About this previous year paper
This examination is designed to evaluate the student’s understanding of fundamental and advanced concepts in Signals and Systems, an essential subject in Electronics, Electrical, Computer, and Communication Engineering. The paper measures the student’s ability to analyze different types of signals, their mathematical representation, system behaviors, and transformations using tools like Laplace Transform, Z-Transform, Fourier Series, Fourier Transform, State-Space Analysis, and Convolution.
The question paper is divided into three sections — A, B, and C — each focusing on different cognitive levels such as conceptual clarity, analytical thinking, derivation ability, and problem-solving skills.
SECTION A – Short Conceptual Questions (14 Marks)
Section A contains 7 concise conceptual questions, each carrying 2 marks. These questions examine the student's foundational understanding of core ideas like:
Causal vs. Non-Causal systems
Fourier series coefficients
Laplace and Z-Transform differences
Advantages of state-space models
Z-transform properties and ROC
Basic transform evaluation
Students are expected to answer clearly and to the point. This section tests clarity of definitions, basic reasoning, and conceptual memory.
SECTION B – Descriptive & Analytical Questions (21 Marks)
This section includes 5 questions, out of which students must attempt any 3. Each question carries 7 marks, requiring deeper explanation, derivations, examples, and system analysis.
Topics include:
Classification of systems (LTI, memoryless, causal, stable, time-variant, etc.)
Conditions for Fourier transform existence and properties
Transfer function computation from given poles and zeros
State transition matrix derivation, properties, and proof
Z-transform and ROC for various discrete-time signals
This section evaluates a student’s ability to think analytically, derive equations, and apply theory to solve engineering problems.
SECTION C – Long Answer / Application-Based Questions (35 Marks)
Section C contains 5 sets, each with two alternate questions, and students must answer one question from each set.
Each question carries 7 marks and requires problem-solving, derivation, or graphical interpretation.
The topics include:
Graphical representation of composite time-domain signals
Properties of convolution
Fourier transform evaluation
Symmetry types in Fourier series
Inverse Laplace transform and LTI system response
State model derivation from circuits or transfer functions
Impulse response of difference equations
Initial Value Theorem for Z-transform
This section examines a student's ability to apply concepts to engineering-level problems, derive relationships, interpret mathematical expressions, and understand system behavior in real-life scenarios.
Learning Outcomes of This Examination
By the end of the exam, students should demonstrate the ability to:
Distinguish different types of signals and system properties
Apply transformation techniques (Laplace, Fourier, Z-transform)
Analyze LTI systems in both time and frequency domains
Compute transfer functions, impulse responses, and system outputs
Understand and derive state-space models
Solve engineering-level problems involving system dynamics
Interpret graphical signals and apply convolution properties
Additional Questions Added (Optional Enhancement)
You can add the following questions to make the paper even more comprehensive:
SECTION A (Add-on)
h. Define time-invariant and time-variant systems.
i. What is the significance of Region of Convergence (ROC) in Z-transform?
SECTION B (Add-on)
f. Explain the concept of energy and power signals with mathematical expressions.
SECTION C (Add-on)
Derive the convolution of two finite-length discrete-time signals x[n] and h[n].
OR
Explain the relation between Fourier Transform and Laplace Transform.