Signals and Systems 1

The two-semester course Signals and Systems 1-2 aims to introduce the basic concepts and computational procedures of signal and systems theory, as well as methods for the analysis of electrical and signal-flow networks representing systems. In the first part of the subject (Signals and Systems 1), system descriptions in the time domain are discussed, followed by the frequency domain description. In examples and applications, systems represented by Kirchhoff-type (electrical) networks and their descriptive equations and their solutions are discussed and practiced. Basic methods for analyzing continuous-time nonlinear systems and networks are also discussed.

3 hours/week lecture and 3 hours/week problem solving exercise

Standard university textbooks on signals and systems.

Calculus, basics of linear algebra and matrix algebra, complex numbers, first-order differential equations

Requirements: During the semester:   (1) Every student gets assigned a 3-part homework to be solved independently. The parts should be turned in according to the schedule published by the Faculty. Solutions for each part will be rewarded by 0...5 points. Late turn-ins will be awarded by 0 points. (2) There are three small tests throughout the semester, graded to 0...5 points each. Tests not taken can not be repeated, and 0 points will be assigned automatically. (3) One extensive written test is held on the date given in the Faculty schedule, which is graded between 0 and 25 points. (4) Standard university rules apply to the presence requirements during the contact classes.    The signature is awarded as follows: take the grades of the two better small tests (st1, st2) and the average grade of the two best homework parts (hwa), and the grade of the large test (lt), and add them. GP = (st1 + st2 + hwa + lt). The signature is awarded if and only if GP >= 20 and lt >= 10.   Examinations:   (1) Only students with valid signatures are admitted to the exam. (2) The exam contains a written part and an oral part. The written part is scored between 0...60 points; up to 40 points are awarded based on the solution of two complex analysis problems, and 20 points are awarded for answering 10 short questions. The complex assignments assess the problem solving skills, whereas the short questions typically require the student to perform a simple calculation to probe into their knowledge of important concepts and definitions. For a successful written test, at least 40% of the points of both the 40 points and the 20 points part need to be accomplished separately, i.e., at least 16 and 8 points must be achieved, respectively. Otherwise, the written part will be graded as 1 (unsatisfactory). If the criterion for a successful written test is fulfilled, the grade for the written part is awarded as follows: 29 points and less: 1, from 30 points: 2, from 39 points: 3, from 45 points: 4, and from 51 points: 5. The grade of the written part forms the basis for the final note, which will be corrected according to the performance during the oral exam. Most often, the final grade differs at most by +/- 1 grade, however, in exceptional cases, a larger correction is also possible. The oral exam covers the topics of the entire course. Additional possibilities: An unsuccessful midterm test can be re-taken according to the standard university rules. It is not possible to recap the homeworks and the small mid-semester tests.