EE 350 – Continuous-Time Linear Systems

Designation:

Required for Electrical Engineering students

Catalog Data:

Introduction to continuous-time linear system theory; differential equation models, sinusoidal steady-state analysis, convolution, Laplace transform and Fourier analysis.

Prerequisites by topic:

1. A working knowledge of integral and differential calculus.
2. The ability to work with complex numbers.
3. The ability to obtain differential equation models of active and passive circuits.
4. The ability to determine the sinusoidal-steady-state response of a circuit using phasor analysis.

Course Objectives:

This course provides a foundation in linear system theory for all electrical engineering majors. After successfully completing the course, students are able to:

1. Understand basic concepts of linear systems and how they interact with continuous-time signals.
2. Use MATLAB to analyze continuous-time signals and systems.

Topics:

1. Classification of signals and systems (4 lectures)
2. Classical solutions of ODEs (4 lectures)
3. Stability (1 lecture)
4. Convolution (5 lectures)
5. Sinusoidal steady-state response (1 lecture)
6. Orthogonal signals and generalized Fourier Series (2 lectures)
7. Fourier series (4 lectures)
8. Fourier transform (7 lectures)
9. Laplace transform (8 lectures)
10. Frequency response (4 lectures)

Class/laboratory Schedule:

Three 50-minute lectures and one 2-hour recitation per week and four 2-hour laboratory exercises.

Computer Usage:

MATLAB is used to facilitate the analysis of signals and systems.

Laboratory projects and/or assignements:

Four two-hour laboratory sessions demonstrate the applicability of linear system concepts to engineering systems. Students do not submit a formal laboratory report, however, material from the laboratory activities is included in both the problem sets and exams.

Contribution to meeting the professional component:

This course enables students to analyze and model dynamic systems using ODEs, impulse response functions, Fourier transform techniques, and Laplace transform methods. It is a prerequisite to many technical electives including electronic circuit design (EE 311), energy conversion (EE 365), communication systems (EE 367), optical fiber communications (EE 412), power electronics (EE 423), and linear control systems (EE 428).

Relationship to program outcomes:

The course relates to the following program outcomes:

1. Graduates will possess mathematics skills valuable for electrical engineering. [Ref: Outcome O1.1.]
2. Graduates will have attained computer efficiency. [Ref: Outcome O1.3.]
3. Graduates will understand the basic concepts of linear systems and how they interact with continuous-time signals. [Ref: Outcome O2.3.].
4. Graduates will develop an appreciation of life-long learning. [Ref: Outcome O4.2.]