Signals and Systems using MATLAB
This new textbook in signals and systems provides a pedagogically rich approach to what can commonly be a mathematically dry subject. With features like historical notes, highlighted common mistakes, and applications in controls, communications, and signal processing, Chaparro helps students appreciate the usefulness of the techniques described in the book. Each chapter contains a section with MatLab applications.
- Pedagogically rich introduction to signals and systems using historical notes, pointing out "common mistakes", and relating concepts to realistic examples throughout to motivate learning the material
- Introduces both continuous and discrete systems early, then studies each (separately) in more depth later
- Extensive set of worked examples and homework assignments, with applications to controls, communications, and signal processing throughout
- Provides review of all the background math necessary to study the subject
- MatLab applications in every chapter
Why Read This Book
You will get a practitioner-focused, MATLAB-driven introduction to signals and systems that turns abstract math into usable tools for DSP, communications, and controls. Chaparro’s clear pedagogy—historical notes, highlighted common mistakes, and worked MATLAB examples—helps you move quickly from theory to simulation and real-world applications.
Who Will Benefit
Undergraduate or early graduate engineering students and practicing engineers who know basic calculus and linear algebra and want a readable, application-oriented introduction to signals, DSP algorithms, and MATLAB implementation.
Level: Intermediate — Prerequisites: Calculus (single- and multivariable), basic differential equations, linear algebra, and introductory programming familiarity (MATLAB experience recommended but not required).
Key Takeaways
- Understand the core concepts of continuous- and discrete-time signals and linear time-invariant (LTI) systems and how they relate
- Analyze systems using Fourier series, Fourier transforms, Laplace transforms, and the z-transform to predict behavior in time and frequency domains
- Design and evaluate digital filters (FIR and IIR) for practical DSP tasks and implement them in MATLAB
- Implement FFT-based spectral analysis and use MATLAB to visualize and interpret frequency-domain results
- Apply wavelet and time–frequency techniques for nonstationary signals and basic audio/speech processing
- Use adaptive filtering and elementary statistical signal-processing tools for problems in communications and radar
Topics Covered
- Introduction: Signals, Systems, and MATLAB
- Continuous-Time Signals and Systems: Time-Domain Concepts
- Discrete-Time Signals and Systems: Sequences and Difference Equations
- Linear Time-Invariant Systems: Convolution and Properties
- Fourier Series and Fourier Transform: Frequency-Domain Analysis
- Laplace Transform and Continuous-Time System Analysis
- z-Transform and Discrete-Time System Analysis
- Sampling, Reconstruction, and Discrete-Time Processing of Continuous Signals
- Digital Filter Design: FIR and IIR Techniques
- FFT and Spectral Analysis: Algorithms and MATLAB Implementation
- Wavelets and Time–Frequency Methods
- Random Signals and Statistical Signal Processing
- Adaptive Filtering and Applications
- Applications: Audio/Speech, Radar, and Communications Examples with MATLAB
Languages, Platforms & Tools
How It Compares
Compared with Oppenheim & Willsky’s Signals and Systems, Chaparro is more application- and MATLAB-focused and more pedagogically approachable for undergraduates; it is similar in scope to B.P. Lathi but places greater emphasis on hands-on MATLAB examples.
