Chapter 1: Representing Signals

1.1 Signals and Systems

A signal is defined as any physical quantity that varies with time, space or any other independent
variable or variables. By means of signal message or information can be transmitted.
Examples: Human voice, Electrocardiogram, Sign language, Videos etc.

A system may be defined as a physical device that performs an operation on a signal. System is a
combination and interconnection of several components. It can also be regarded as a process that
transforms one signal into another.
Examples: Amplifier, Low Pass Filter, Electrical Circuits etc.

The input to a system and the output from the system are signals.

1.2 Signal Processing:

Different types of operations are performed on a signal to convert one signal into another signal.
These operations are known as signal processing.
Example: Signal Addition, Modulation, Filtering etc.

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1.3 Classification of Signals:

1. Continuous-Time vs. Discrete-Time

2. Continuous-Value vs. Discrete-Value
3. Analog vs. Digital
4. Finite Duration (Time Limited) vs. Infinite Duration.
5. Finite (Bounded) Value vs. Infinite(Unbounded) Value.
6. Causal vs. Anticausal vs. Noncausal
7. Even vs. Odd Signals.
8. Periodic vs. Aperiodic(Non-Periodic Signal)
9. Energy and power signals:

1.3.1 Continuous- Time vs. Discrete Time Signals:

In case of continues time signal the independent variable is continuous. Continues time signals
are defined for each value of time.
Example: Provided during class lecture.
Discrete time signals are defined only at certain specific values of time.
Example: Provided during class lecture.

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1.3.2. Continuous-Valued vs. Discrete-Valued Signals:

If a signal takes on all possible values on a finite or an infinite range, it is said to be a continuos
valued signal.
Example: Provided during class lecture.
If a signal takes on values from a finite set of possible values, it is said to be a discrete valued
signal.
Example: Provided during class lecture.

1.3.3 Analog vs. Digital Signals:

Analog signals are continuous time, continuous valued signal.

Example: Provided during class lecture.
Digital signals are discrete time, discrete valued signal.
Example: Provided during class lecture.

1.3.3.1 Analog to Digital Conversion: