What is the difference between pulse response and impulse response?

[QwertyXP]

I would like to know the difference between pulse response and impulse response.

I looked for "pulse" and "impulse" on the internet and found that on some websites they had been used interchangeably. Apart from that I checked out some books and found that they use the term "impulse response" (or unit impulse response) and not "pulse response". Is there really a difference between the two terms?

 

[The Electrician]

"Impulse" usually refers to a ideal mathematical concept. It's the limit of a square topped pulse of finite duration, as the duration is allowed to approach zero, but with the amplitude simultaneously increasing so that the area under this vanishing pulse remains constant.

Whereas, to me, an "ordinary" pulse refers to a square topped pulse of finite duration. If the duration of the pulse is made infinitely long, then you have the "step" response.

 

[QwertyXP]

Hmm.. I think I get it. From your answer I deduce that impulse is actually a form of a pulse (just that its width approaches zero).
Anyway thanks a lot for your reply!

 

[berkeman]

I would like to know the difference between pulse response and impulse response.

I looked for "pulse" and "impulse" on the internet and found that on some websites they had been used interchangeably. Apart from that I checked out some books and found that they use the term "impulse response" (or unit impulse response) and not "pulse response". Is there really a difference between the two terms?

I don't think I've heard the term "pulse response". I think it's just being used incorrectly, instead of "impulse response".

Quiz Question -- Why is the impulse response so useful in working with LTI systems? We really do use the impulse response for real-world system analysis.

 

[DeeNos]

Pulse response and impulse response are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference between the two.

The pulse response refers to the output of a system in response to a pulse input. A pulse input is a signal that has a sudden change in amplitude and then returns to its original value. This type of input can be seen as a sudden disturbance or shock to the system. The pulse response is a measure of how the system reacts to this disturbance over time.

On the other hand, the impulse response refers to the output of a system in response to an impulse input. An impulse input is a signal that has a very short duration, almost instantaneous, and has an infinite amplitude. This type of input can be seen as a sudden force or push applied to the system. The impulse response is a measure of how the system responds to this force over time.

In summary, the main difference between pulse response and impulse response is the type of input signal used to measure the system's response. While both terms refer to the system's output over time, the pulse response is measured in response to a pulse input, while the impulse response is measured in response to an impulse input.