Preface: Signals and Systems - DFT First 1.5 2003/07/24 10:23:57 GMT-5 2005/02/03 23:18:18.068 US/Central Richard G. Baraniuk richb@rice.edu Prashant Singh prash@ece.rice.edu Charlet Reedstrom charlet@rice.edu Mariyah Poonawala mariyah@rice.edu Richard G. Baraniuk richb@rice.edu Fourier series Fourier transform Hilbert space linear algebra linear system signal signal processing system This module overviews the course Elec 301 - Signals and Systems - as taught at Rice University in Fall 2003. In this course, we will learn about signals and systems for processing signals. We will rely heavily on ideas from linear algebra and Hilbert space to unify our treatment of the four fundamental classes of signals - the four combinations of discrete-time vs. continuous-time and periodic/finite vs. aperiodic/infinite. In contrast to most textbooks, we begin with the discrete Fourier transform for discrete-time, periodic/finite signals. Hence, this course could be subtitled: DFT First. For a more standard treatment starting with continuous-time signals, see the Connexions course Signals and Systems which was used until 2002 and in 2004. This course also marks the introduction of National Instruments Labview VIs to the Connexions system. Look for them in select modules - they are designed to help students visualize important concepts. Comments, typos, and suggestions are welcome.