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Z-Transform Study Notes for GATE & Other Electrical Engineering Exams
By BYJU'S Exam Prep
Updated on: September 25th, 2023

The Z-transform is a fundamental tool used in the field of electrical engineering, particularly in the study of discrete-time systems and signal processing. It plays a crucial role in the analysis and representation of discrete signals, offering a powerful alternative to the continuous Laplace transform. For engineering students preparing for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) or other electrical engineering exams, a comprehensive understanding of the Z-transform is essential.
In these study notes, we delve into the principles and applications of the Z-transform, providing a clear and concise explanation of its concepts. We explore the conversion of discrete-time signals from the time domain to the complex Z-plane and learn how to obtain the Z-transform of various common signals and sequences. Moreover, we discuss the significance of the Z-transform in analyzing discrete-time systems, such as digital filters, and explore its applications in solving different equations and characterizing system stability. By mastering the Z-transform through these study notes, students can enhance their problem-solving abilities and tackle advanced topics in digital signal processing and control systems effectively.
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Table of content
Z-Transform
- Computation of the Z-transform for discrete-time signals.
- Enables analysis of the signal in the frequency domain.
- Z-Transform takes the form of a polynomial.
- Enables interpretation of the signal in terms of the roots of the polynomial.
- z−1 corresponds to a delay of one unit in the signal.
The Z – Transform of a discrete time signal x[n] is defined as:
, where z = r.ejω
- The discrete-time Fourier Transform (DTFT) is obtained by evaluating Z-Transform at z = ejω
- The z-transform defined above has a both-sided summation. It is called bilateral or both-sided Z-transform.
Unilateral (one-sided) z-transform
- The unilateral z-transform of a sequence x[n] is defined as
Region of Convergence (ROC)
- ROC is the region where z-transform converges. It is clear that z-transform is an infinite power series. The series is not convergent for all values of z.
Significance of ROC
- ROC gives an idea about values of z for which z-transform can be calculated.
- ROC can be used to determine the causality of the system.
- ROC can be used to determine the stability of the system.
Summary of ROC of Discrete Time Signals for the sequences
Characteristic Families of Signals and Corresponding ROC
Note: X(z) = z{x(n)} ; X1 (z) = Z {xl (n)} ; X2(z) = z{x2 (n)}; Y(z) =z (y (n))
Summary of Properties of z- Transform:
Impulse Response and Location of Poles
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