2.

7 Convolution

2.7 Convolution

Convolution means folding.

Convolution helps to determine the effect a system has on an input signal.
It provides a means of viewing and characterizing physical systems.
A convolution is an integral that expresses the amount of overlap of one
function g as it is shifted over another function f
The convolution of two signals consists of time-reversing one
of the signals, shifting it, and multiplying it point by point with
the second signal, and integrating the product.

BEE 3113 S1-2007/08

2.8.2 Convolution Integral

It is used in finding the response y(t) of a system to an

excitation x(t), knowing the system impulse response h(t).
This can be defined using :

y (t )

x( )h(t )d h( ) x(t )d

or simply

y (t ) x(t ) * h(t ) h(t ) * x(t )

BEE 3113 S1-2007/08

Example 2.8

We can establish link between LT and convolution integral. Eg: Given

two functions f1(t) and f2(t) with LT of F1(s) and F2(s). The convolution
will be:
t

f (t ) f1 (t ) * f 2 (t ) f1 ( ) f 2 (t )d
0

F ( s ) L[ f1 (t ) * f 2 (t )] F1 ( s ) F2 ( s)
t
2 t
Eg: Given that x(t ) 4e and h(t ) 5e
. Thus, the convolution will be :

h(t ) * x(t ) L1[ H ( s ) X ( s )]

5 4
L1

2
s

20 20
t
2t
L1

20
(
e

e
)

s 1 s 2

for

BEE 3113 S1-2007/08

t0
4

2.7.3 Steps to evaluate the convolution integral

1. Folding : take the mirror image of h() about the
ordinate axis to obtain h(-).

2. Displacement : shift or delay h(-) by t to obtain h(t-).

3. Multiplication : find the product of h (t-) and x().
4. Integration : for a given time t, calculate the area under
the product h (t-) x() for 0<<t to get y(t)
at t.
BEE 3113 S1-2007/08

CONVOLUTION
PROCESS

BEE 3113 S1-2007/08

Example 2.10
Find the convolution of the two signals [ x1(t) and x2(t) ]:
x2 (t )

x1 (t )
2

BEE 3113 S1-2007/08

Example 2.10 (..contd)

1st, we fold signal x1(t) or reflect
it at y-axis
Then shift it by t

x1 ( )

x1 (t )

Now, multiply the two functions

and integrate to determine the area
of the overlapping region
For 0 < t < 1, there is no overlap
of the two function.
Hence, y(t)=x1(t)*x2(t) = 0

x1 (t )
x2 ( )

-1

(a)

t -1 0 t

(b)
t-1
BEE 3113 S1-2007/08

Example 2.10 (..contd)

For 1 < t < 2, the two signals

overlap between t and 1.
t

y (t ) (2)(1)d 2 1t 2(t 1)

x1 (t )
x2 ( )

2
1

t-1 1 t

y (t ) (2)(1)d 2

t
t 1

x1 (t )
x2 ( )

2
1

t 1

1
BEE 3113 S1-2007/08

For 2 < t < 3, the two signals

overlap between (t-1) and t.

t-1

Example 2.10 (..contd)

For 3 < t < 4, the two signals overlap

between (t-1) and 3.
3

y (t ) (2)(1)d 2

3
t 1

2(3 t 1)

x1 (t )
2

x2 ( )

1
2

y (t ) 0

x1 (t )

For t > 4, the two signals does not

overlap.
x2 ( )

1
BEE 3113 S1-2007/08

1
t-1

y (t ) 8 2t

t-1

t 1

10

Example 2.10 (..contd)

Combining all the equations, we obtain:

0,
2t 2,

y (t ) 2,
8 2t ,

0 t 1

y (t )

1 t 2
2t 3

3t 4
t4

BEE 3113 S1-2007/08

11

Exercise 1
Graphically, convolve the two functions.
x1(t)

x2(t)
2

1
1

Answer:

t,

y(t ) 6 2t ,
0,

0t 2
2t 3
otherwise

y(t)
2
1

BEE 3113 S1-2007/08

t
12

Exercise 2
Given g(t) and f(t). Graphically find y(t) = g(t)* f(t).
g(t)
1
0

Answer:

3(1 et ,

f(t)

3
3e t

t
BEE 3113 S1-2007/08

y(t ) 3(e 1)et ,

0,

0 t 1
t0
elsewhere

13