Signals and Systems For Dummies

Learn to: Grasp the core concepts of signals and systems for success in the classroom Apply complex concepts such as discrete-time and continuous time signals, signal processing, and control systems Solve problems and work through real-life examples Getting mixed signals about signals and systems? The concepts covered in a typical signals and systems course are often considered by engineering students to be some of the most difficult to master. Thankfully, Signals & Systems For Dummies is your intuitive guide to this tricky material, walking you step-by-step through some of the more complex theories and mathematical formulas in a way that's easy to understand. Signals and systems 101 — understand the language of signals and systems, and get an overview of the basic concepts and techniques necessary for tackling this course The time domain — get a plain-English intro to differential and difference equation system models, which are used to represent electronic circuits, the audio equalizer on your MP3 music player, and more Between worlds — drill down on the frequency domain and the world of system design, and bridge the gap between the continuous- and discrete-time worlds Know your domain — understand the s- and z-domains — a third domain system that engineers use to view the world — and understand why poles and zeros rule here Open source tools — solve example problems with Python using PyLab, along with a custom function module written for the book Open the book and find: Continuous-time signals and systems How to establish a general input/output relationship Difference equations in the time domain Worked through examples of real-world signals and systems applications The Fourier transform for continuous-time signals The scoop on sampling theory The discrete Fourier transform and FFT algorithms The Laplace transform for continuous-time signals

Introduction 1 Part I: Getting Started with Signals and Systems 7 Chapter 1: Introducing Signals and Systems 9 Chapter 2: Brushing Up on Math 29 Chapter 3: Continuous–Time Signals and Systems 51 Chapter 4: Discrete–Time Signals and Systems 77 Part II: Exploring the Time Domain 97 Chapter 5: Continuous–Time LTI Systems and the Convolution Integral 99 Chapter 6: Discrete–Time LTI Systems and the Convolution Sum 119 Chapter 7: LTI System Differential and Difference Equations in the Time Domain 149 Part III: Picking Up the Frequency Domain 163 Chapter 8: Line Spectra and Fourier Series of Periodic Continuous–Time Signals 165 Chapter 9: The Fourier Transform for Continuous–Time Signals and Systems 191 Chapter 10: Sampling Theory 219 Chapter 11: The Discrete–Time Fourier Transform for Discrete–Time Signals 241 Chapter 12: The Discrete Fourier Transform and Fast Fourier Transform Algorithms 263 Part IV: Entering the s– and z–Domains 283 Chapter 13: The Laplace Transform for Continuous–Time 285 Chapter 14: The z–Transform for Discrete–Time Signals 307 Chapter 15: Putting It All Together: Analysis and Modeling Across Domains 327 Part V: The Part of Tens 343 Chapter 16: More Than Ten Common Mistakes to Avoid When Solving Problems 345 Chapter 17: Ten Properties You Never Want to Forget 351 Index 355

Mark Wickert, PhD, is a Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. He is a member of the IEEE and is doing real signals and systems problem solving as a consultant with local industry.