How to Find h(t) in Time Domain for y(t)=x(t)*h(t)?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the problem of finding the impulse response function h(t) in the time domain given the relationship y(t) = x(t) * h(t), where * denotes convolution. Participants explore various mathematical approaches and concepts related to this problem, including Fourier transforms and the properties of specific functions like the doublet and delta functions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks how to find h(t) and whether such a function exists.
  • Another participant proposes using the doublet function as a candidate for h(t).
  • There is a discussion about the relationship between the doublet function and the derivative of the Dirac delta function.
  • A participant suggests considering the Fourier integral approach to derive h(t) from the given x(t) and y(t).
  • One participant expresses doubt about the existence of an inverse Fourier transform for the derived function h(f), questioning whether an LTI system can exist for the given inputs and outputs.
  • Another participant challenges the assumption that h(f) has no inverse and suggests performing the integration to verify.
  • There is a suggestion to think about the circuit that would convert x(t) to y(t) and what the corresponding impulse response would be.
  • Participants discuss the complexity of the integrations required to find h(t) and the potential for mistakes in the calculations.
  • References to known results and tables of Fourier integrals are mentioned as potential resources for assistance.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the existence and form of h(t). Some propose specific functions while others question the validity of those functions or the assumptions made about the system. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing views on the nature of h(t) and its derivation.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem may not fit typical homework or coursework categories, indicating a more complex nature of the inquiry. There are also references to specific mathematical functions and their properties, which may require careful consideration of definitions and assumptions.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for those interested in signal processing, convolution theory, and the mathematical foundations of linear time-invariant systems, particularly in the context of Fourier analysis.

asmani
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Suppose that [itex]y(t)=x(t)\ast h(t)[/itex].

([itex]\ast[/itex] denotes convolution)

Here are the signals:

attachment.php?attachmentid=49419&stc=1&d=1343586159.png


How to find h(t) in time domain? Does there exist such h(t)?

Thanks in advance.
 

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Using the doublet function:

h(t) =
\begin{cases}
\delta', & \text{for } -\infty < t <0 \\
-\delta', & \text{for } 0 < t < \infty\\
\end{cases}
 
Thanks.

Let's consider the delta function as the limiting case of the following function:

attachment.php?attachmentid=49463&stc=1&d=1343722276.png


Now, isn't your function the same as [itex]-\delta'(t)[/itex]?
 

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The doublet is the derivative of the Dirac delta function.
 
You need to show your attempt at solving the problem on your own before you receive help here.
 
A clarification: This thread is moved from electrical engineering forum. Maybe it is a homework or coursework-type question, but actually it's not a homework or a coursework question, and I believe cannot be.

Anyway, here is my attempt:
$$\mathcal{F}\left \{ x(t) \right \}=sinc^2(f)\; ;\: \mathcal{F}\left \{ y(t) \right \}=2sinc(2f)$$
$$\mathcal{F}\left \{ h(t) \right \}=\frac{\mathcal{F}\left \{ y(t) \right \}}{\mathcal{F}\left \{ x(t) \right \}}=\frac{2sinc(2f)}{sinc^2(f)}=4\pi f\cot(2\pi f)$$
I guess that this function has no inverse Fourier transform, and thus there is no LTI system with x(t) as input and y(t) as output. Is this correct? If yes, how to prove?

the_emi_guy said:
The doublet is the derivative of the Dirac delta function.
I know that, but for t<0 we have δΔ(t)=0, which implies that for t<0, δΔ'(t)=0. That's why I think your function is the same as -δ'(t).
 
Last edited:
Think of it this way...

1 - What kind of circuit would convert your x(t) to your y(t)?

2 - Next, what would be the impulse response of that circuit? This would be your h(t).
 
  • #10
asmani said:
A clarification: This thread is moved from electrical engineering forum. Maybe it is a homework or coursework-type question, but actually it's not a homework or a coursework question, and I believe cannot be.

Anyway, here is my attempt:
$$\mathcal{F}\left \{ x(t) \right \}=sinc^2(f)\; ;\: \mathcal{F}\left \{ y(t) \right \}=2sinc(2f)$$
$$\mathcal{F}\left \{ h(t) \right \}=\frac{\mathcal{F}\left \{ y(t) \right \}}{\mathcal{F}\left \{ x(t) \right \}}=\frac{2sinc(2f)}{sinc^2(f)}=4\pi f\cot(2\pi f)$$
I guess that this function has no inverse Fourier transform, and thus there is no LTI system with x(t) as input and y(t) as output. Is this correct? If yes, how to prove?

What reason do you have for assuming your H(f) has no inverse? Have you tried doing the integration?

Ref: G.A. Campbell and R. M. Foster, "Fourier Integrals for Practical Applications", D. Van Nostrand 1958.

PS - I did not check to see that you did X(f) and Y(f) correctly ...
 
  • #11
rude man said:
What reason do you have for assuming your H(f) has no inverse? Have you tried doing the integration?

Ref: G.A. Campbell and R. M. Foster, "Fourier Integrals for Practical Applications", D. Van Nostrand 1958.

PS - I did not check to see that you did X(f) and Y(f) correctly ...

When the plot is as follows, I don't know how to do the integration, if the integral exists.

attachment.php?attachmentid=49543&stc=1&d=1344077746.png


the_emi_guy said:
Think of it this way...

1 - What kind of circuit would convert your x(t) to your y(t)?

2 - Next, what would be the impulse response of that circuit? This would be your h(t).

I guess there is no such circuit/LTI system/h(t). Let's consider two cases:

1. The input to the system S is y(2t), and the output is x(t). We can easily find that the impulse response of S is h(t)=y(2t).

2. The input to the system S' is y(t), and the output is x(t). We can observe that S' is the same S series with another system S'' which gives the output z(2t) for the input z(t). Obviously S'' is not a LTI system, so S' isn't.

That's why I think it's possible that the original system cannot be LTI either.

Thanks.
 

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  • #12
You're not integrating the function you sketched, which I presume is your H(f).
You're trying to integrate ∫H(f)ejωtdf over f = -∞ to f = +∞ with ω = 2πf.
 
  • #13
asmani said:
The input to the system S' is y(t), and the output is x(t). We can observe that S' is the same S series with another system S'' which gives the output z(2t) for the input z(t). Obviously S'' is not a LTI system, so S' isn't.
Actually this argument was not correct!
rude man said:
You're not integrating the function you sketched, which I presume is your H(f).
You're trying to integrate ∫H(f)ejωtdf over f = -∞ to f = +∞ with ω = 2πf.

Of course, that's h(0). Can you help me on this integration?

Thanks.
 
  • #14
I'm wondering about your initial approach, now that I've looked at it some more.

Looking at your x(t) and y(t) graphs, and taking the Fourier integrals of both,

X(w) = (1/2π)∫(t+1)exp(-jwt)dt from t= -1 to 0 + (1/2π)∫(1-t)exp(-jwt)dt from t= 0 to +1.

Similarly,
Y(w) = (1/2π)∫exp(-jwt)dt from t = -1 to +1.

Then H(w) = Y(w)/X(w) and finally

h(t) = ∫H(w)exp(jwt)dw.

I tried to do the X(w) integration and found it pretty messy, which means subject to making mistakes. I used ∫eaxdx = eax/a and ∫xeaxdx = (eax/a2)(ax-1).

The Y(w) integration is of course much simpler. The h(t) inverse integral promises to be messy also.

So, best I can do for you is to suggest either you try to muddle through the integrations, or get a table of Fourier integrals like the one I recommended previously. I wish I had that table but I don't.

Of course, it may be that the best approach is graphic convolution, but I'm not inclined to try that myself.
 

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