Electrical Engineering: Know It All

Chapter 16

Signals and Signal Processing

Walt Kester

16.1 Origins of Real-World Signals and their Units of Measurement

In this chapter, we will primarily be dealing with the processing of real-world signals using both analog and digital techniques. Before starting, however, let’s look at a few key concepts and definitions required to lay the groundwork for things to come (Figure 16.1).

Figure 16.1 Signal characteristics

Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary defines a signal as “a detectable (or measurable) physical quantity or impulse (as voltage, current, or magnetic field strength) by which messages or information can be transmitted.” Key to this ...