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Engineering LibreTexts

1: Introduction to Signals

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  • 1.1: Signal Classifications and Properties
    This page introduces the fundamentals of signal classification in signals and systems, covering types such as continuous vs. discrete, analog vs. digital, and periodic vs. aperiodic signals. It also discusses classification based on causality and symmetry, explaining how signals can be expressed as combinations of even and odd components while distinguishing between deterministic and random signals. An example is included to illustrate these classifications.
  • 1.2: Signal Size and Norms
    This page explores norms for quantifying the strength of signals in continuous and discrete time, focusing on Lp and lp norms that generalize signal energy. It details key norms such as L1, L2, and L through examples, emphasizing their role in characterizing signals. The text concludes that nonzero periodic signals have infinite energy but finite power due to their periodic nature, thereby affecting their classification in signal processing.
  • 1.3: Signal Operations
    This page explains two critical time operations for signals: time shifting, which adjusts a signal's position in time, and time scaling, which compresses or dilates the signal. It also touches on time reversal, achieved by multiplying the time variable by a negative number. Mastery of these concepts is crucial for analyzing signals and their applications in real-world systems.
  • 1.4: Common Continuous Time Signals
    This page introduces essential concepts of continuous time analog signals, focusing on key signal types such as sinusoids, complex exponentials, the unit impulse function, and the unit step function. It defines sinusoids using Acos(ωt+φ) and complex exponentials as Aest. The importance of the Dirac delta function in signal representation and the use of the unit step function u(t) for testing and defining other signals is emphasized.
  • 1.5: Common Discrete Time Signals
    This page covers key discrete time signals, including sinusoids, complex exponentials, unit impulses, and unit step functions. It explains the representation of sinusoids with parameters such as amplitude, frequency, and phase, and discusses the aliasing property of complex exponentials. These fundamental signals are essential for understanding more complex signals in the field of signals and systems.
  • 1.6: Continuous Time Impulse Function
    This page discusses the Dirac delta function, a vital concept in engineering and signal processing. Defined as a function with an infinitesimal width and infinite height that integrates to one, it is represented as δ(t). Key properties include scaling behavior, symmetry, and its connection to the unit step function.
  • 1.7: Discrete Time Impulse Function
    This page discusses the unit impulse function, or unit sample function, a crucial concept in engineering and signal processing. Defined as δ[n], it equals one at n=0 and zero elsewhere, and helps quantify actions at specific points. Key properties of the unit impulse include symmetry and its relationship to the unit step function. Understanding these characteristics is essential for analyzing discrete time systems and signal processing responses.
  • 1.8: Continuous Time Complex Exponential
    This page discusses the significance of complex exponentials in signals and systems as eigenfunctions of linear time-invariant systems, represented as Aest. It explains the connection between complex exponentials and trigonometric functions via Euler's formula, enabling the decomposition into real and imaginary parts.
  • 1.9: Discrete Time Complex Exponential
    This page discusses the significance of complex exponentials in signals and systems as eigenfunctions of linear time-invariant systems. Discrete complex exponentials, expressed as zn with z in polar coordinates, can be linked to trigonometric functions via Euler's formula.


This page titled 1: Introduction to Signals is shared under a CC BY 3.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Richard Baraniuk et al. via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.

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