How Do Stability and Linearity Determine System Behavior?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concepts of stability and linearity in systems, particularly in the context of discrete-time systems. Participants explore whether specific examples of systems are stable or linear, and they examine the conditions that define these properties.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the system defined by y(n)=cos{x(n)} is stable, noting that it is not LTI since zero input does not lead to zero output.
  • Another participant argues that cos[x(n)] should not be subjected to a Nyquist test due to its nonlinearity, asserting that it is stable because its output remains within the bounds of +/-1.
  • A participant expresses uncertainty about the sufficiency test for linearity in the context of z transfer functions, suggesting that polynomial fractions in z might indicate linearity.
  • Multiple participants reiterate that for a system to be linear, the output for the sum of two different signals must equal the sum of the outputs for each signal applied separately.
  • One participant clarifies that a system exhibiting the additivity property (f(x1+x2)=f(x1)+f(x2)) and homogeneity (f(λx)=λf(x)) is considered linear.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the definitions of linearity and the properties that characterize linear systems. However, there is disagreement regarding the stability and linearity of the specific example y(n)=cos{x(n)}, with differing interpretations of its behavior.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the definitions of stability and linearity are not explicitly stated, and the discussion does not resolve the mathematical implications of the examples provided.

tina_singh
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confused!..system stability and linearity

1)-Is y(n)=cos{x(n)} a stable system??
and is the condition s=Ʃ|h(k)|<∞ for stability valid only for LTI systems?
actually my book solves the given problem using the above method..but according to me the given system is not LTI SINCE ZERO I/P does not lead to zero O/P...so i m really confused


2)to prove system to be linear is it enough to pove that zero i/p leads to zero o/p??
the system y(t)=[{x(t)}^2] also gives zero o/p on zero i/p but it is not linear...
 
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No point in subjecting your function cos[x(n)] to a Nyquist test (unit circle stability test) since it's obviously nonlinear.

You cannot apply the usual expression for the output at discrete multiples of time T. On the other hand, cos[x(nT)] is clearly stable since it can never go beyond +/-1.

Finally. I must confess with great chagrin that I don't know what the sufficiency test for linearity is with a z transfer function. But clearly you are right in assuming y = cos[x(n)] is nonlinear. I would assume that if the function is a plynomial fraction in z that it is linear. But that is just a not-so-educated guess. :confused:
 


if the system is linear
out put for "sum of two different signals" as input should be same as " sum of outputs got when two signals are given separately as input
 


reddvoid said:
if the system is linear
out put for "sum of two different signals" as input should be same as " sum of outputs got when two signals are given separately as input

That's exactly right and is the right answer. So it can be applied equally well to discrete systems, obviously. Thanks reddvoid! Funny how sometimes one doesn't see the woods for the trees!
 


reddvoid said:
if the system is linear
out put for "sum of two different signals" as input should be same as " sum of outputs got when two signals are given separately as input

Actually if the signal satisfy above property the system is "additive". Which is f(x1+x2)=f(x1)+f(x2).

Additionally the following property, f(λx)=λf(x) is the "homogenity".

If a system is both "additive" and "homogen" it is said that the system is "linear".
 
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