Discrete-time systems

1. Explain why difference equations result from digital control of analog systems. 2. Obtain the z-transform of a given time sequence and the time sequence corresponding to a function of z. 3. Solve linear time-invariant (LTI) difference equations using the z-transform. 4. Obtain the z-transfer function of an LTI system. 5. Obtain the time response of an LTI system using its transfer function or impulse response sequence. 6. Obtain the modified z-transform for a sampled time function. 7. Select a suitable sampling period for a given LTI system based on its dynamics. Digital control involves systems whose control is updated at discrete time instants. Discrete-time models provide mathematical relations between the system variables at these time instants. In this chapter, we develop the mathematical properties of discrete-time models that are used throughout the remainder of the text. For most readers, this material provides a concise review of material covered in basic courses on control and system theory. However, the material is self-contained, and familiarity with discrete-time systems is not required. We begin with an example that illustrates how discrete-time models arise from analog systems under digital control.