Spring 2019 — CRN 13062 — MWF 1:25pm - 2:15pm in Surge 104B
| Instructor: | Chris Wyatt |
| Office: 439 Whittemore Hall | |
| Phone: 231-6658 | |
| Email: clwyatt@vt.edu | |
| Office Hours: tentatively 2:30-3:30pm each weekday | |
| TA: | Aditya Garg |
| Email: aditya14@vt.edu | |
| Office Hours: Mo 2:30-5:30, Tu 2-5, We 2:30-5:30, Fr 10-11 in 276 Whittemore. Note there is a TA who can answer content questions in that room most of the week. See the schedule posted on the door. | |
| Recitations: Mondays 5:30-7:00pm in NCB 120 |
Analysis techniques for signals and systems. Signal representation, including Fourier and Laplace transforms. System definitions and properties, such as linearity, causality, time invariance, and stability. Use of convolution, transfer functions and frequency response to determine system response. Applications to circuit analysis. Hands-on projects to illustrate and integrate the various concepts.
Having successfully completed this course, the student will be able to:
Courses are a team effort and go better when everyone knows their role, expectations, and responsibilities.
Professor: Contrary to popular belief professors, particularly at research-intensive universities, are not teachers in the conventional sense. We have only limited time to devote to a course given our other duties (other courses, research, committees, etc). Our job is to: organize the material, explain it as clearly as possible, demonstrate its application, answer any questions you have, guide your learning through assignments, mentor the TA, and provide feedback on your level of mastery, i.e. grades.
Teaching Assistant: The TA has more time to devote to teaching the material through recitations and to you individually through more extensive office hours. They also give you the majority of your feedback.
Student: Your job is to read the material suggested, attend the lectures (and participate by asking questions and doing in-class activities), do the assigned problems and hands-on activities, and attend recitation and office hours as needed. On average, this should take about 10 hours of your time per week.
This is the schedule for the semester, updated continually. Text refers to the Lathi and Green textbook.
| Meeting | Topic | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (We 1/23) | Introduction |
Reading: Syllabus (Notes) Problem Set 0 Released |
| 2 (Fr 1/25) | Introduction to Signals | Reading: Text 1.1 and 1.2 (Notes) |
| 3 (Mo 1/28) | Signal Classification and Models I | Reading: Text 1.3 and 1.4-3 (Notes) |
| 4 (We 1/30) | Signal Classification and Models II |
Reading: Text 1.4-1, 1.4-2 and 1.5 (Notes) Problem Set 0 Due (solutions) Problem Set 1 Released |
| 5 (Fr 2/1) | Introduction to Systems | Reading: Text 1.6 and 1.8 (Notes) |
| 6 (Mo 2/4) | Classifying Systems | Reading: Text 1.7 (Notes) |
| 7 (We 2/6) | Describing Systems using ODEs | Reading: Text 1.9 and 1.10 (Notes) |
| 8 (Fr 2/8) | Zero-Input Response | Reading: Text 2.1 and 2.2 (Notes) |
| 9 (Mo 2/11) | Impulse Response | Reading: Text 2.3 (Notes) |
| 10 (We 2/13) | Convolution |
Reading: Text 2.4-1 and 2.4-2 (Notes) Mathematica Demo |
| 11 (Fr 2/15) | Zero-State and Total Response | Reading: Text 2.4-3 through 2.4-5 (Notes) |
| 12 (Mo 2/18) | Stability | Reading: Text 2.5 (Notes) |
| 13 (We 2/20) | System Behavior and Examples | Reading: Text 2.6 (Notes) |
| 14 (Fr 2/22) | Review of Time Domain Analysis |
Reading: Text Chapter 2 (Notes) Problem Set 1 Due (Solutions) |
| 15 (Mo 2/25) | Exam 1 | Practice Exam |
| 16 (We 2/27) | Introduction to Integral Transforms |
Notes Problem Set 2 Released |
| 17 (Fr 3/1) | Laplace Transform | Reading: Text 4.1 (Notes) |
| 18 (Mo 3/4) | Properties of Laplace Transform | Reading: Text 4.2 (Notes) |
| 19 (We 3/6) | Solving Linear ODEs using Laplace | Reading: Text 4.3 (Notes) |
| 20 (Fr 3/8) | Laplace Circuit Analysis | Reading: Text 4.4 (Notes) |
| 21 (Mo 3/18) | Block Diagrams | Reading: Text 4.5 (Notes) |
| 22 (We 3/20) | System Realization | Reading: Text 4.6 (Notes) |
| 23 (Fr 3/22) | Example: Control | Reading: Text 4.7 (Notes) |
| 24 (Mo 3/25) | Frequency Response | Reading: Text 4.8 (Notes) |
| 25 (We 3/27) | Reading Bode Plots |
Reading: Text 4.9 (Notes) Example Bode Plots: (Mathematica, Matlab) |
| 26 (Fr 3/29) | Basic Filter Design | Reading: Text 4.10 (Notes) |
| 27 (Mo 4/1) | Bilateral Laplace Transform | Reading: Text 4.11 (Notes) |
| 28 (We 4/3) | Review of Laplace Techniques |
Reading: Text Chapter 4 Problem Set 2 Due (Solutions) |
| 29 (Fr 4/5) | Exam 2 | Practice Exam |
| 30 (Mo 4/8) | Fourier Series |
Reading: Text 6.1 (Notes) Problem Set 3 Released |
| 31 (We 4/10) | Convergence of Fourier Series | Reading: Text 6.2 (Notes) |
| 32 (Fr 4/12) | Fourier Series and Sinusoidal System Response | Reading: Text 6.3 and 6.4 (Notes) |
| 33 (Mo 4/15) | Fourier Transform | Reading: Text 7.1 (Notes) |
| 34 (We 4/17) | Fourier Transforms of Common Signals | Reading: Text 7.2 (Notes) |
| 35 (Fr 4/19) | Properties of Fourier Transform | Reading: Text 7.3 (Notes) |
| 36 (Mo 4/22) | LTI Systems and Fourier Transform | Reading: Text 7.4 (Notes) |
| 37 (We 4/24) | Applications of Fourier Transforms: Filtering | Reading: Text 7.5 (Notes) |
| 38 (Fr 4/26) | Review of Fourier Techniques |
Reading: Text Chapters 6 and 7 Problem Set 3 Due (Solutions) |
| 39 (Mo 4/29 ) | Exam 3 | Practice Exam |
| 40 (We 5/1) | Applications of Fourier Transforms: Modulation | Reading: Text 7.7 (Notes) |
| 41 (Fr 5/3) | Review of Time-Domain Techniques |
Reading: Text Chapters 1 and 2 (Notes) Final Part I Practice |
| 42 (Mo 5/6) | Review of Laplace-Domain Techniques |
Reading: Text Chapter 4 (Notes) Final Part II Practice |
| 43 (We 5/8) | Review of Fourier-Domain Techniques |
Reading: Text Chapters 6 and 7 (Notes) Final Part III Practice |
Problem Set 0 will help you review this material. If you are taking this out of sequence (this is common with CPEs), then you can expect a very steep re-learning curve.
The official course text is Linear Signals and Systems, Lathi and Green, 3rd Edition, Oxford University Press, 2018. The same text is also used in 3704. You can use the second edition. There are many texts that cover linear time-invariant systems equally well. It is important that you get one and read, annotate, and summarize for yourself the sections that correspond to the Lathi and Green text.
Additional References
You will need Matlab for general computation, plotting, and data analysis. I will also use Mathematica for symbolic computation and in-class demos. Both are in the engineering student software bundle and can be installed from the Network Software Distribution site.
You will also need a complete lab-in-a-box kit including the USB oscilliscope, function generator, and associated software (either the Velleman or the Digilent Analog Discovery 2).
The course is divided roughly into three parts corresponding to time domain, Laplace, and Fourier techniques. Grades are based on the following weights:
| Problem Sets: | 25% |
| max(Exam 1, Final Part 1): | 25% |
| max(Exam 2, Final Part 2): | 25% |
| max(Exam 3, Final Part 3): | 25% |
Only selected problems from the problem sets are graded, but solutions are provided. You are encouraged to work in groups on the problem sets, however each person should write up and submit their own solutions and perform their own experiments. The problem sets constitute 25% of the overall grade and are assessed in a strict fashion, with little partial credit, on a scale of 0-2 where: 0 = no attempt, 1 = attempted but incorrect or poor reasoning, 2 = correct and clear reasoning. There are three midterm exams and a final, together making up 75% of the grade. The final exam is split into three parts with each part giving you the opportunity to replace a midterm exam grade. Exams are open book, open-notes and graded on a scale of 0-4 where: 0 = no attempt, 1 = incorrect but poor reasoning, 2 = correct but poor reasoning, 3 = incorrect but clear reasoning, 4 = correct and clear reasoning. I do not curve (although I might drop a poorly worded or confusing question from consideration). Problem sets are due at the start of class on the date indicated. No problem sets will be accepted late.
If you feel that an error has been made in grading any assignment, you must present a written appeal to the instructor (email is preferred) within one week after the assignment feedback is returned to you. Verbal appeals are not considered before this step. Your appeal should be specific.
Students are expected to take all examinations during the announced time periods - NO makeup examinations will be given! If you miss a midterm examination you will be able to replace the zero grade with a portion of the final exam.
In order for us to evaluate your work it is important that you develop good technical communication skills. The majority of graded work will consist of written solutions to the problem sets and exam questions. It is important that this work be neat, legible, and communicate your understanding. We cannot grade what we cannot follow. So, to this end here are some guidelines and advice. This may seem a bit rigid, but this ensures that we can grade your work accurately and in a timely manner, and that no work gets lost in all the shuffle. A portion of the grade is reserved for how well you have communicated through your solutions.
While I don't really care exactly what paper you use, please ensure it is 8.5 x 11 paper. I recommend either "engineering paper", plain printer paper, or graph paper. Collate and staple your solutions in the upper left corner prior to submission. Use only one side of the paper.
For each page of work you submit, divide the top half inch or so into three columns. In the left-most place the problem set number, in the middle one your PID (not your numeric ID), and in the right-most, the current page of the total.
Number each problem as in the assignment (i.e. if you skip a problem leave that number out). Start by copying the problem in its essence (you don't have to copy it word for word). If you start a new problem on a page anywhere other than the top, draw a line across the width of the page immediately above it, but prefer to start problems on a new page.
As you develop your solutions roughly (mentally) divide the paper into two columns. Use the left for the solution steps and the right for figures, diagrams and explanations of your steps (reasons or rationale). When you have a final answer, draw a box around it as a highlight. You should show most if not all steps in your reasoning, leaving few gaps. Leaps of logic, "and then a miracle occurs", will reduce your grade. Remember, the goal is to communicate your understanding.
Your writing should be legible, but don't obsess over it. I recommend using a pencil to make corrections easier. It is unlikely that you will produce acceptable work the first pass through a problem, so plan on copying your solution, enhancing it for completeness and clarity.
The Undergraduate Honor Code pledge that each member of the university community agrees to abide by states:
“As a Hokie, I will conduct myself with honor and integrity at all times. I will not lie, cheat, or steal, nor will I accept the actions of those who do.”
Students enrolled in this course are responsible for abiding by the Honor Code. A student who has doubts about how the Honor Code applies to any assignment is responsible for obtaining specific guidance from the course instructor before submitting the assignment for evaluation. Ignorance of the rules does not exclude any member of the University community from the requirements and expectations of the Honor Code. For additional information about the Honor Code, please visit: www.honorsystem.vt.edu.
Adherence to Virginia Tech's honor code is expected in all phases of this course. All graded work, other than the in-class exercises, is expected to be the original work of the individual student. In working on the assignments, discussion and cooperative learning is encouraged. However, solutions are to be the work of the individual student. In all assignments you may discuss general concepts or class and text topics, with others. However, copying of specific solutions is an honor code violation. Any violations of the honor code will automatically be forwarded to the Office of the Honor System with the recommendation of an F* sanction as your final grade in the course.
Course Website: Students are expected to access class resources via this website, on Canvas (vt.instructure.com), and Piazza (piazza.com). This is the primary way assignments, examples, notes, and other information will be distributed. You should check the sites daily for updates.
Class Attendance and Classroom Conduct: Students are expected to attend class and contribute to the discussion. Distractions (e. g. arriving to class late or leaving early) are disrespectful to the entire class and will not be tolerated.
Email Communication: If you want to send email the instructor use clwyatt@vt.edu and use your VT email account as the sender to ensure it does not get filtered.
University Closings: In case of inclement weather you may call 231-6668 to find out if any University closings are scheduled. If the University is closed due dates may be extended at the discretion of the instructor.
Reasonable accommodations are available for students who have documentation of a disability from a qualified professional. Students should work through Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) in Lavery Hall. Any student with accommodations through the SSD Office should contact me during the first two weeks of the semester or upon receiving accomodations.
If participation in some part of this class conflicts with your observation of specific religious holidays during the semester, please contact me during the first two weeks of class to make alternative arrangements.
If you miss class due to illness, especially in the case of an exam or some deadline, see a professional in Schiffert Health Center. If deemed appropriate, documentation of your illness will be sent to the Dean's Office for distribution to me. If you experience a personal or family emergency that necessitates missing class, contact the Dean of Students at 231-3787 or see them in 152 Henderson Hall.