California State University, Northridge Spring 2017

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

ECE 350 Linear Systems

Course Number and Name: ECE 350 Linear Systems
Credit Units/Contact Hours: 3/3
Class Schedule: Tuesdays & Thursdays 9:00am-10:15am, JD1555
Website: https://moodle.csun.edu
Instructor: John Valdovinos Ph.D.
Office: JD4427
Email: john.valdovinos@csun.edu
Office Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Prerequisites: ECE 240; MATH 280 or ECE 280
Textbooks/Software:
Required: Linear Systems and Signals by B.P. Lathi, 2nd edition, Oxford University
Press, ISBN: 0195158334
Software: MATLAB (available in engineering computer labs)
Description: In this course we cover the systematic development of linear system response
models in both the time domain and frequency domain. We concentrate on continuous systems
and cover techniques including Laplace transform, Fourier analysis, impulse response,
convolution and state variables for continuous linear systems. We also cover material on sampling
and A/D conversion.
Grading Policy:
Exam 1: 33. 3%
Exam 2: 33. 3%
Final Exam: 33. 3%
A (90-100%)
B- (77-79.9%)
D+ (63-66.9%)

+/- grading is used in this course

A- (87-89.9%)
C+ (73-76.9%)
D (60-62.9%)

B+ (83-86.9%)
C (70-72.9%)
D- (57-59.9%)

B (80-82.9%)
C- (67-69.9%)
F (< 57%)

Class Policies:
Problem Set Packet: There are no homework assignments collected and graded for this
class. However, problem sets and their solutions will be provided. Past exams and their
solutions will also be provided for extra practice for Exam 1, 2, and the Final. Students are
strongly encouraged to attempt the problems to enhance their knowledge of the material
and prepare themselves for the examinations. The final exam is NOT cumulative.
Extra Credit Packet: Extra credit problems are available. They consist of a MATLAB
problems/simulations with each problem worth 0.5% of the overall final grade (extra
credit). In order to receive 0.5% additional credit for each problem, you must answer the
entire question correctly (procedure and final answers). Turn in all hand written work and
MATLAB code and plots for full credit. This to be done and submitted individually (not in
Class # 15685

California State University, Northridge Spring 2017

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

groups). The deadline to submit the extra credit packet is Thursday 04/27/2017 (follow
instructions on assignment for full credit).
Examinations: Exams 1 and 2 are 75 minutes and are closed-book and closed-notes.
The final exam is 120 minutes. One sheet of notes (8.5x11 both sides) is allowed.
Scientific or graphing calculators are allowed. No cell-phones. No make-up exams will be
scheduled (with the exception of medical emergencies and extremely special
circumstances).
Exam 1 Thursday, 2/23/2017*
Exam 2 Thursday, 4/6/2017*
Final Exam Tuesday, May 16th, 2017 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM (JD1555)
Students with Disabilities: If you have a disability and need accommodations, please register
with the Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES) office or the National Center on
Deafness (NCOD). The DRES office is located in Bayramian Hall, room 110 and can be reached at
(818) 677-2684. NCOD is located on Bertrand Street in Jeanne Chisholm Hall and can be reached
at (818) 677-2054. If you would like to discuss your need for accommodations with me, please
contact me to set up an appointment.
Academic Integrity: Ideas and learning form the core of the academic community. In all
centers of education, learning is valued and honored. No learning institution can thrive if its
members counterfeit their achievement and seek to establish an unfair advantage over their fellow
students. The Academic Integrity is designed to foster a fair and impartial set of standards. All
students are required to adhere to these standards. Any dishonest act such as copying, plagiarism,
lying, unauthorized collaboration, alteration of records, bribery, and misrepresentation for the
purpose of enhancing ones academic standing results in a failing grade for the entire course and
will be reported to the College as well as Dean of Student.
ABET Student Learning Outcomes:
(a) An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering to the analysis of electrical and
computer engineering problems.
(b) An ability to design and conduct scientific and engineering experiments, as well as to analyze and
interpret data.
(c) An ability to design systems which include hardware and/or software components within realistic
constraints such as cost, manufacturability, safety and environmental concerns.
(e) An ability to identify, formulate, and solve electrical and computer engineering problems.
(k) An ability to use modern engineering techniques for analysis and design.
(n) Knowledge of mathematics including differential equations, linear algebra, complex variables and
discrete math.

Class # 15685

California State University, Northridge Spring 2017

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Class Schedule*
Week
1
2
3

Date

1/24, 1/26
1/31, 2/02
2/07, 2/09

Topics/Material
Class overview, review of complex numbers, signal
operations
Signal models, even & odd functions, system
classification, system models, input-output description
Time domain analysis of LTIC systems, zero-input
response, & unit impulse response

Reading
(Ch/Sect.)
B.1-B.3, 1.11.3
1.4-1.8
2.1-2.3

2/14, 2/16

Zero-state response, convolution integral, total system

response of LTIC systems

2.4

2/21, 2/23

Classical solution of differential equations & Midterm I

2.5

2/28, 3/2

System stability and Trigonometric Fourier Series

2.6, 6.2

3/07, 3/09

Trigonometric & Exponential Fourier series

6.3-6.4

3/14, 3/16

Fourier integral, Fourier Transform, & inverse Fourier

Transform

7.1-7.2

3/21, 3/23

Spring Recess (No Class all week)

10

3/28, 3/30

Properties of the Fourier Transform & amplitude

modulation

7.3, 7.7

11

4/04, 4/06

Sampling theorem, signal reconstruction, A/D conversion

& Midterm II

8.1-8.3

12

4/11, 4/13

Introduction to Laplace Transforms

13

4/18, 4/20

Laplace Transform (LT), inverse LT & Properties of LT

14

4/25, 4/27

Partial fraction expansion techniques (Method of

Residues)

B.5

15

5/02, 5/04

Solutions to differential and integro-differential

equations and s-domain circuit analysis

4.3-4.4

16

5/09, 5/11

s-domain transfer function (poles and zeroes) and review

for final exam

--

4.1
4.1-4.2

4.4

*Class schedule and exam dates can change at the discretion of the professor

Class # 15685