Unit Outline

The unit introduces the theory and practice of signals and linear systems and shows how transform techniques and transfer functions can be used to solve problems in several engineering fields. This unit forms the basis for Control Theory required for future control units. Harmonic analysis, signal decomposition and transforms are treated in a logical sequence showing their inter-relationship. Similarly, digital systems and transforms will be derived from sampling theory, converting analog systems and continuous transforms to equivalent digital systems, and thus show their inter-relationship. Special emphasis is placed on the use and proficient application of higher mathematics. This includes complex analysis, matrix representation and solution, and liberal use is made of linear algebra and the state space representation and solution methodology. The unit introduces the student to stochastic systems analysis and the predictability of observable phenomena. These ideas and theory are important for an understanding of renewable energy resources and their limitations, and to characterize the reliability of energy sources. Liberal use is made of the concept of an expectation value – including the differences between the definition of the expectation value on the time domain and the ensemble or space domain. Thus the student is led to an understanding of these aspects via a special emphasis on the Ergodic theorem. Special conditions leading to weak forms of the Ergodic theorem is studied with practical examples. The student will be able to design complex systems making use of the concepts learned, in practical and real world problems. There are three detailed written tests/examinations during the semester that assess the student’s mastery of learning outcomes. Students are assumed to have knowledge in mathematics including complex number and linear algebra.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1.	Apply signal decomposition and transforms, stochastic signal properties and correlation, and the ergodic theory to practical problems.
2.	Design signal processing systems and network and filter responses.
3.	Apply fundamentals of digital signal processing using a state space representation.
4.	Solve problems using transform theory.
5.	Explain the relationship between system performance and desired system specification, and what constitutes an achievable and practical engineering design.

Alterations as a result of student feedback

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Semester test 1	Week 5	10 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 2:	Semester test 2	Week 10	10 %	LO1, LO2, LO4, LO5
Assessment Task 3:	Group project	Week 13	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5
Assessment Task 4:	Exam	Exam Period	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Semester test 1

Task Description:

Two-hour written invigilated closed-book test covering the first four weeks of the unit. This includes introduction to signals and linear systems, continuous and discrete time convolution, impulse and step responses, continuous and discrete time-domain linear systems analysis, state space analysis

Task Length:

2-hour test

Due Date:

Week 5

Weight:

10 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Apply transform concepts, and tying those in with direct time domain computation	LO1
2	Design a system with a frequency response satisfying specified requirements	LO2
3	Demonstrate that the design meets or exceeds the design specifications	LO2
4	Explain sampling theorem and its application to continuous systems that are sampled	LO3
5	Apply linear algebra to create efficient solutions using state space solutions, and a mastery of analysis	LO4

Assessment Task 2: Semester test 2

Task Description:

Two-hour written invigilated closed-book test covering the first nine weeks of the unit, with a focus on weeks five through nine. This includes all relevant introductory content from the first four weeks, transform theory (Fourier, Laplace, z-transform), inverse transforms, partial fraction decomposition, ideal filters, Nyquist sampling theorem, Bode plots, magnitude and phase responses, linear systems analysis

Task Length:

2-hour written test

Due Date:

Week 10

Weight:

10 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Use signal decomposition and transforms, stochastic signal properties and correlation, and the ergodic theory to solve practical problems in a timed scenario.	LO1
2	Design signal processing systems, network and filter responses in timed scenario.	LO2
3	Solve problems using the transformations in problem-based situations in a timed scenario.	LO4
4	Explain the relationship between system performance and desired system specification, and what constitutes an achievable and practical engineering design.	LO5

Assessment Task 3: Group project

Task Description:

A broad design project, entailing the detailed design and realization of a complex signal processing linear system. The topic of the investigation can be one of the provided topics or the students’ own choosing, however the topic decision must be approved by teaching staff to ensure all learning outcomes are able to be addressed. A detailed report will be submitted. Reports will be in groups of two, and oral examination to assess individual contributions.

Task Length:

Written report - 40 pages maximum (appendices excluded) + oral examination

Due Date:

Week 13

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Write a professional report that demonstrates the required mastery of design methodology	LO2, LO5
2	Present individually the outcomes of a design project to a panel of experts.	LO2, LO5
3	Apply suitable design methodology and analysis methods to the development of a signal processing linear system.	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

Assessment Task 4: Exam

Task Description:

The final exam is conducted in the formal examination period. See the Examinations and Results page: http://www.utas.edu.au/exams/ on the University's website, or access your personal exams timetable by logging into the eStudent Centre - Personal Exams Timetable for specific date, time and location closer to the examination period.

Task Length:

3-hours written exam

Due Date:

Exam Period

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Apply transform concepts, and tying those in with direct time domain computation	LO1, LO4, LO5
2	Solve complex problems making use of stochastic analysis and methodology, and a mastery of analysis	LO1
3	Demonstrate an understanding of sampling theorem and its application to continuous systems that are sampled	LO2
4	Apply linear algebra to create efficient solutions using state space solutions	LO2, LO3
5	Apply stochastic signals and systems analysis to solving complex problems	LO2

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.

Review of results and appeals

You are entitled to ask for a review of the marking and grading of your assessment task if there is an irregularity in the marking standards or an error in the process for determining the outcome of an assessment. Details on how to request a review of a mark for an assignment are outlined in the Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Procedure.