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Continuous and Discrete Time Signals

The document explains the differences between continuous-time and discrete-time signals. Continuous-time signals exist at all time instants and are represented as x(t), while discrete-time signals are defined only at specific intervals and represented as x[n]. Examples include human speech and voltage for continuous signals, and digital audio and stock prices for discrete signals.

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59 views2 pages

Continuous and Discrete Time Signals

The document explains the differences between continuous-time and discrete-time signals. Continuous-time signals exist at all time instants and are represented as x(t), while discrete-time signals are defined only at specific intervals and represented as x[n]. Examples include human speech and voltage for continuous signals, and digital audio and stock prices for discrete signals.

Uploaded by

khattakn452
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Continuous-Time and Discrete-Time Signals

1. Continuous-Time Signals
A continuous-time signal is defined for every instant of time. This means the signal exists at
all time values without any gaps.

Characteristics:
• It is represented as x(t), where t is a continuous variable (real number).

• Most real-world signals are continuous (e.g., electrical voltages, sound waves, temperature
variations).

• It is often described using mathematical functions, such as sinusoids and exponentials.

Examples:
• Voltage in a circuit: The voltage across a resistor can change smoothly over time.

• Human speech: When speaking, sound waves change continuously without interruption.

• Temperature variations: The outside temperature is a function of time and changes


smoothly.

Graphical Representation:
Below is an example of a continuous-time signal represented as a smooth sine wave.

2. Discrete-Time Signals
A discrete-time signal is defined only at specific time intervals. Instead of being continuous,
the signal is represented as separate points in time.

Characteristics:
• It is represented as x[n], where n is an integer (discrete values).
• These signals are obtained by sampling a continuous-time signal at regular intervals.

• Digital computers and processing systems work with discrete signals.

Examples:
• Digital Audio Recording: A song in MP3 format is stored as discrete data points sampled
from a continuous audio wave.

• Stock Market Prices: The stock price at the end of each day is recorded at discrete time
intervals.

• Pixels in an Image: A digital image consists of discrete pixel values instead of a continuous
visual representation.

Graphical Representation:
Below is an example of a discrete-time signal represented as separate data points.

3. Comparison Between Continuous-Time and Discrete-Time Signals


Feature Continuous-Time Signal Discrete-Time Signal
Definition Exists at all time instants Defined only at specific time
intervals
Representation x(t) x[n]
Example Human speech, voltage in a Digital audio, stock prices
circuit
Graph Type Smooth curve Discrete points

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