Introduction to Signals

Definition: Signal is a physical quantity that varies with respect to time, space or any other
independent variable. OR

 Electric voltage, radio and TV signals are examples of electric signals

 Sound signals are examples of non−electric signals

The signal may depend on one or more independent variables. If a signal depends on only one
variable it is known as one dimensional signal. If a signal depends on two variables it is known
as a two dimensional signal. Multidimensional signals depend on many variables.

Examples:

 v(t) = V0 sin t
This is a one dimensional signal. The independent variable is t
 f(x,y) = 3x2+2xy+7x3
This is a two dimensional signal. The independent variables are x and y

The representation of a signal by mathematical expression is known as signal modeling

Signal is a mathematical representation of the system

TYPES OF SIGNALS (CLASSIFICATION)

 Continuous−Time Signals (CT): The signals that are defined for every instant of time are
known as continuous – time signals. They are denoted by x(t)
 Discrete−Time Signals (DT): The signals that are defined at discrete instants of time are
known as discrete – time signals. They are denoted by x(n)

Illustrations of a continuous-time signal x (t) and a discrete-time signal x(n) are shown

 Digital: A signal that is discrete in time and in amplitude is known as digital signal. A
digital signal is usually expressed in binary form, a string of zeros and ones.

Both CT and DT signals can be classified into:

 Periodic Signal and Non Periodic Signal: A signal which repeats at regular intervals is
called periodic signal. A signal which does not repeat at regular intervals is non−periodic
signal.
 Deterministic Signal and Random Signal: A signal which can be represented by a mathe−
matical expression is called deterministic signal. Otherwise the signal is known as random
signal. A random signal cannot be represented by mathematical expression.
Examples: The signal x(t) = sin t is deterministic. Similarly pulse, triangular wave, square
waves are deterministic. The noise generated in electronic components and in transmission
channels are random signals.
 Odd Signal and Even Signal: A signal is even signal if inversion of time does not change the
amplitude. A signal is odd signal if inversion of time also inverts the amplitude.
 Energy and Power Signal: A signal is energy signal if and only if the total energy of the
signal is finite. For an energy signal P = 0. Similarly a signal is said to be a power signal if the
average power if the signal is finite. For power signal E = . Any signal which does not satisfy
these properties is neither energy nor power signal.