MATLAB Signal Processing and Transformation Exercise

Marcus Wright, University of Technology, Jamaica, Electrcial Engineering
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Summary

This exercise focused on the fundamentals of time-domain signal analysis. The session is structured to provide students with a comprehensive introduction to generating, visualising, and manipulating basic signals.
Students begin by plotting elementary signals: the unit step, ramp, sinusoidal, and exponential signals. They then progress to applying core signal transformations, including time shifting, time scaling, time reversal, and amplitude scaling.

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Learning Goals

After completing this worksheet, students should be able to:

Define basic signal transformations

Predict how transformations affect signal appearance

Write MATLAB code for time shifting and scaling

Implement amplitude transformations

Handle combined transformations with the correct order

Debug the incorrect transformation code

Context for Use

Educational level: University Undergraduate (2nd or 3rd year)

Class Size: 20 students (3-hour laboratory exercise)

Prerequisite Courses: Calculus II, Basic Programming, Introductory Physics/Circuits

Description and Teaching Materials

Teaching Notes and Tips

MATLAB Help: Provide starter code and explain vector operations.

Reinforce Concepts: Use sketches, verbal explanations, and side-by-side plots.

Practical tips: Avoid large time vectors and encourage saving work and commenting code.


Assessment

Students would have met the goals of this activity if they can correctly apply time shifting, scaling, and reversal to basic signals, both mathematically and visually using Matlab.

References and Resources