Convolution Dirac impulse and periodic signal

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The discussion revolves around performing convolution between a periodic signal and a Dirac impulse. The user is confused about the limits and the integration process, particularly regarding the cancellation of variables and the interpretation of the convolution result. There is a disagreement about whether the convolution exists for certain values of t, with one participant asserting that it is zero outside a specific range, while another argues that it is not. The correct approach involves understanding the roles of the functions and their limits of integration. Ultimately, clarity on the integration limits and the treatment of the sine function is essential for resolving the convolution problem.
ellosma
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Hi ☺️ i have to do a convolution with a periodic signal and a dirac impulse:
x(t)=sen(πt)(u(t)−u(t−2))
h(t)=u(t−1)−u(t−3)
The first is a periodic graph that intersect axis x in points 0 , 1 and 2 (ecc)
The se ing is a rectangle ( Dirac impulse ) that intersect AxiS x in points 1 and 3.
For t−1<0 and t−3>0 convolution doesn't exist
For me is ∫to 0 from 1 ((senπ(t−τ)dτ) − ∫to 1 from t−1 (senπ(t−τ)dτ))) but my book write ∫to t-1 from 0 (senπtdτ)
Could someone tell me why he cancel -τ and how to do this ex without Fourier ? Thank you very much and Sorry for my terrible english but I'm italian
 
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ellosma said:
Hi ☺️ i have to do a convolution with a periodic signal and a dirac impulse:
x(t)=sen(πt)(u(t)−u(t−2))
h(t)=u(t−1)−u(t−3)
The first is a periodic graph that intersect axis x in points 0 , 1 and 2 (ecc)
The se ing is a rectangle ( Dirac impulse ) that intersect AxiS x in points 1 and 3.
For t−1<0 and t−3>0 convolution doesn't exist
I wouldn't say the convolution doesn't exist. I think you mean x*h(t) = 0. If so, it's not true that it's equal to 0 for t-3>0.

For me is ∫to 0 from 1 ((senπ(t−τ)dτ) − ∫to 1 from t−1 (senπ(t−τ)dτ))) but my book write ∫to t-1 from 0 (senπtdτ)
Could someone tell me why he cancel -τ and how to do this ex without Fourier ? Thank you very much and Sorry for my terrible english but I'm italian
I suspect the book simply interchanged the roles of x and h compared to what you did. The convolution is given by
$$(x*h)(t) = \int_{-\infty}^\infty x(\tau)h(t-\tau)\,d\tau,$$ and since x(t)=0 for t<0 and t>2, you can write
$$(x*h)(t) = \int_{0}^2 (\sin\pi\tau)h(t-\tau)\,d\tau.$$ The variable that's in the argument of sine should be ##\tau##, not ##t## as you said the book has.
 
What is "sen(πt)" ? Is "sen" Italian for "sin"? I will assume so.
So we have
f(t) = sin(πt){u(t) - u(t-2)}
g(t) = u(t-1) -u(t-3)
You are probably best off with
f*g = integral from T = -∞ to +∞ of f(t-T)g(T)dT.

The trick here is to determine how the various u(t) combine. You will need the fact that u(t-T) = u{-(T-t)}.
If you graph the two u terms (one in f, the other in g) then you will see that the limits of integration change from (-∞, +∞) to (0, t-1).

The final answer should include a coefficient {u(t-1) - u(t-3)} which has the effect of making the convolution = 0 for t < 1 and > 3.
 
vela said:
I wouldn't say the convolution doesn't exist. I think you mean x*h(t) = 0. If so, it's not true that it's equal to 0 for t-3>0.I suspect the book simply interchanged the roles of x and h compared to what you did. The convolution is given by
$$(x*h)(t) = \int_{-\infty}^\infty x(\tau)h(t-\tau)\,d\tau,$$ and since x(t)=0 for t<0 and t>2, you can write
$$(x*h)(t) = \int_{0}^2 (\sin\pi\tau)h(t-\tau)\,d\tau.$$ The variable that's in the argument of sine should be ##\tau##, not ##t## as you said the book has.
?
The convolution g*t is a function of t. After you've performed the integration you need a "t" in the sine function I think.
You also used 2 instead of 3 for the upper limit on t.
 
rude man said:
The final answer should include a coefficient {u(t-1) - u(t-3)} which has the effect of making the convolution = 0 for t < 1 and > 3.
That's wrong.

rude man said:
The convolution g*t is a function of t. After you've performed the integration you need a "t" in the sine function I think.
The sine I was referring to is inside the integral, so no, it's not supposed to be a function of t. If it were, it would be a constant and you could pull it out of the integral.

You also used 2 instead of 3 for the upper limit on t.
Because x(t) is non-zero only between 0 and 2. And it's the upper limit on ##\tau##, not t.
 
vela said:
That's wrong.
Oh? How?

The sine I was referring to is inside the integral, so no, it's not supposed to be a function of t. If it were, it would be a constant and you could pull it out of the integral.

After integrating to constant limits it is a constant except for modulation by u(t) functions. I never suggested it could be "pulled out of the integral".

Because x(t) is non-zero only between 0 and 2. And it's the upper limit on ##\tau##, not t.

The upper limit on T is t-1.

The OP will have to decide I guess which of us is right. For the record, my answer agrees with what is in his/her textbook.
 
Last edited:
Here's a plot of ##x(\tau)## and ##h(t-\tau)## for ##t=4##. Still think the convolution is 0 when t>3?
 

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vela said:
Here's a plot of ##x(\tau)## and ##h(t-\tau)## for ##t=4##. Still think the convolution is 0 when t>3?
It is if the problem states it is, which it does: "For t−1<0 and t−3>0 convolution doesn't exist."
 
rude man said:
After integrating to constant limits it is a constant except for modulation by u(t) functions. I never suggested it could be "pulled out of the integral".
I don't know if you're trying to be deliberately obtuse. The OP wrote that the book said the integral was
$$\int_0^{t-1} \sin \pi t\,d\tau.$$ ##\sin\pi t## is independent of the variable of integration ##\tau##, so that integral is equal to
$$\int_0^{t-1} \sin \pi t\,d\tau = \sin\pi t \int_0^{t-1}d\tau = (t-1)\sin\pi t.$$ Are you claiming that's correct?
 
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vela said:
I don't know if you're trying to be deliberately obtuse. The OP wrote that the book said the integral was
$$\int_0^{t-1} \sin \pi t\,d\tau.$$ ##\sin\pi t## is independent of the variable of integration ##\tau##, so that integral is equal to
$$\int_0^{t-1} \sin \pi t\,d\tau = \sin\pi t \int_0^{t-1}d\tau = (t-1)\sin\pi t.$$ Are you claiming that's correct?
Of course not.
I think this discussion has borne all the fruit it can. Thanks for your patience.
 
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