Continuous-Time Signals
Continuous-Time Source Blocks
Most signals in a signal processing model are discrete-time
signals. However, many blocks can also operate on and generate continuous-time
signals, whose values vary continuously with time. Source blocks are
those blocks that generate or import signals in a model. Most source
blocks appear in the Signal Processing Sources library. The sample
period for continuous-time source blocks is set internally to zero.
This indicates a continuous-time signal. The Simulink Signal Generator and Constant blocks are examples of continuous-time
source blocks. Continuous-time signals are rendered in black when,
from the Format menu, you point to Sample
Time Display and select Colors.
When connecting continuous-time source blocks to discrete-time
blocks, you might need to interpose a Zero-Order Hold block to discretize
the signal. Specify the desired sample period for the discrete-time
signal in the Sample time parameter of the Zero-Order
Hold block.
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Continuous-Time Nonsource Blocks
Most nonsource blocks in Signal Processing Blockset software
accept continuous-time signals, and all nonsource blocks inherit the
sample period of the input. Therefore, continuous-time inputs generate
continuous-time outputs. Blocks that are not capable of accepting
continuous-time signals include the Digital Filter, FIR Decimation,
FIR Interpolation blocks.
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 | Discrete-Time Signals | | Sample-Based Signals |  |
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