Module 2-3 The Transfer Function
Module 2-3 The Transfer Function
where c(t) is the output, r(t) is the input, and the ai’s, bi’s, and the form of the differential
equation represent the system. Taking the Laplace transform of both sides,
Equation (2.51) is a purely algebraic expression. If we assume that all initial conditions
are zero, Eq. (2.51) reduces to
Now form the ratio of the output transform, C(s), divided by the input transform, R(s):
Notice that Eq. (2.53) separates the output, C(s), the input, R(s), and the system, the ratio
of polynomials in s on the right. We call this ratio, G(s), the transfer function and
evaluate it with zero initial conditions.
The transfer function can be represented as a block diagram, as shown in Figure 2.2, with
the input on the left, the output on the right, and the system transfer function inside the
block. Notice that the denominator of the transfer function is identical to the
characteristic polynomial of the differential equation. Also, we can find the output, C(s)
by using
Let us apply the concept of a transfer function to an example and then use the result to
find the response of the system.