TRIBHUWAN UNIVERSITY

INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING
PURWANCHAL CAMPUS DHARAN

Assignment on
Introduction and Application of Laplace Transform and Z-Transform

Submitted By
Prabin Acharya
PUR080BCT052

Submitted To
Prof. Gobinda Neupane
Table of Content
Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 1
Laplace Transform ...................................................................................................................... 1
Formal Definition ................................................................................................................... 2
Properties ............................................................................................................................... 2
Applications............................................................................................................................ 3
Z Transform ................................................................................................................................ 4
Formal Definition ................................................................................................................... 5
Properties ............................................................................................................................... 5
Applications............................................................................................................................ 6
Laplace Transform vs Z-Transform ............................................................................................. 7
Conclusion .................................................................................................................................. 8
Introduction
Laplace Transform and Z-Transform are two fundamental mathematical tools used in
engineering, physics, and signal processing. They help analyse linear systems, solve differential
equations, and transform complex problems into more manageable algebraic forms.

• Laplace Transform is used for systems that change continuously over time, such as
temperature changes, electrical currents, and mechanical vibrations.

• Z-Transform is used for systems that change at specific intervals, like digital signals,
financial data, and discrete-time control systems.

• Both transforms change time-based problems into a different form (frequency

domain), making them easier to solve mathematically.

Laplace Transform
Imagine you’re dealing with a messy math problem involving differential equations—
things like velocity, acceleration, or even electrical circuits. Solving them directly can be a
nightmare. That’s where the Laplace Transform comes in.

Think of it like a magic tool that takes a function from the time domain (where things
change over time) and converts it into a new, much simpler version in a different domain
(called the s-domain). In this transformed world, instead of dealing with tricky calculus, you
often just have to do basic algebra. Once you solve the problem there, you can convert it back
to the time domain using the inverse Laplace Transform, and booyah! You get your solution in
a much easier way.

It’s like translating a difficult problem into an easier language, solving it, and then
translating it back. Engineers, physicists, and mathematicians love using it because it makes
analysing systems like electrical circuits, mechanical vibrations, and control systems way more
manageable.

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Formal Definition
The Laplace Transform is a mathematical operation that converts a time-domain
function into a complex frequency-domain function, making it easier to analyse and solve
differential equations. It is defined as:
1 ∞
𝐹(𝑠) = ∫ 𝑓(𝑡) 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 𝑑𝑡
2𝜋 0
where:

• f(t) is the given function in the time domain (for t ≥ 0)

• s is a complex variable (s = σ + jω),
• F(s) is the transformed function in the s-domain,
• e-st acts as a weighting function.

Properties
The Laplace Transform has several important properties that make it useful for
solving differential equations and analysing systems. Here are the key properties:

1. Linear Property
L{af1(t) + bf2(t)} = aF1(s) + bF2(s)

2. First Derivative Property (Differentiation in Time Domain)

Converts differentiation into multiplication, making differential equations
easier to solve.

L{f′(t)}= sF(s) − f(0) L{f'(t)}

3. Second Derivative Property
L{f′′(t)} = s2F(s) − sf(0) − f′(0)L{f''(t)}
4. Integration Property
Converts integration into division by sss, simplifying integral equations.
𝑡 1
L{∫0 𝑓(𝑡)𝑑𝑡} = 𝑠 F(s)

5. Time Shifting Property

Useful for solving equations involving exponential growth or decay.

L{eatf(t)} = F(s−a)
6. Convolution Property
The Laplace Transform of a convolution of two functions is the product of their
Laplace Transforms.

L{f1(t) ∗ f2(t)} = F1(s) F2(s)

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Applications
1. Solving Differential Equations
One of the most important applications of the Laplace Transform is solving
differential equations, which frequently appear in physics and engineering. Instead of
dealing with complex calculus operations, Laplace Transform converts a differential
equation into an algebraic equation in the frequency domain.

2. Electrical Circuit Analysis

The Laplace Transform is extensively used in analysing electric circuits,
especially circuits with resistors (R), capacitors (C), and inductors (L). In circuit theory,
voltage and current often follow differential equations, which are difficult to solve
directly. Using the Laplace Transform, we can convert these equations into algebraic
equations and solve them easily.

Consider a simple RC circuit with a resistor R and a capacitor C in series, connected to

a voltage source V(t). The equation governing the circuit is:
1
V(t) = Ri(t) + 𝑐 ∫i(t)dt

Taking the Laplace Transform:

1
V(s) = RI(s) + 𝑐𝑠 I(s)

Factoring out I(s):

𝑣(𝑠)
I(s) = 1
𝑅+
𝑐𝑠

This equation allows us to analyse how the circuit responds to different inputs
V(s), such as a step input or an exponential function.

3. Control System Engineering

In control systems, the Laplace Transform helps in analysing and designing
systems to ensure stability, accuracy, and efficiency. Most real-world control systems
involve feedback loops, which are represented by differential equations. The Laplace
Transform simplifies these equations, allowing engineers to design controllers like PID
controllers (Proportional-Integral-Derivative controllers).

A control system can be represented using a transfer function, which is the

Laplace Transform of the output divided by the Laplace Transform of the input:
𝑌(𝑠)
𝐻(𝑠) =
𝑋(𝑠)
For example, a system with mass m, damping coefficient b, and spring
constant k follows this equation:

𝑑2 𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑚 2
+𝑏 + 𝑘𝑥 = 𝐹(𝑡)
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡

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 Taking the Laplace Transform:

𝑚𝑠 2 𝑋(𝑠) + 𝑏𝑠𝑋(𝑠) + 𝑘𝑋(𝑠) = 𝐹(𝑠)

Solving for X(s), we get the transfer function:
𝑌(𝑠) 1
𝐻(𝑠) = = 2
𝑋(𝑠) 𝑚𝑠 + 𝑏𝑠 + 𝑘
This function helps engineers analyse the system’s stability, damping, and
response to inputs like a step or sinusoidal signal. Laplace Transforms are widely used
in robotics, industrial automation, and aerospace engineering for system control.

Z Transform
Imagine you have a sequence of numbers, maybe the daily temperature in your city
or the sales of a product every week. These values change over time, and you might want to
analyse patterns, predict future values, or simplify complex calculations. That’s where the Z-
Transform comes in!

Think of the Z-Transform as a magic tool that takes a sequence of numbers and
transforms it into a new form that’s much easier to work with, especially in engineering, signal
processing, and digital systems. Instead of dealing with complicated step-by-step calculations
in the time domain, the Z-Transform shifts everything into the z-domain, where things like
filtering signals, solving difference equations, and designing digital systems become simpler.

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Formal Definition
The Z-Transform of a discrete-time signal x[n] is defined as:
∞

𝑋(𝑧) = ∑ 𝑥[𝑛] 𝑧 −𝑛
𝑛=0

where:

• X(z) is the Z-Transform of the sequence x[n].

• z is a complex variable
• The summation is taken over all values of n for which x[n] is defined.

Properties
The Z-Transform has several important properties that help simplify the analysis of
discrete-time systems. Here are some key properties:

1. Linearity Property
The Z-Transform of a linear combination of two signals is the same linear
combination of their individual Z-Transforms.

𝑍{𝑎𝑥1 [𝑛] + 𝑏𝑥2 [𝑛]} = 𝑎𝑋1 (𝑧) + 𝑏𝑋2 (𝑧)

2. Time Shifting (Delay) Property

𝑍{𝑥[𝑛 − 𝑘]} = 𝑧 −𝑘 𝑋(𝑧)

3. Scaling Property
𝑧
𝑍{𝑎𝑛 𝑥[𝑛]} = 𝑋 ( )
𝑎
4. Differentiation in Z-Domain
𝑑𝑋(𝑧)
𝑍{𝑛𝑥[𝑛]} = −𝑧
𝑑𝑧
5. Convolution Property

𝑍{𝑥1 [𝑛] ∗ 𝑥2 [𝑛]} = 𝑋1 (𝑧)𝑋2 (𝑧)

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Applications
The Z-Transform is widely used in engineering, signal processing, and control systems
to analyse and solve discrete-time problems. Here are three key applications explained in
detail:

1. Digital Signal Processing

Digital Signal Processing deals with processing and modifying discrete-time
signals, such as audio, images, and sensor data. The Z-Transform is used to analyze,
design, and implement digital filters, which help remove noise, enhance signals, and
process data efficiently.
Imagine you are recording music and want to remove background noise. A
digital filter is applied to the recorded signal to suppress unwanted frequencies while
keeping the important parts intact. The Z-Transform helps design such filters by
transforming the signal into the z-domain, where mathematical operations are
simpler.

2. Control System (Discrete-Time Control)

In modern control systems, many processes (like robots, drones, and industrial
automation) use digital controllers that work with discrete-time signals. The Z-
Transform is essential in designing these controllers, ensuring they provide stability,
accuracy, and fast response.
Consider a self-balancing robot that must stay upright using sensor data. The
robot’s movement is controlled by a discrete-time feedback system that takes sensor
input at small time intervals. Using the Z-Transform, engineers design controllers that
process sensor data efficiently and make quick corrections to keep the robot balanced.

3. Image Processing
Images are represented as two-dimensional discrete signals (a grid of pixels).
The Z-Transform helps in image enhancement, compression, and noise removal by
converting image data into a form that is easier to manipulate.
In MRI or CT scans, medical images often contain noise due to limitations in
scanning technology. The Z-Transform is used in designing digital image filters to
remove noise and enhance important details, making it easier for doctors to diagnose
diseases.

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Laplace Transform vs Z-Transform

Aspect Laplace Transform Z-Transform

Domain Continuous-time Discrete-Time

Variable s (complex frequency) z (complex variable)

1 ∞ ∞
𝐹(𝑠) = ∫ 𝑓(𝑡) 𝑒 −𝑠𝑡 𝑑𝑡
Definition 2𝜋 0 𝑋(𝑧) = ∑ 𝑥[𝑛] 𝑧 −𝑛
𝑛=0

Solving differential equations, Digital signal processing, discrete-time

Application
control systems, circuit analysis control systems, image processing

Convolution 𝐿{𝑓1 ∗ 𝑓2 } = 𝐹1 (𝑠)𝐹2 (𝑠) 𝑍{𝑥1 [𝑛] ∗ 𝑥2 [𝑛]} = 𝑋1 (𝑧)𝑋2 (𝑧)

Initial Value
𝑓(0) = 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑠→∞ 𝑠𝐹(𝑠) 𝑥[0] = 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑧→∞ 𝑋(𝑧)
Theorem

Final Value
𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑡→∞ 𝑓(𝑡) = 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑠→0 𝑠𝐹(𝑠) 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑛→∞ 𝑥[𝑛] = 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑧→1 (1 − 𝑧 −1 )𝑋(𝑧)
Theorem

Inverse
Uses complex contour integration Uses partial fraction decomposition
Transform

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Conclusion
Both Laplace and Z-Transforms are powerful tools that make solving mathematical
problems easier by transforming them into a simpler form.

• Laplace Transform is used for systems that change continuously over time, like
mechanical movements and electrical circuits.

• Z-Transform is used for systems that work with separate time intervals, like digital
signals and financial models.

By learning how to use these transforms, engineers, scientists, and researchers can analyse
and design systems more effectively, leading to innovations in technology, healthcare, and
finance.