Linear shift invariant system description by the step response function
Applying of the step response function in order to characterize the property of the linear shift invariant system is a very often used method.
Definition: Output response of a linear shift invariant system by the Heavyside unit step function is called step response function:
Heavyside unit step function
Consequently the output response function:
is called step response function.
It is possible to see, the relation between the step response function and the transfer function in the extended complex frequency domain is as follow:
, where the transfer function was derived by the step response function.
Furthermore, next question is arisen: step response function of a linear shift invariant system is known in the real parameter space. How is it possible to get the output response for general step function.
As it is known from previously:
Let’s execute Laplace transformation of both sides:
Apply the operation rules of Laplace transformation
,where is the weak derivative.
The output response function can be determined by the step response function as follow:
Apply the convolution rule for the product functions:
( by click here see the detailed driving)
, where means the regular derivative.
The output response determined by step response function is called Duhamel-theorem.