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Signals and systems class, why?
prophoss:
I am currently a student in a computer engineering degree plan. As a part of my plan we have to take signals and systems class where we learn to ... well that is the problem. I really don't know what we are learning this stuff for or what I would be using it for after college. I sort of get the math side and how to use Laplace, Fourier, and Z transforms. So far I have done well and kept a good grade point average. This class though thoroughly kicked my butt. Partly, I think, because I don't see how it all applies. I was hoping someone out there might shed some light on the application of this subject on the job site. I look forward to hearing from y'all, and thanks in advance.
ataradov:
Out of all things you can learn in the University this stuff is one of the most useful.
For anything electronics-related you need to develop good intuitive understanding of things like Fourier transforms. There is rarely a need for the actual math with integrals, but you need to understand the relationship between frequency and time domains.
This stuff shows up literally everywhere on a daily basis.
Same for general DSP and control systems concepts.
Also, the fact that is is hard to understand is good, it means you are actually about to learn something new, not just coast on the stuff you already know or can easily pick up.
I would say approaching this from the DSP side is easier and way more visual. You can actually do experiments that are visual in nature. It will be based around discreet transforms, not the continuous ones, but they are directly related to each other.
tggzzz:
Listen to ataradov.
You may not understand the relevance now, but these are fundamental concepts that won't change during your career (unlike most stuff that has a half-life of a few years).
Even if you don't directly use it yourself, you will probably find it is a useful tool to cut through rubbish spouted by other people.
Plus, of course, the reason to take the course is because you don't understand it.
Benta:
+++ to ataradov and tggzzz.
This stuff will stay with you for life. There are plenty of "application note solderers" out there. But analytical thinking as an engineer requires mental tools.
Meaning complex maths, LaPlace, Fourier, Z-transforms and simply understanding orders of magnitude (especially relevant these days with the Corona panic) etc.
Stay with it. It'l give you a backbone you can't imagine yet.
AntiProtonBoy:
Also, if you don't take the path of electronics engineering and stay inside the domain of computer science, signal processing will be a recurring theme across many disciplines, ranging from data compression, image processing, audio, scientific data processing, computer graphics, etc.
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