Where Does the Convolution Theorem Come From?

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter bugatti79
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Domain Noise Signal
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the Convolution Theorem in the context of signal processing, specifically regarding the modulation of two signals with a time delay. Participants explore the mathematical expressions involved and seek to understand the derivation of certain equations related to convolution in the frequency domain.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the absence of a phase difference in the expressions for two signals that differ only by a time delay.
  • Another participant suggests that the original formulas may be incomplete and provides an integral representation of the signals in the time domain.
  • There is a discussion about how a time shift in a signal results in a corresponding factor in the frequency domain, leading to a specific form of the convolution theorem.
  • Some participants express confusion regarding the handling of exponential terms in the convolution process, comparing it to multiplication.
  • One participant clarifies that the expected behavior would apply to multiplication, not convolution, highlighting the subtle differences between these operations.
  • There are requests for online resources to further understand the integration involved in the convolution theorem.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit a mix of agreement and confusion regarding the application of the convolution theorem, with some clarifying points while others express uncertainty about specific mathematical steps. No consensus is reached on the handling of exponential terms in the context of convolution.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that certain assumptions may be missing, particularly regarding the completeness of the formulas presented. The discussion also highlights the dependence on definitions and the nuances of convolution versus multiplication.

bugatti79
Messages
786
Reaction score
4
Hi Folks,

I have an article which explains the modulation of 2 signals given by

X_1(f) e^{-j 2 \pi f t_i} and X_2(f) e^{-j 2 \pi f t_i}

The only difference between the 2 signals is a time delay, however i don't see a phase difference in either expression

It states the convolution of these 2 signals in the frequency domain is given as

X_1 (f) * X_2(f) e^{-j 2 \pi f t_i}

Where does this come from? I expected something of the form, from basic rules,

A e^{iat} B e^{iat}= A B e^{i2at}
 
Physics news on Phys.org
bugatti79 said:
Hi Folks,

I have an article which explains the modulation of 2 signals given by

X_1(f) e^{-j 2 \pi f t_i} and X_2(f) e^{-j 2 \pi f t_i}

The only difference between the 2 signals is a time delay, however i don't see a phase difference in either expression

It states the convolution of these 2 signals in the frequency domain is given as

X_1 (f) * X_2(f) e^{-j 2 \pi f t_i}

Where does this come from? I expected something of the form, from basic rules,

A e^{iat} B e^{iat}= A B e^{i2at}

Hi bugatti79!

It looks to me as if your formulas are somewhat incomplete.

It looks like $X_1(f)$ is the frequency spectrum of the first signal.
If I assume that to be true, then the corresponding signal would be:
$$x_1(t_i) = \int_0^\infty X_1(f)e^{-j 2 \pi f t_i} df$$
So it seems as if the integral was left out.The convolution (from Fourier theory) of $x_1(t_i)$ and $x_2(t_i)$ would be:
$$x_1(t_i) * x_2(t_i) = \mathscr{F}^{-1}(X_1(f)\cdot X_2(f)) = \int_0^\infty X_1(f)\cdot X_2(f)e^{-j 2 \pi f t_i} df$$
 
I like Serena said:
Hi bugatti79!

It looks to me as if your formulas are somewhat incomplete.

It looks like $X_1(f)$ is the frequency spectrum of the first signal.
If I assume that to be true, then the corresponding signal would be:
$$x_1(t_i) = \int_0^\infty X_1(f)e^{-j 2 \pi f t_i} df$$
So it seems as if the integral was left out.The convolution (from Fourier theory) of $x_1(t_i)$ and $x_2(t_i)$ would be:
$$x_1(t_i) * x_2(t_i) = \mathscr{F}^{-1}(X_1(f)\cdot X_2(f)) = \int_0^\infty X_1(f)\cdot X_2(f)e^{-j 2 \pi f t_i} df$$
Hi there!,

Thanks for the reply. The paper doesn't seem to evaluate the integral... i have attached the extract for your convenience. Its just one page. I am puzzled how he arrived at eqn 9...
 

Attachments

  • Extract.png
    Extract.png
    49.3 KB · Views: 93
bugatti79 said:
Hi there!,

Thanks for the reply. The paper doesn't seem to evaluate the integral... i have attached the extract for your convenience. Its just one page. I am puzzled how he arrived at eqn 9...

Ah okay.

Suppose $\mathscr F(x_1(t)) = X_1(f)$.
And suppose $x_i(t)$ is the same signal shifted in time by $t_i$.
So $x_i(t) = x_1(t-t_i)$.

Then:
\begin{aligned}X_i(f) &= \int_{-\infty}^\infty x_i(t)e^{-j2\pi f t}dt \\
&=\int_{-\infty}^\infty x_1(t-t_i)e^{-j2\pi f t}dt \\
&=e^{-j2\pi f t_i}\int_{-\infty}^\infty x_1(t-t_i)e^{-j2\pi f (t-t_i)}d(t-t_i)\\
&=e^{-j2\pi f t_i}\int_{-\infty}^\infty x_1(\tau)e^{-j2\pi f \tau}d\tau \\
&=X_1(f)e^{-j2\pi f t_i}
\end{aligned}

Or in short:
$$X_i(f) = X_1(f) e^{-j2\pi f t}$$
That is, a shift in time in the signal $x_1(t)$ results in a factor $e^{-j2\pi f t}$ in the frequency spectrum.
 
I like Serena said:
Ah okay.

Suppose $\mathscr F(x_1(t)) = X_1(f)$.
And suppose $x_i(t)$ is the same signal shifted in time by $t_i$.
So $x_i(t) = x_1(t-t_i)$.

Then:
\begin{aligned}X_i(f) &= \int_{-\infty}^\infty x_i(t)e^{-j2\pi f t}dt \\
&=\int_{-\infty}^\infty x_1(t-t_i)e^{-j2\pi f t}dt \\
&=e^{-j2\pi f t_i}\int_{-\infty}^\infty x_1(t-t_i)e^{-j2\pi f (t-t_i)}d(t-t_i)\\
&=e^{-j2\pi f t_i}\int_{-\infty}^\infty x_1(\tau)e^{-j2\pi f \tau}d\tau \\
&=X_1(f)e^{-j2\pi f t_i}
\end{aligned}

Or in short:
$$X_i(f) = X_1(f) e^{-j2\pi f t}$$
That is, a shift in time in the signal $x_1(t)$ results in a factor $e^{-j2\pi f t}$ in the frequency spectrum.

Hi,

That is clear to me now however, the equation before (9), I am not sure how the exp term was handled. It seems only one of the exp terms was brought forward instead of the 2 exp terms...ie it seems

A e^{iat} B e^{iat}= A B e^{iat}

I was expecting it to be

A e^{iat} B e^{iat}= A B e^{2iat}...?
 
bugatti79 said:
Hi,

That is clear to me now however, the equation before (9), I am not sure how the exp term was handled. It seems only one of the exp terms was brought forward instead of the 2 exp terms...ie it seems

A e^{iat} B e^{iat}= A B e^{iat}

I was expecting it to be

A e^{iat} B e^{iat}= A B e^{2iat}...?

That's a nice conundrum! ;)

But it is correct, since:
$$
\left(X(f)e^{-j2\pi ft_i}\right) * \left(Y(f)e^{-j2\pi ft_i}\right)
=\mathscr F\Big(x(t-t_i) \cdot y(t-t_i)\Big)
=\mathscr F\Big((x \cdot y)(t-t_i)\Big)
=\Big(X(f) * Y(f)\Big) e^{-j2\pi ft_i}
$$
 
bugatti79 said:
Hi,

That is clear to me now however, the equation before (9), I am not sure how the exp term was handled. It seems only one of the exp terms was brought forward instead of the 2 exp terms...ie it seems

A e^{iat} B e^{iat}= A B e^{iat}
I was expecting it to be

A e^{iat} B e^{iat}= A B e^{2iat}...?

Hi,

Sorry if i seem ignorant on the matter, but how do you mean a conundrum?
 
bugatti79 said:
Hi,

Sorry if i seem ignorant on the matter, but how do you mean a conundrum?

I mean that it's a nice puzzle showing an unexpected property of convolution.

What you expected would be correct if we'd be talking about multiplication. But we're not - it is about convolution. which behaves subtly different, as I've shown in my previous post.
 
I like Serena said:
I mean that it's a nice puzzle showing an unexpected property of convolution.

What you expected would be correct if we'd be talking about multiplication. But we're not - it is about convolution. which behaves subtly different, as I've shown in my previous post.

Ah...now i see the light! Thank you!

I like Serena said:
=e^{-j2\pi f t_i}\int_{-\infty}^\infty x_1(t-t_i)e^{-j2\pi f (t-t_i)}d(t-t_i)

Can you point to an online source that shows this kind of integration...ie d(x-y)

\int f(x) d(x-y)

Thanks
 
  • #10
I like Serena said:
That's a nice conundrum! ;)

But it is correct, since:
$$
\left(X(f)e^{-j2\pi ft_i}\right) * \left(Y(f)e^{-j2\pi ft_i}\right)
=\mathscr F\Big(x(t-t_i) \cdot y(t-t_i)\Big)
=\mathscr F\Big((x \cdot y)(t-t_i)\Big)
=\Big(X(f) * Y(f)\Big) e^{-j2\pi ft_i}
$$

Ok, i guess you have used something along the fact that \frac{1}{\sqrt{2 \pi}} F(w)*G(w)= \mathscr F[(ft) g(t)[...?

Can we use the convolution theorem itself $$(f*g)(w)=\int_{0}^w f(\tau) g(w-\tau) d\tau$$

to show
\left(X(f)e^{-j2\pi ft_i}\right) * \left(Y(f)e^{-j2\pi ft_i}\right)=\Big(X(f) * Y(f)\Big) e^{-j2\pi ft_i}...?

Thanks
 
  • #11
bugatti79 said:
Ok, i guess you have used something along the fact that \frac{1}{\sqrt{2 \pi}} F(w)*G(w)= \mathscr F[(ft) g(t)[...?

Yes, but without the constant factor.
It's the Convolution Theorem, which you can find on wiki.

Can we use the convolution theorem itself $$(f*g)(w)=\int_{0}^w f(\tau) g(w-\tau) d\tau$$

to show

\left(X(f)e^{-j2\pi ft_i}\right) * \left(Y(f)e^{-j2\pi ft_i}\right)=\Big(X(f) * Y(f)\Big) e^{-j2\pi ft_i}...?

I was using the "convolution theorem". Presumably you meant the "definition of convolution", but what you're asking is to prove that the convolution theorem is true.
You can find that proof on the wiki page I've just mentioned.
 
  • #12
I like Serena said:
Yes, but without the constant factor.
It's the Convolution Theorem, which you can find on wiki.
I was using the "convolution theorem". Presumably you meant the "definition of convolution", but what you're asking is to prove that the convolution theorem is true.
You can find that proof on the wiki page I've just mentioned.

Great, thanks!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
1K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K