What Happens When Convolving f(t)delta(t) in an LTI System?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the convolution of a function multiplied by a delta function within the context of linear time-invariant (LTI) systems. Participants explore the implications of this operation on the output of the system, particularly when the impulse response includes a delta function.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that for an LTI system, the output is given by the convolution of the input and the impulse response, questioning what happens when the impulse response is of the form f(t)delta(t).
  • Another participant suggests using the convolution property to analyze the situation, although they do not provide a specific resolution to the original question posed.
  • A participant expresses confusion about the implications of multiplying a function by a delta function, specifically asking what x(t)delta(t) equals and whether it simplifies to x(0).
  • One reply indicates that the convolution with a delta function results in the function evaluated at the point of the delta function, leading to the conclusion that y(t) would equal x(0) under certain conditions.
  • Another participant elaborates on the properties of the delta function and suggests using integration techniques and the Laplace transform to analyze the convolution further.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the outcome of convolving a function with a delta function, with some asserting that it simplifies to the function evaluated at zero, while others propose more complex interpretations involving integration and transformation techniques. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference properties of the delta function and convolution but do not reach a consensus on the implications of these properties in the specific case of f(t)delta(t). There are also mentions of integration techniques and the use of Laplace transforms, which may depend on the definitions and assumptions made by the participants.

zai
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for linear time invariant system,
y(t)=h(t)*x(t) where y(t) is the output , x(t) is the input and h(t) is the impulse response.(* is the convolution)

The definition of convolution is
y(t)=integration from -infinity to +infinity (h(tau)x(t-tau)d(tau)

p/s: i don't know how to use mathematical equation inhere. just joining the group

i know that if h(t) =delta(t) then y(t)=x(t).

now here comes my confusion, if h(t)=f(t)delta(t), then what is y(t)?
can anybody give me any ideas?

thanks for the help.

zai
 
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zai said:
Thank you for the reply. For this particular property i knew it already. my question is if
f(t)=[x(t).y(t)]*z(t) and y(t) is a delta function. How do i solve this problem?

Zai
What happens when you multiply a function by a delta function?

What is [tex]x(t)\delta(t)[/tex] equal to? Thinking about this graphically may help.
 
if delta(t) = 1 for t = 0,1,2,3 and 0 for else
then,
you get x(t) for t = 0,1,2,3 which is also a delta(t) function.
 
FrogPad said:
What happens when you multiply a function by a delta function?

What is [tex]x(t)\delta(t)[/tex] equal to? Thinking about this graphically may help.

Dear Frogpad,
thank you for the reply. As far as i know if [tex]x(t)\delta(t)[/tex], the answer is x(t) at t=0, i.e x(0). isn't it? So, do we need to consider x(0) as a constant convolve with z(t) then? it doesn't seem right to me.

zai
 
Hi Zai,

I'm a bit late with my answer.

"i know that if h(t) =delta(t) then y(t)=x(t)."
Actually it is x(0) because of one of the delta function properties:

integration from -infinity to +infinity (delta(t-tau)f(t)dt) = f(tau).

Convolution of a function f(t) with a delta distribution moves the function to the point (in time) where the delta impulse takes place.

I guess your hole integration becomes:
y(t)=integration from -infinity to +infinity (f(tau)delta(tau)x(t-tau)d(tau)

You could use the product rule of integration and use the convention that the integral over the delta distribution is the Heaviside Step function Theta.

Now you have:
Theta(tau) f(tau) x(t-tau) - int(Theta(tau) [f(tau)x(t-tau)]' d tau
where ' is the derivative. Usually the derivative of f(tau)x(t-tau) should be easily to obtain by product rule again.

You could also use the Laplace transform and your convolution becomes a multiplication. There are tables with often used formulas and possibly you can find one with f(t) delta(t). Afterward you have to transform it back in the time domain again.
 

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