GTU Sem 4 Signals & Systems Summer 2021 PYQ Question 2(c) Solution
Sketch Signal x(t) = u(t+2) – u(t−2) + u(t+1) – u(t−1)
📌 Introduction
The signal x(t) = u(t+2) − u(t−2) + u(t+1) − u(t−1) is a combination of four shifted unit step functions. GTU’s Signals & Systems subject (EC branch) often asks you to test your concepts in time-domain signal analysis. This example helps visualize signal construction, overlapping effects, and common transformations like scaling, reversal, and gating.
🧠 Step-by-Step Analysis
The unit step function u(t) is defined as:
u(t) = 0whent < 0u(t) = 1whent ≥ 0
Let’s examine each component in x(t):
- u(t + 2): This becomes active (value = 1) at
t = −2 - u(t − 2): This becomes active at
t = 2 - u(t + 1): This becomes active at
t = −1 - u(t − 1): This becomes active at
t = 1
Now calculate the effect of each difference:
u(t + 2) − u(t − 2)is 1 in the range[−2, 2)u(t + 1) − u(t − 1)is 1 in the range[−1, 1)
So x(t) is the sum of two rectangular pulses:
- From −2 to −1: Only the first pulse is active ⇒ Value = 1
- From −1 to 1: Both pulses are active ⇒ Value = 2
- From 1 to 2: Only the first pulse is active ⇒ Value = 1
- Outside [−2, 2]: All values are 0
📈 Graph of x(t)
Original Signal x(t)
🔄 Transformation: x(2t)
In time compression by 2, every event happens twice as fast. This means the signal becomes narrower.
- The range [−2, 2] becomes [−1, 1]
- The center pulse [−1, 1] becomes [−0.5, 0.5]
Time-compressed Signal x(2t)
🔄 Transformation: x(1 − t)
This transformation performs:
- Time reversal: Replaces
twith−t→ reflects across the y-axis - Time shift: Replaces
twitht − 1→ shifts the signal to the right by 1 unit
Time-reversed and shifted Signal x(1 − t)
🔄 Transformation: x(t) · u(t)
This operation gates the signal to the right-hand side (t ≥ 0):
- Signal values for
t < 0become 0 - Signal remains unchanged for
t ≥ 0
Right-sided Signal x(t) · u(t)
Handwritten Solution Images
🧠 Key Takeaways
- Unit step functions are essential for building piecewise signals.
- Overlapping step functions result in combined amplitudes.
- Transformations like compression, reversal, and gating let us analyze signals dynamically.
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📝 Final Words
Sketching signals like x(t) = u(t+2) – u(t−2) + u(t+1) – u(t−1) builds your confidence in analyzing piecewise signals and applying transformations. Mastering these techniques is crucial for GTU EC exam preparation and a strong foundation in signal processing.
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