Homework 1
Homework 1
Tasks:
1. Compute the Fourier coefficients 𝑎𝑘 for the Fourier series expansion of 𝑥(𝑡).
3. Sketch the magnitude and phase spectrum of the first five harmonics.
4. If the signal is time-shifted by 𝑡0 = 50 𝑚𝑠, derive the new Fourier coefficients 𝑏𝑘 and
explain how the phase spectrum changes.
A periodic rectangular pulse train with period 𝑇0 and duty cycle 𝛼 is defined as:
Tasks:
a) Derive the Fourier series coefficients 𝑎𝑘 of the given signal. Express your answer in terms of
sinc functions where applicable.
b) If the signal undergoes time-scaling such that 𝑦(𝑡) = 𝑥(2𝑡), determine the new fundamental
frequency and explain how the Fourier coefficients change.
c) Compare the spectra of 𝑥(𝑡) and 𝑦(𝑡) by sketching their magnitude plots. Discuss the effect of
time compression on the signal spectrum.
d) Discuss how symmetry in 𝑥(𝑡) affects the Fourier series spectrum. Specifically, analyze the
following cases:
e) Real-world Problem:
1. How does the Fourier series help analyze periodic distortions in electrical signals?
2. What are the effects of higher harmonics on power transmission and efficiency?
Problem Statement:
Radio broadcasting relies on amplitude modulation (AM) to transmit audio signals over long
distances. In AM transmission, a low-frequency message signal (such as speech or music) is
combined with a high-frequency carrier wave to create a modulated signal.
Tasks:
a) Expand 𝑥(𝑡) using trigonometric identities and express it as a sum of sinusoidal components.
b) Identify the carrier frequency and the sideband frequencies in the modulated signal.
c) Derive the Fourier series coefficients 𝑎𝑘 for 𝑥(𝑡) and sketch its magnitude spectrum 𝑥(𝑡).
Clearly label all frequency components.
d) Analyze how changing the modulation depth (0.5 in this case) affects the magnitude
spectrum.
e) Real-world Problem
Military and aviation communication systems often use Single Side Band (SSB) modulation
instead of standard AM (double side-band) to save bandwidth and improve signal clarity.
Discussion Questions:
1. How does removing one sideband affect the Fourier series representation of the signal?
Report Formatting
Online Submission