spectral analysis of both stationary and non-stationary signals. Chapter 12 continues by
presenting, from basic principles, time domain solution methods of linear differential
equations and linear difference equations. Many MATLAB functions are introduced and
applied to continuous and discrete time linear system analysis, including finding the impulse
response, transfer function, eigenvalues (natural frequencies), frequency response, con-
volution, and conversion to state variable descriptions. MATLAB also includes several
ordinary differential equation (ODE) solvers, which are applied to analyze both linear and
nonlinear circuits. Over 25 examples and 20 programs are included to demonstrate the
significant role that MATLAB can play in the academic carriers of ECE students. Some
examples are concerned with FIR (finite impulse response) and IIR (infinite impulse
response) digital filters to demonstrate that a difference equation, which is implemented
with a computer, can exhibit frequency selective behavior like an analog circuit.
Chapter 13 is an introduction to Simulink
. Simulink uses a graphical user interface
(GUI) for building models of dynamic systems with building blocks from an extensive
library of building blocks included in Simulink. The chapter starts by examining the
Simulink environment, model editor, and how to navigate among the libraries of building
blocks. Then, model building is demonstrated by drag and drop of blocks and inter-
connecting them. It is shown how one can build their own library of custom blocks and use
them in the same way as built-in blocks. Simulink is used to simulate an RLC circuit, and it
is used to compare the performance of an open-loop system to a closed-loop control system.
Appendix A describes how to generate hardcopy of MATLAB work.
Chapter Exercises
Each chapter includes numerous end-of-chapter problems to exercise the reader’s under-
standing of the material. Most problems require writing MATLAB programs. Answers to
selected problems are given in Appendix C. By adopting instructor’s request, a solution
manual is available from the publisher.
How the Book Can be Adapted
The coverage of this book (Chapters 1–11) may be too extensive to be completed in a one
term course. Course lengths, student abilities, and instructor objectives vary from program
to program. An instructor can decide which sections of this book to require, while skipping,
if necessary, others or assigning them for self-study. I would offer the following suggestions
for trimming the coverage:
● All of Chapter 1 (MATLAB Environment) must be covered.
● In Chapter 2 (Programs and Functions), the section concerned with MATLAB functions
need only be used to introduce anonymous and primary functions and perhaps the built-
in function eval.
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