Plotting responses to z-plane transfer functions

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around how to plot a time response from a z-plane transfer function, specifically using the example of G = 4 / (z + 2). Participants explore the steps required to convert the z-domain representation into a time-domain response plot, addressing both continuous and discrete-time systems.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks tutorials on plotting time response from a z-plane transfer function and expresses uncertainty about the effects of the numerator on the plot.
  • Another participant suggests using the inverse Laplace transform for continuous-time systems, proposing that the time domain response to a step input would be e^-2t.
  • A different participant clarifies that for discrete-time systems, the inverse Laplace transform is not applicable, and discusses the importance of specifying the input function for determining the output response.
  • This participant provides a detailed derivation of the output response using the z-transform, assuming a unit impulse input, and presents the resulting sequence for y[n].
  • Another participant mentions the need for contour integration to find the inverse Z-transform and references a general rule for the transformation, although they express uncertainty about the contour rules.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the method to convert the z-plane transfer function to a time response plot, with participants presenting different approaches based on whether the system is continuous or discrete. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best practices for this conversion.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying assumptions about the nature of the system (continuous vs. discrete) and the input function, which may affect the output response. There are also references to mathematical techniques that require further clarification.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students or practitioners in control systems, signal processing, or related fields who are interested in understanding the conversion between z-domain and time-domain representations.

Jimbo
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Hi

I am looking for any tutorials in how to plot a time response plot from a z-plane transfer function

For example, if you have G = 4 / z + 2

I understand that plotting this on the z-plane would result in a point at -2 (although I am not sure about how the numerator of 4 might affect this) but I am unsure about the steps to be taken to convert this to a time response plot?

Any help is much appreciated!
 
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If you're talking about what I think you're talking about (control systems... my experience uses 's' instead of 'z'), then to plot the time domain, you need to take the inverse Laplace to get to the time domain.

In this case, you're looking at e^-2t for a time domain response to a step input.
 
You'd only use the inverse Laplace tranform to find the time response if this were a continuous-time tranfer function. Since we're talking about the z-plane, I'll assume you're talking about a discrete-time system. You should specify the form of the input function, since the output function response will depend on the input convolved with the transfer function; since you didn't say, I'll assume you're looking for the unit impulse response (that's what the tranfer function is).

Anyhow, let's see if I can do this without messing up:

[tex]Y(z) = G(z)X(z) = \frac 4 {z+2} = 4 \frac{z^{-1}}{1+2z^{-1}} = 4z^{-1}\frac 1 {1+2z^{-1}}[/tex]

(X(z) = 1)

which is the same as
[tex]Y(z) = 4\frac{1}{1+2z^{-1}}[/tex] time shifted one sample to the right.

so
[tex]y[n] = 4(-2)^{n-1}u[n-1][/tex]

where u is the unit step function.

The standard way to plot this would be to use a stem plot
(so it kind of looks like a bunch of lollipops).
y[0] = 0
y[1] = 4
y[2] = -8
y[3] = 16
and so on...
 
If you want the inverse Z-transform, then it involves a contour integration. You should have a table in your textbook that would include Z-transforms of the basic functions. If you want the general rule:

x(n) = (1/2πi) integral of { X(z) zn-1 dz }

where x(n) is the discrete time signal, X(z) is the Z-transform of it, and the integration is around a closed contour (but I can't remember what the rules are for the contour; it probably has to contain all of the poles and the origin). In your case, X(z) is G and x(n) is the response to a Kronecker Delta input of δ0n.
 
Great!

Thanks for all the help!

Just what I needed!
 

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