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