

Variation in air pressure when we speak Voltage waveform in a circuit The periodic electrical signals (EKG) generated
by the heart

Stock prices of Intel No. of yawns in EE-303 through the quarter

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What are systems?

A system is a generator of signals or it is a transformer of signals
y(t)

y(t) u(t)
System as Generator System as transformer

Buy order Sell order

GM Stock Intel Stock IMB Stock

Student Grades Professor's effort

EE-303

Voltage

Electric Circuit

Current

Professor's Evaluation

Student effort

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What is Signal Processing?

Signal processing involves enhancing, extracting, storing and transmitting useful information. Electrical signals are best suited for such manipulations. It is common to convert signals to electrical form for processing. Two conceptual schemes for signal processing are shown below.
Analog Analog Analog Analog Digital DSP Digital A/D D/A signal input Converter input system output Converter output signal proce- signal ssor Analog

Analog signal processing

Digital processing of analog signals

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Why study Signals and Systems?

(What is the point of EE-303?) Signals and systems are fundamental to all of engineering! Steps involved in engineering are:

Model system: Involves writing a mathematical

description of input and output signals

Analyze system: Study of the various signals associated with the system

Design system: Requires deciding on a suitable

system architecture, as well as nding suitable system parameters

Implement system/test system: Check system,

and the input and output signals, to see that the performance is satisfactory.

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