Signals and Systems

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2013:

120 hours

Prerequisites for this subject are

AND

either of following subjects

AND

COMP20005 Engineering Computation may be taken concurrently

None

Knowledge of the following subjects is recommended

431-221 Fundamentals of Signals and Systems

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

This subject formally introduces the mathematical techniques that underpin the analysis and design of electrical networks, telecommunication systems, signal-processing systems and automatic control systems, among others. Topics include:

• Signals – continuously and discretely indexed signals, important signal types, frequency-domain analysis (Fourier, Laplace and Z transforms), nonlinear transformations and harmonics, sampling, and aliasing;
• Systems – viewing differential / difference equations as systems of signals, the notions of input, output and internal signals, block diagrams (series, parallel and feedback connections), properties of input-output models (causality, delay, stability, gain, shift-invariance, linearity), transient and steady state behaviour;
• Linear shift-invariant models – continuous and discrete impulse response and convolution operator models, transfer functions and frequency response, time-domain interpretation of stable and unstable poles and zeros, state-space models (construction from high-order ODEs, canonical forms, state transformations and stability), and the discretisation of models for systems of continuously indexed signals.

This material will be complemented by exposure to the use of MATLAB for computation and simulation and examples from diverse areas including electrical engineering, biology and economics.

On completing this subject the student should be able to:

• Rigorously apply fundamental mathematical tools to model, analyse and design signals and systems in both the time-domain and frequency-domain;
• Recognise the broad applicability of the mathematics of signals and systems theory, particularly within electrical engineering;
• Use MATLAB to study the behaviour of signals and systems as they arise in a variety of contexts.

• One written examination, not exceeding three hours at the end of semester, worth 60% (must pass written exam to pass subject);
• Continuous assessment of project work, not exceeding 30 pages in total over the semester, worth 30%;
• A one hour mid-semester test, worth 10%.

TBA

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

On completion of this subject students should have developed the following generic skills:

• Ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals
• Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution
• Ability to utilise a systems approach to design and operational performance
• Ability to communicate effectively, with the engineering team and with the community at large
• Capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning
• Expectation of the need to undertake lifelong learning, capacity to do so