University of La Salette, Inc.

College of Engineering and Architecture

Santiago City

Module 4: Transfer Function and Impulse Response

Introduction
The indication of cause and effect relationship existing between input and output mathematically means to
decide the transfer function of the given system. It is commonly used to characterize the input-output
relationship of the system.
Transfer function explains mathematical function of the parameters of system performing on the applied
input in order to produce the required output. Laplace transform plays an important role in making
mathematical analysis easy.
Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this module, you are expected to:
1. Define the transfer function of a system
2. Explain the significance of a transfer function stating its advantages and features
3. Discuss the limitations of transfer function approach
4. Explain how transfer function is related to unit impulse response of a system
5. Define the following terms related to the transfer function of a system.
a. Poles
b. Zeros
c. Characteristic Equation
d. Pole-Zero Plot
e. Order
Discussion:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yUbsRRfb66nU1Mr9s1yTlyftXPvrSVB3/view?usp=sharing

Summary:
The transfer function is Laplace domain function which is the ratio of Laplace of output to Laplace of input,
assuming all initial conditions zero. Transfer function depends on the output variable required, For fixed
out and fixed values of system parameters, transfer function is constant. Then the output for any type of
input applied to the system can be determined. The transfer function is the base of the conventional methods
of analysis of feedback control systems. It gives very important information about poles, zeros,
characteristic equation, order and stability of the system.

Laplace transform of unit impulse response of a linear time invariant system is its transfer function with all
initial conditions assumed to be zero.

Poles are the values of s which when substituted in the denominator of a transfer function, make the transfer
function value as infinite.

THIS MODULE IS FOR THE EXCLUSIVE USE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LA SALETTE, INC. ANY FORM OF REPRODUCTION,
DISTRIBUTION, UPLOADING, OR POSTING ONLINE IN ANY FORM OR BY ANY MEANS WITHOUT THE WRITTEN PERMISSION OF
THE UNIVERSITY IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
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 University of La Salette, Inc.
College of Engineering and Architecture
Santiago City

The pores are the roots of an equation obtained by equating denominator polynomial of a transfer function
to zero which is called as characteristic equation.

Zeros are the values of s which when substituted in the numerator of a transfer function, make the transfer
fiction value as zero

Evaluation: Answer the following briefly. Submit your work through CLMS, 1 week after receiving this module.
1. Define the transfer function of a system
2. Explain the significance of a transfer function stating its advantages and features
3. Discuss the limitations of transfer function approach
4. Explain how transfer function is related to unit impulse response of a system
5. Define the following terms related to the transfer function of a system.
a. Poles
b. Zeros
c. Characteristic Equation
d. Pole-Zero Plot
e. Order

References:
• Dorf, R. C., & Bishop, R. H. (2011). Modern control systems. Pearson.
• Nise, N. S. (2020). Control systems engineering. John Wiley & Sons.
• Ogata, K. (1995). Discrete-time control systems (Vol. 2, pp. 446-480). Englewood Cliffs, NJ:
Prentice Hall.
• Phillips, C. L., & Habor, R. D. (1995). Feedback control systems. Simon & Schuster, Inc..

THIS MODULE IS FOR THE EXCLUSIVE USE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LA SALETTE, INC. ANY FORM OF REPRODUCTION,
DISTRIBUTION, UPLOADING, OR POSTING ONLINE IN ANY FORM OR BY ANY MEANS WITHOUT THE WRITTEN PERMISSION OF
THE UNIVERSITY IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
2