Course overview
This course develops key concepts in linear signals and systems, principally using electric circuits as the focus. Second order circuits are covered in detail, before generalisation to higher orders and developing concepts such as resonance and frequency responses. The spectral interpretation of signals and systems are developed formally with the Fourier transform. Dynamical responses of linear systems are treated systematically in the Laplace domain; the transfer function description of linear, time-invariant systems is introduced and applied to the analysis of electrical systems. Feedback systems are studied to introduce the concept of bounded-input, bounded-output (BIBO) stability. The course includes practical exercises using industry standard software packages to design and simulate electrical systems performance.
Course learning outcomes
- Apply systematic methods to the analysis of linear systems, in particular electric circuits, using both time and frequency domain techniques
- Compute signal spectrum and understand the power/energy spectral density interpretation, for periodic and aperiodic signals commonly encountered in electrical engineering
- Determine frequency response and transfer functions of linear systems, including circuits with multiple passive components, using analytical, graphical or computational methods
- Design passive analogue filters
- Use a circuit simulation package to model circuits with passive and active components such as resistors, capacitors, diodes, and transistors