Linear Tim e Invariant (LTI) System s

Signals and System s

W hat is a signal?

A signal is defined as any physical quantity that varies with time, space, or any other
independent variable. A signal is formally designed as a function of one or more variables
that conveys information on the nature of a physical phenomenon.

Simple definition - A signal is a function of one or more variables which transmit

information.

A signal can be of two types,

• One dimensional signal - A signal with a function of one variable.

Example – Speech signal in which the amplitude varies with time.

• Multi-dimensional signal – A signal with function of two of more variables.

Example – An image is two dimensional, which is represented by the variables of
horizontal and vertical coordinates.

C lassification of Signals

A signal can be classified into two.

• Continuous time signals – Signals which are defined for all times of “t” are known
as continuous time signals. In continuous time signals, the independent variable is
continuous. Hence these signals are defined for a continuous set of values of the
independent variable (Amplitude).
Continuous time signals occur naturally when a physical waveform such as an
acoustic or a light wave is converted into an electrical signal by means of a
transducer.
 Example – Conversion of a sound wave produced using a microphone to variations
in voltage or current.
Symbol “t” is used to denote the independent variable in continuous time, and
parenthesis “(.)” are used to enclose the independent variable in continuous time.
𝑥(𝑡)

• Discrete time signals – Signals which are defined only at discrete instances of time
are known as discrete time signals. In discrete signals, the independent variable
takes on only equally spaced discrete set of values.
A discrete time signal can represent an occurrence for which the independent
variable is naturally discrete.
A discrete time signal is usually derived by sampling a continuous time signal at a
uniform rate. (This is known as sampling)
Example – Graphical representation of signals containing demographic data. Other
examples of systems containing discrete time sequences representing sampled
versions of continuous time signals are, Aircraft velocity, position and heading for
autopilot. Speech and music for audio systems.
Symbol “n” is used to denote the independent variable in discrete time, and square
brackets “[.]” are used to enclose the independent variable in discrete time.
𝑥[𝑛]
W hat is a system ?

A system is formally defined as an entity that manipulates one or more signals to

accomplish a function which results in new signals.

Simple definition – A system is a structure that controls one or more signals to achieve a
set task, resulting in new signals

Example – In a voice recognition system, input is the speech signal through the
microphone, output signal is the sound coming from the speaker and system is the
computer.

Linear Tim e Invariant (LTI) System s

W hat is a Linear Tim e Invariant System ?

A system which is both linear in nature and is remains unchanged with time is known as
a linear time invariant (LTI) system.

Definitions of linear and time invariant are,

• Linear – A change in input results in an equal change in output.

• Time Invariant – Behavior and characteristics are fixed with time.

The opposite to linear and time invariant are,

• Non- Linear – A change in input does not results in an equal change in the output.

• Time Variant – Behavior and characteristics are not fixed with time.
Note – We often encounter non-linear time variant systems in the real world (day today).

Note – Linear and time invariant systems are considered to be perfect and does exist in
its purest form in the real world. Instead, in many instances non-linear systems are
assumed to be linear or are made linear through the process of linearization.
Linearity

A linear system, both in continuous and discrete time is a system which contains the
property of superposition.

Superposition – If an input contains the weight sum of multiple signals, the output is said
to be the superposition.

𝑥1 (𝑡) + 𝑥2 (𝑡) → 𝑦1 (𝑡) + 𝑦2 (𝑡)

𝛼𝑥1 (𝑡) → 𝛼𝑦1 (𝑡)

The property of superposition contains two sub properties called additivity and scaling
(homogeneity). This is illustrated in the two equations above. First equation corresponds
to additivity, and the second equation corresponds to scaling (homogeneity).
Additivity

𝑥1 (𝑡) + 𝑥2 (𝑡) = 𝑦1 (𝑡) + 𝑦2 (𝑡)

𝑥1 [𝑛] + 𝑥2 [𝑛] = 𝑦1 [𝑛] + 𝑦2 [𝑛]

Homogeneity

𝛼𝑥1 (𝑡) = 𝛼𝑦1 (𝑡)

𝑎𝑥1 [𝑛] = 𝑎𝑦1 [𝑛]

If a system contains the properties of additivity and homogeneity, it satisfies the property
of superposition. Hence, the system is linear.

Tim e Invariance

A system is said to be time invariant if a time shift in the input signal results in an
identical time shift in the output signal.

In simpler terms, a system is time invariant if the behavior and characteristics of the
system are fixed over time. (System obeys the function of time).

Example – If you conduct a simple RC circuit experiment today and measured the
resistance and capacitance values, and if the experiment was repeated in the following day
and if identical results for resistance and capacitance values were obtained, then the
system is said to be time invariant. (The result does not change with time).

𝑥(𝑡) = 𝑦(𝑡) → 𝑥(𝑡 − 𝑡0 ) = 𝑦(𝑡 − 𝑡0 )

𝑥[𝑛] = 𝑦[𝑛] → 𝑥[𝑛 − 𝑛0 ] = 𝑦[𝑛 − 𝑛0 ]

Note – Invariant definition is Never changing.

Types of System s

There are 3 main types of systems depending on their linear and time invariant nature,

• Linear and Time Invariant

• Linear and Time Variant

• Non-Linear and Time Invariant

Question 1

Determine whether the following system “S” is linear and time invariant using the
definitions of superposition.

System “S” whose input 𝑥(𝑡) and output 𝑦(𝑡) are related by,

𝑦(𝑡) = 𝑡𝑥(𝑡)

Answer
The system “S” is a linear tim e invariant (LTI) system .
Question 2

Determine if the following system represented by the circuit is linear.

Answer
The system “S” is a linear tim e invariant (LTI) system .