Convolution Dirac impulse and periodic signal

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the convolution of a periodic signal and a Dirac impulse, specifically examining the mathematical expressions for the convolution of the functions x(t) = sin(πt)(u(t)−u(t−2)) and h(t) = u(t−1)−u(t−3). Participants explore the conditions under which the convolution exists and the implications of the limits of integration.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that the convolution does not exist for certain values of t, while others argue that it is not correct to state that the convolution equals zero for t-3>0.
  • One participant suggests that the book may have interchanged the roles of x and h in the convolution formula.
  • There is a discussion about the limits of integration, with some participants stating that x(t) is non-zero only between 0 and 2, while others mention the upper limit should be t-1.
  • Participants debate the interpretation of the integral involving sin(πt) and whether it should be treated as a constant or a function of t during integration.
  • One participant provides a graphical representation of the functions involved in the convolution for t=4 to illustrate their point about the convolution being zero.
  • Another participant challenges the interpretation of the integral from the textbook, questioning the correctness of treating sin(πt) as independent of the variable of integration.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the existence of the convolution and the correct limits of integration. There is no consensus on the interpretation of the integral or the conditions under which the convolution is valid.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations in understanding the roles of the unit step functions and the implications for the convolution limits. There are unresolved mathematical steps regarding the integration process and the treatment of constants versus variables.

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?
 
  • #10
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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