BeginnerTopic 12 of 101Signals, Control & Comms

Convolution

The output of an LTI system is the input convolved with its impulse response.

In depth

y(t)=∫x(τ)h(t-τ)dτ (continuous) or y[n]=Σx[k]h[n-k]. Procedure: flip, shift, multiply, integrate. Properties: commutative, associative, distributive; Fourier transform turns convolution into multiplication. Used for filtering, smoothing and image blur.

Key points

  • Length of result N+M-1
  • FFT-based fast convolution
  • Correlation similar
Example

Convolving a signal with a 5-point average smooths it.

Why it matters

Convolution gives the output of an LTI system for any input, so it is the central calculation in filtering and system analysis.

Where this is used

  • Computing the output of a digital filter for a long audio signal.
  • Predicting the response of a structure to a moving load.
  • Smoothing a noisy signal with a moving average filter.

Frequently asked questions

What is Convolution?

The output of an LTI system is the input convolved with its impulse response.

Why is it important to understand convolution?

Convolution gives the output of an LTI system for any input, so it is the central calculation in filtering and system analysis.

What does convolution compute?

The output at each time is the sum or integral of the input weighted by the impulse response shifted to that time.

Why is convolution used in image processing?

A blur or sharpen filter is a two-dimensional convolution of the image with a small kernel.

How is Convolution used in practice?

Typical applications include computing the output of a digital filter for a long audio signal, predicting the response of a structure to a moving load and smoothing a noisy signal with a moving average filter.

What should I learn before Convolution?

Study "Impulse response" first (topic 11 of 101 in Signals, Control & Comms). It covers the groundwork this topic builds on.

What are the key points of Convolution?

Length of result N+M-1. FFT-based fast convolution. Correlation similar.

Can you give an example of Convolution?

Convolving a signal with a 5-point average smooths it.

What comes after Convolution?

The next topic is "Differential equation models", which builds directly on this one.

How difficult is Convolution?

It is classed as Beginner in Signals, Control & Comms (topic 12 of 101). It is an entry-level topic. It relies only on basic school mathematics and the ideas introduced earlier in this discipline.

Learning path

Want to practise? Open the interactive course for quick checks, quizzes, simulations and progress tracking.

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