Using spreadsheets in student exercises for signal and linear system analysis

Several student exercises in signal and linear system analysis that use the power of PC-based spreadsheet programs to aid students' understanding and cognitive development are presented. The first exercise examines the Fourier series and allows students to see graphically how the harmonics of the series add and subtract to form a new periodic waveform. In the second assignment, students work through problems designed to acquaint them with implementing singularity functions and integration methods on the path to accomplishing the convolution of two signals. The final exercise teaches students how to form iterative solutions to state space problems. The exercises allow students to focus on gaining a conceptual understanding of signal and linear system analysis while deemphasizing the rigors of developing a user interface, a common problem when using structured programming languages.<
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