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Signal Processing - Fundamentals - Version 0.4

The document compares Analog Signal Processing (ASP) and Digital Signal Processing (DSP), highlighting their differences in signal representation, implementation, and mathematical tools. ASP operates on continuous-time signals using analog circuits, while DSP works with discrete-time signals using digital computers and algorithms. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, with ASP being more susceptible to noise and less flexible, whereas DSP offers greater flexibility and resistance to noise but introduces latency and quantization errors.

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Marcus Green
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6 views3 pages

Signal Processing - Fundamentals - Version 0.4

The document compares Analog Signal Processing (ASP) and Digital Signal Processing (DSP), highlighting their differences in signal representation, implementation, and mathematical tools. ASP operates on continuous-time signals using analog circuits, while DSP works with discrete-time signals using digital computers and algorithms. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, with ASP being more susceptible to noise and less flexible, whereas DSP offers greater flexibility and resistance to noise but introduces latency and quantization errors.

Uploaded by

Marcus Green
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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FUNDAMENTALS OF SIGNAL PROCESSING: ANALOG VS DIGITAL

Analog Signal Processing (ASP)


• Signals: Operates on continuous-time signals, represented by functions of a
continuous variable (usually time), x(t). 1

• Implementation: Typically implemented using analog electronic circuits


composed of resistors, capacitors, inductors, operational amplifiers (op-amps),
and other analog components. 2

• Mathematical Tools:
o Differential Equations: Used to describe the behavior of analog circuits. 3

For example, the charging and discharging of a capacitor in an RC circuit


is described by a first-order differential equation. 4

o Laplace Transforms: Used to analyze linear time-invariant (LTI) analog


systems in the s-domain (complex frequency domain). This simplifies the
5

solution of differential equations by transforming them into algebraic


equations. 6

o Frequency Response (using Fourier Transforms): Used to analyze the


behavior of analog circuits at different frequencies. The frequency
7

response H(jω) represents the system's output for a complex exponential


input e^(jωt). 8

o Convolution Integrals: Used to determine the output of an LTI analog


system for an arbitrary input signal. The output y(t) of a system with
impulse response h(t) to an input x(t) is given by: y(t) = (x * h)(t) = ∫₋∞⁺∞
x(τ)h(t - τ) dτ.
• Examples:
o Filtering: Implemented using passive filters (RC, RL, RLC circuits) or
active filters (op-amp circuits).9

o Amplification: Implemented using op-amp circuits. 10

o Modulation/Demodulation: Implemented using analog circuits like mixers


and modulators.
• Advantages: Can operate on signals in real-time with minimal latency.
• Disadvantages: Susceptible to noise and component tolerances. Design and
11

implementation can be complex for sophisticated processing tasks. Less


flexible than digital processing.

Digital Signal Processing (DSP)


• Signals: Operates on discrete-time signals, represented by sequences of
numbers, x[n]. These are obtained by sampling and quantizing analog signals.
• Implementation: Implemented using digital computers, microprocessors, or
specialized digital signal processors (DSPs). 12

• Mathematical Tools:
o Difference Equations: Used to describe the behavior of discrete-time
systems. These are the discrete-time equivalent of differential equations.
o Z-Transforms: Used to analyze LTI digital systems in the z-domain
(complex z-plane). Similar to Laplace transforms for analog systems.
13

o Discrete-Time Fourier Transform (DTFT) and Discrete Fourier Transform


(DFT): Used to analyze the frequency content of discrete-time signals.
The DFT is particularly important for practical digital implementations.
o Convolution Sums: Used to determine the output of an LTI digital system.
The output y[n] of a system with impulse response h[n] to an input x[n] is
given by: y[n] = (x * h)[n] = Σₖ₋∞⁺∞ x[k]h[n - k].
• Examples:
o Digital Filtering: Implemented using algorithms that perform convolution
or multiplication in the frequency domain (using the DFT/FFT).
o Digital Audio Processing: Audio compression (MP3), equalization, noise
reduction.
o Image Processing: Image compression (JPEG), edge detection, image
enhancement.
• Advantages: Highly flexible and programmable. Resistant to noise and
component variations. Can implement complex algorithms. Allows for precise
control and repeatability.
• Disadvantages: Requires analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) and digital-to-
analog converters (DACs). Introduces quantization error and latency due to
sampling and processing.
Comparison Table:

Analog Signal
Feature Digital Signal Processing (DSP)
Processing (ASP)

Signals Continuous-time, x(t) Discrete-time, x[n]

Analog circuits (resistors, Digital computers, microprocessors,


Implementation
capacitors, op-amps) DSPs

Differential equations,
Difference equations, Z-transforms,
Key Math Tools Laplace transforms,
DFT/DTFT, Convolution sums
Convolution integrals

Laplace Transform (s- Z-Transform (z-domain) or Discrete


Frequency
domain) or Continuous Fourier Transform/Discrete-Time
Domain
Fourier Transform Fourier Transform

Passive/active filters (RC, Digital filters (FIR, IIR) implemented


Filtering
RL, RLC, op-amp circuits) through algorithms

Noise
High Low
Sensitivity

Flexibility Low High

Generally better for direct Latency introduced by A/D and D/A


Real-time Ops
real-time processing conversion and processing time.

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