Circuits, Systems, and Signal Processing
Key Takeaways
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Circuits, systems, and signal processing is a vast area of study that enables engineers to analyze, design, and optimize electronic systems.
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The main goal of a system is to produce the desired outcome by changing the control (software part) based on the inputs and present outputs.
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Signal processing finds extensive application in fields such as communication, image processing, smart systems, biomedical systems, etc.
The area of study dealing with circuits, systems, and signal processing includes different types of circuits such as linear, non-linear, distributed, lumped, etc.
Rapid advancements in the fields of control systems, computers, and communications are occurring. Developments in circuits, systems, and signal processing are bringing cutting-edge improvements in electronics engineering. The area of study dealing with circuits, systems, and signal processing includes different types of circuits such as linear, non-linear, distributed, lumped, etc. Similarly, signal processing and systems are not limited to multi-dimensional signals and systems, analog or digital filters, analog-digital or digital-analog signal processing, etc. Let’s learn more about circuits, systems, and signal processing in this article.
Circuits, Systems, and Signal Processing
The electronics industry strives to bring performance improvements and quality products to its consumers. The internal architecture of the electronic products and technology used plays a key role in coping with global electronic market demands. How are these electronics surviving the market demands? By investing in building efficient and optimized circuits, systems, and signal processing.
Circuits, systems, and signal processing are interdependent areas in electronics engineering. They deal with the design and analysis of electronic systems. Electronic systems are optimized by making necessary changes in circuits and the technology used. The growth in signal processing has contributed immensely to communications and embedded system developments.
Circuits
Electronic circuits are interconnections of active and passive components such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, semiconductor devices, etc. All these components are interconnected using wires or rigged up on a PCB for performing a specific electrical functionality. Some electrical functionalities are rectification, amplification, filtering, signal generation, etc.
Types of Circuits
Circuits are classified based on their signal type, characteristics, connection pattern, etc. Let’s see a few of them.
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Linear circuit |
The circuit in which current or voltage obeys Ohm's law. Current varies linearly with voltage. |
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Non-linear circuit |
The change in voltage or current is not governed by Ohm’s law. |
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Unilateral circuit |
Current can flow in only one direction. |
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Bilateral circuit |
Current can flow in either direction. |
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Passive circuit |
A circuit consisting of electrical components that do not generate power, but instead store, dissipate, and/or release it. |
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Active circuit |
A circuit consisting of electrical components that have the ability to electrically control charge flow. |
Systems
An electrical or electronic system encompasses both hardware and software components. The systems are developed to function in a certain way based on the inputs and sometimes outputs. The main goal of a system is to produce the desired outcome by changing the control (software part) based on the inputs and present outputs. In present-day systems, there is a hardware part called a power or main circuit and a software-based control part.
The major classification of a system is:
Open loop system - In an open loop system, the output is not involved in controlling the function of the system. The output is not fed back to the input in the open loop system, hence the name non-feedback control system.
Closed loop system - The control to achieve the desired output in a closed loop system is dependent on the generated output. The present output is fed back to the input in this system, which is also called a feedback system.
Signal Processing
Signal processing is based on inputs such as an image or any physical or biological signal such as temperature, pressure, motion, etc. The primary purpose of signal processing is to convert the physical quantity to electrical signals and vice versa. Signal processing also focuses on quality improvement, data extraction, etc.
Signal processing involves extracting relevant information from the input signals. Some of the signal processing is commonly performed as analog-to-digital or digital-to-analog conversion, noise filtering, data compression, etc. Signal processing finds extensive application in fields such as communication, image processing, smart systems, biomedical systems, etc.
Some classifications of signal processing are:
Analog-to-digital conversion - The signal process of sampling, quantization, and coding through which the analog signal is converted to digital.
Digital-to-analog conversion - The digital signals are reconstructed into analog signals.
Analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog signal processing is widely used in broadcasting, telecasting, and other communication systems. Circuits, systems, and signal processing is a vast area of study that enables engineers to analyze, design, and optimize electronic systems. Cadence offers analog/mixed-signal simulation features that help in designing and analyzing new circuits and systems.
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