Continuous-Time System

Analysis Using the Laplace

Transform

Principles of Linear Systems and Signals by Lathi

• In the previous lectures, we used a time-domain approach to obtain the zero-input,
zero-state, and overall response of a system. In this section, we discuss an
alternative approach based on the Laplace transform.
• By Laplace transform, a signal can be express as a linear combination of
everlasting exponentials of the form of (or combination of exponentially
growing sinusoids).
• Using Laplace transform, we solve differential equations in the frequency
domain.

Principles of Linear Systems and Signals by Lathi

The Laplace transform to system analysis
• We showed that LTI system response to an everlasting exponential is .

• If we could express every signal as a linear combination of everlasting exponentials

of the form , we could readily obtain the system response to any input.
• The Laplace transform make this.

• Using linearity, the system response to input is

y
𝑥 𝑡 𝑋 𝑠 𝑌 𝑠 = 𝑋 𝑠 𝐻(𝑠) 𝑦(𝑡)
𝐿𝑥 𝑡 𝐻(𝑠) 𝐿 𝑌(𝑠)

Express 𝑥 𝑡 as a System response to an The sum of all exponential

sum of exponentials exponential compenent responses

• Recall that s is the complex frequency of . This explains why the

Laplace transform method is also called the frequency-domain method.
Solution of differential equations
• Constant-coefficient differential equation can be used to construct a system model.
Since , the Laplace transform of a differential equation
is an algebraic equation that can be readily solved for . Next, we take the
inverse Laplace transform of to find the desired solution .
• Solve the second-order linear differential equation

For the initial conditions and and the input

• The equation is

• Let , then

Principles of Linear Systems and Signals by Lathi

Principles of Linear Systems and Signals by Lathi
 Example
• In the circuit, the inductor current is 2 amperes and the capacitor
voltage is 10 volts at t = 0.
Find the inductor current for .

Principles of Linear Systems and Signals by Lathi

We need and . Remember that the inductor current and capacitor voltage
cannot change instantaneously. Thus, and the initial capacitor voltage .
We need . This is inductor voltage at time . ( )

Principles of Linear Systems and Signals by Lathi

Example
• Solve the second-order linear differential equation

For the initial conditions and and the input

• Answer :

Principles of Linear Systems and Signals by Lathi

Zero-input and zero-state compenents of response
• The Laplace transform method gives the total response, which includes zero-input and
zero-state components. It is possible to separate the two components if we so desire.

For the initial conditions and and the input

initial condition terms

input terms

Principles of Linear Systems and Signals by Lathi

Principles of Linear Systems and Signals by Lathi
 Zero-state response: The transfer function of an LTIC system
• Also, we find the transfer function using Laplace transform when the system in zero
state ( )

Principles of Linear Systems and Signals by Lathi

Example
• Find the transfer function of the system

𝑠
𝐻 𝑠 =
𝑠 + 3𝑠 + 2

Principles of Linear Systems and Signals by Lathi

Example
• Show that the transfer function of
a) an ideal delay of T seconds is
b) an ideal differentiator is
c) an ideal integrator is

a) Ideal delay: For an ideal delay of T seconds, the input x(t) and output y(t) are
related by

𝐻 𝑠 =𝑒

Principles of Linear Systems and Signals by Lathi

b) Ideal differentiator: For an ideal differentiator, the input x(t) and the output y(t)
are related by

The Laplace transform of this equation yields

𝐻 𝑠 =𝑠

b) Ideal integrator: For an ideal integrator, the input x(t) and the output y(t)
are related by

1
𝐻 𝑠 =
𝑠
Principles of Linear Systems and Signals by Lathi
 2𝑠 + 5
𝐻 𝑠 =
𝑠 + 4𝑠 + 10

Principles of Linear Systems and Signals by Lathi