Exercise No.

3:
Basic Signals
Ace Bryle A. Ilustrisimo, Sven Rey P. Cabuga, Vinjason G. Cabugason
Department of Electronics Engineering
Cebu Institute of Technology - University
Natalio B. Bacalso Ave., Cebu City, Philippines
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]

Abstract— In this report, a comprehensive analysis of the and (2) It will put this knowledge into practice by creating and
fundamental signal processing concepts was undertaken, using a visualizing these signals using Scilab - an effective
variety of classification method, Scilab simulations, and existing computational and visualization tool. Through the aid of hands-
studies which serves as the theoretical framework. The report on approach, the report aims on bridging the practical and
emphasizes the importance of understanding signal behaviors,
showing their manifestation in both continuous and discrete
theoretical aspects, offering a comprehensive understand as to
domains through hands-on Scilab simulations. Specifically, the how signals behave and manifest in both continuous and
research connects theoretical foundations with real-world discrete domains.
applications by means of systematic assessments of various signal
properties, such as continuous or discrete, real or complex, and
deterministic or random signals.
II. MATERIALS AND METHODS
Keywords— Signal Processing, Scilab Simulations, Systematic In this report, the researchers mainly utilize Scilab
Assessments, Real-World Applications, Signal Properties as its main software on solving the different problems
involving the different type of basic signals. Specifically,
the researchers focus on defining and visualizing the
following type of signals: (1) Continuous or Discrete
I. INTRODUCTION Signals, (2) Real or Complex Signals, (3) Deterministic or
Random Signals, (4) Even or Odd Signals, (5) Periodic or
In the world of signal processing, the foundation for Non-periodic Signals, and (6) Elementary Signals.
numerous applications in a variety of industries is laid by the
basic knowledge and characterization of signals (Smith, 2022). Furthermore, for the purpose of improving the
In this exercise, the researchers use an effective classification critical analysis of the different characteristics of the
method to explore fundamental signals in detail which in this mentioned signals, the researchers aim on solving different
case, signals are classified based on important attributes, problems in relation to those signals, with specific output,
including whether they are Continuous or Discrete, Real or and conditions as provided by the manual. In this case,
Complex, Deterministic or Random, Even or Odd, Periodic or through the aid of Scilab, and at the same time, the
Non-periodic, and finally, Energy or Power – through the aid theoretical framework from Dennis Ricker’s “Basic Signal
of Scilab (Scilab, 2023). Theory (2022)”, the researcher aims on verifying the overall
theory, through Scilab simulations – which serves as the
Additionally, the study looks at basic signals that form practical aspect in this case.
the foundation of more complex signal systems. The paper
seeks to expand comprehension by utilizing concepts from In short, for this report, the researchers focus on using
Dennis Ricker's "Basic Signal Theory (2022)," which provides two methods to achieve the objects, namely: (1) Literature
a theoretical foundation. This theoretical framework offers Review, and (2) Scilab Simulation.
insights into the fundamental features of signals and their
behavior in both continuous and discrete domains by
incorporating important ideas from Ricker's work.

For this report, the objectives can be identified into

two, namely: (1) It aims to provide a thorough understanding
of the mathematical foundations of these signal classifications,
 III. RESULTS
LITERATURE REVIEW
A. Sinusoidal Signal (Continuous, and Discrete)
As per the research entitled, “Basic Signals” by
Dennis W. Ricker, it greatly emphasizes the importance of
- The set of figures presented below represents the results
signal processing in general. In this case, the Ricker
of the simulation made by the researchers based from
managed to acknowledge the existing body of literature and
the questions provided by the laboratory manual of the
referencing established texts, wherein he emphasizes the
subject. In this case, the aim of the researcher is to
importance of signals as a foundational bridge, connecting
provide the continuous and discrete plot of a given
engineering principles with the broader understanding
signal with the equation: x(t) = Acos(wt + θ) ; where :
needed for echo-location.
A is the amplitude.
The key points being highlighted from the study was
the focus is establishing fundamental definitions and
terminology essential for comprehending echo-location in
electrical/electronics engineering. In relation to this, the
different characteristics as well as the overall appearance of
the signals, and their role as representation of real physical
properties were also presented in order to easily introduced
the concept of signals in the context of echo-location.
Furthermore, a basis for comprehending signal properties in
echo-location systems was also provided by means of
highlighting the difference between power signals and
energy signals, which are based on average power.

SCILAB SIMULATION

In the IEEE study, several signal properties have been

assessed and categorized using Scilab Simulation. With the
help of the open-source software, signal behavior was
thoroughly analyzed, making it easier for the researchers to
recognize and validate unique characteristics that are
essential for signal processing applications. With this being (a)
said, it greatly boosts the legitimacy of the study and
supports an organized method for signal analysis inside the
IEEE report.

For this report, the researchers addressed three

important questions from the laboratory manual of the
subject, which aims on directing the focus of the
investigation towards a comprehensive analysis of signal
characteristics. Specifically, this method focuses on making
Scilab codes that yields a simulation which focuses on
plotting signals, provided with specific values as inputted
by users in order to visualize, and understand as to what and
how the different signals being tackled works, and look.

(b)

Figure 1.0. Sinusoidal Signal Plot; (a) Continuous, (b) Discrete

 As shown in Figure 1.0., it presents the plot of the higher the value of m, the greater the estimate or the overall
sinusoidal signal on its Continuous Form (see Figure 1a), and visualization of the original signal given. In other words, higher
its Discrete Form (see Figure 1b). In this case, as per the plot, values of m simply mean a much accurate estimation in this
it can be seen that the amplitude of the signal is 0.75, but with case. Furthermore, the plot simply suggests that the real part of
varied frequencies. In the continuous-form plot presented in the given signal represents a continuous exponential-growth
Figure 1a, it simply suggests that when the signal is continuous, type of graph, while for the imaginary part, it simply represents
there is always a specific value for any time, t. Meanwhile, as a continuous linear-equation type of graph.
presented on the discrete-form plot in Figure 1b, it only
represents a specific number of samples from the continuous
form, having values only from a specific time, t. However, by
just looking at the graph, it strongly emphasizes that the two
plots came from the same equation, the only difference was that
for continuous, each time, t, has specific values while for C. Random Signals with specific distributions (normal, and
discrete-form, not all time, t, has values. Additionally, Figure uniform)
1.0. also verified that the higher the frequency, the shorter the
time for the signal to complete one-cycle. - The figure presented below shows the random signal
with a total of 60 samples on a different distribution. In
this case, the research created a program where the first
20 samples were normally distributed, while the next
20 samples were uniformly distributed, and the last 20
B. Real and Imaginary Part of a Signal samples were once again, normally distributed.

- The figure presented below represents the results of the

simulation made by the researchers based from the
second question provided by the laboratory manual of
the subject. In this case, the researcher created a
program that aims on plotting the continuous real and
imaginary part of a given discrete signal, with the
equation: x[n] = ejΩn.

Figure 3.0. Random Signals with different distributions

As per the plot presented in Figure 3.0., it can

be seen that signal distributions are influenced by the
nature of the signal rather than conforming to a normal
or uniform distribution directly. It is important to
understand that the inputted signals in this case were
random, thus, the shape of the spectrum of a signal is
shaped based from its inherent characteristics, such as
Figure 2.0. Real and Imaginary Part periodicity or randomness. With this being said, it
greatly emphasized that understanding these aspects is
very crucial for interpreting and analyzing signals
In plot presented Figure 2.0., it shows the continuous effectively.
real and imaginary part of the given discrete signal. In this case,
there are 45 samples taken wherein the two cycles were
visualized. As per the result, it is clear that regardless of the
value of m (either 1 or 5), the plot of the real and imaginary part
in continuous form of the given signal is still the same.
However, the most important key as per the graph was that the
 IV. CONCLUSIONS ACKNOWLEDGMENT
. We would like to express our sincerest gratitude to all
In conclusion, the IEEE report skilfully handles basic the individuals who made the completion of this report possible.
signal processing ideas, utilizing a strong classification A special appreciation to our professor, Engr. Jeziel Suniel, for
technique that combines Scilab simulations with knowledge invaluable guidance, and support throughout the process of
from Dennis Ricker's "Basic Signal Theory." This method not making the report. Furthermore, we are also very much
only makes it easier to comprehend signal characteristics, but it thankful to our colleagues for their assistance and collaboration.
also successfully connects theory to practice, demonstrating the Most importantly, we would like to express our deepest
usefulness of signal processing. acknowledgement to those people whole support us in any
aspect whether it is financially, mentally, physically, or even
Moreover, the methodical analysis of real and psychologically – namely: our parents, and the institution.
imaginary components, random signals with particular
distributions, and sinusoidal signals in the study highlights the
intrinsic variety in signal behaviors. The results highlight how REFERENCES
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