Laplace Transform

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Definition of Laplace Transform

The Laplace Transform is an integral transformation

of a function f(t) from the time domain into the
complex frequency domain, giving F(s)

 s: complex frequency
 Called “The One-sided or unilateral Laplace
Transform”.
 In the two-sided or bilateral LT, the lower limit is
-. We do not use this.
Definition of Laplace Transform

Example 1
Determine the Laplace transform of each of the
following functions shown below:

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Definition of Laplace Transform

Solution:
a) The Laplace Transform of unit step, u(t) is given by

Lu (t ) = F ( s) = 
 1
− st
1e dt =
0 s

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Definition of Laplace Transform

Solution:
b) The Laplace Transform of exponential function,
e-tu(t),>0 is given by

Lu (t ) = F ( s ) = 
 1
−t − st
e e dt =
0 s +

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Definition of Laplace Transform

Solution:
c) The Laplace Transform of impulse function,
δ(t) is given by

Lu (t ) = F ( s ) =   (t )e − st dt = 1


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 TYPE f(t) F(s)

Impulse δ(t) 1
Step u(t) 1
s
Ramp t 1
s2

Exponential e − at 1
(s + a )
Sine 
sin t (s 2
+2 )
Cosine cost s
(s 2
+2 )
 TYPE f(t) F(s)

Damped ramp te− at 1

(s + a )2
Damped sine 
e − at
sin t (s + a )2 +  2

Damped cosine s+a

e− at cost
(s + a )2 +  2
 Laplace Transform Significance to Circuit
analysis
1. Transforms Differential Equations into Algebraic Equations
Many circuits (like RLC circuits) are governed by differential equations due to components like inductors and
capacitors.
The Laplace transform converts these time-domain differential equations into algebraic equations in the s-domain,
making them easier to solve.
2. Handling Initial Conditions
In the s-domain, initial conditions (like initial voltages across capacitors or initial currents through inductors) are
incorporated directly into the transformed equations.
This avoids the need for separate calculations and simplifies solving for circuit responses to initial conditions.
3. Use with Impedance Concept
In the s-domain, components like resistors, capacitors, and inductors can be treated as complex impedances:
Resistor R: Z=R
Inductor L: Z=sL
Capacitor C: Z=1/sC
This allows the use of standard circuit analysis techniques (Ohm’s Law, Kirchhoff's laws) directly in the s-domain.
6. Transfer Function Analysis
The Laplace transform allows the derivation of transfer functions, which represent the ratio of output to input in the s-
domain.
Transfer functions help determine system behavior, stability, and response to various inputs (like step, impulse, and
sinusoidal inputs).
7. Poles and Zeros for Stability and Frequency Response
The locations of poles and zeros of the transfer function in the s-domain give critical information about circuit stability
and frequency response.
Poles in the left half of the s-plane indicate a stable system, while right-half-plane poles indicate instability.
8. Useful for Circuit Simulation and Design
Many circuit simulation tools use the Laplace transform in their algorithms, allowing for effective computer-aided
design (CAD) and analysis of complex circuits. 9
 Laplace Transform Vs
Fourier
1. Purpose
•Fourier Transform: Used to analyze the frequency content of signals, particularly in steady-state
(sinusoidal) analysis.
•Laplace Transform: Extends Fourier by providing insight into both transient and steady-state
behaviors, useful for stability and control analysis.
2. Definition
•Fourier Transform: Converts a time-domain signal f(t) into a frequency-domain representation F(ω).
•Laplace Transform: Converts f(t) into a complex frequency domain representation F(s), where
s=σ+jωs.
3. Domain
•Fourier Transform: Frequency domain, using ω (purely imaginary axis).
•Laplace Transform: Complex frequency domain, using s=σ+jωs, allowing real and imaginary
components.
4. Convergence
•Fourier Transform: Requires signals to be absolutely integrable over −∞ to +∞ (e.g., periodic or
stable signals).
•Laplace Transform: Can handle a wider range of signals, including those that grow or decay
exponentially.
5. Applications
•Fourier Transform: Signal processing, spectral analysis, audio/image processing, communications.
•Laplace Transform: Control systems, circuit analysis, stability analysis, differential equation
solutions.
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 Transfer Function
 Transfer Function is the ratio of Laplace transform of
the output to the Laplace transform of the input.
Considering all initial conditions to zero.
u(t) y(t)
Plant

If u(t ) = U ( S ) and
y(t ) = Y ( S )

 Where is the Laplace operator.

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 Transfer Function
 Then the transfer function G(S) of the plant is given
as
Y (S )
G( S ) =
U (S )

U(S) G(S) Y(S)

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 Why Laplace Transform?
 By use of Laplace transform we can convert many
common functions into algebraic function of complex
variable s.
 For example

 sin t = 2 2
s +
Or
− at 1
e =
s+a
 Where s is a complex variable (complex frequency) and
is given as
s =  + j
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 Laplace Transform of Derivatives
 Not only common function can be converted into
simple algebraic expressions but calculus operations
can also be converted into algebraic expressions.
 For example
dx(t )
 = sX ( S ) − x( 0)
dt

2
d x(t ) 2 dx( 0)
 2
= s X ( S ) − x( 0) −
dt dt
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 Laplace Transform of Integrals

1
  x(t )dt = X ( S )
s

• The time domain integral becomes division by

s in frequency domain.

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Calculation of the Transfer Function
• Consider the following ODE where y(t) is input of the system
and x(t) is the output.
d 2 x(t ) dy(t ) dx(t )
A =C −B
• or dt 2 dt dt

Ax' ' (t ) = Cy' (t ) − Bx' (t )

• Taking the Laplace transform on either sides

A[ s 2 X ( s ) − sx(0) − x' (0)] = C[ sY ( s ) − y(0)] − B[ sX ( s ) − x(0)]

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 Calculation of the Transfer Function

A[ s 2 X ( s ) − sx(0) − x' (0)] = C[ sY ( s ) − y(0)] − B[ sX ( s ) − x(0)]

• Considering Initial conditions to zero in order to find the transfer

function of the system

As 2 X ( s ) = CsY ( s ) − BsX ( s )
• Rearranging the above equation

As 2 X ( s ) + BsX ( s ) = CsY ( s )
X ( s )[ As 2 + Bs ] = CsY ( s )
X (s) Cs C
= =
Y ( s ) As + Bs As + B
2
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Transfer Function

 When order of the denominator polynomial is greater

than the numerator polynomial the transfer function is
said to be ‘proper’.

 Otherwise ‘improper’

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How Transfer Functions Help in System
Analysis

Frequency Response: By substituting s=jω (where ω is the frequency), the

transfer function provides information about how the system responds to
sinusoidal inputs across different frequencies. This is useful in understanding
the circuit’s filtering characteristics, resonance, and bandwidth.
Stability Analysis: The poles of the transfer function (values of s that make
the denominator zero) reveal the stability of the system. If any poles have
positive real parts, the system is unstable; otherwise, it is stable.
Time Response Analysis: The transfer function allows for the calculation of
the time-domain response to standard inputs (e.g., step, impulse) by
performing an inverse Laplace transform. It helps predict the system’s transient
and steady-state behavior, such as overshoot, settling time, and rise time.
System Design and Control: In control systems, transfer functions allow
engineers to design controllers that modify the system's behavior. Adjusting
system parameters in the transfer function helps achieve desired performance,
such as faster response or reduced overshoot.

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