ECE 3704 - Continuous and Discrete System Theory (3C)

Continuous- and discrete-time system theory. Block diagrams, feedback, and stability theory. System analysis with Bode diagrams. Discrete-time stability, difference equations, Z-transforms, transfer functions, Fourier transforms, and frequency response. Sampling of continuous systems and an introduction to digital filtering, Hands-on projects to illustrate and integrate the various continuous- and discrete-time concepts and tools.

This course introduces the practical applications of signal and systems analysis in continuous and discrete time. Whereas 2704 introduces the fundamental mathematical tools necessary for the study of individual circuits and signals, this course broadens the applications to interconnected networks of filters, plants, and signal sources. Concepts such as stability and stabilization via feedback are important for design work in controllers, communications systems, and power systems. The study of signals and systems in discrete-time prepares the students for modern computer implementations, digital filtering, and numerical methods. The various concepts are illustrated and integrated by means of a couple of hands-on projects (one in the continuous-time domain, another in the discrete-time domain).