Title: Z-Transform Essentials: Standard Sequences, Properties, and Common Mistakes
1. Introduction to Z-Transform
The Z-transform is a powerful tool used in digital signal processing (DSP) to analyze linear time-
invariant (LTI) systems. It transforms a discrete-time signal from the time domain to the complex
frequency domain.
Definition:
X(z)=∑n=−∞∞x[n]z−nX(z) = \sum_{n=-\infty}^{\infty} x[n] z^{-n}
Where:
x[n]x[n] is the discrete-time signal.
zz is a complex variable z=rejωz = re^{j\omega}.
2. Region of Convergence (ROC)
The ROC is the range of values in the complex plane for which the Z-transform converges. It is
crucial for determining system stability and causality.
General Facts:
ROC is a ring or disc in the z-plane.
For causal systems: ROC is ∣z∣>R|z| > R.
For anti-causal systems: ROC is ∣z∣<R|z| < R.
For finite-duration signals: ROC is the entire z-plane, except possibly z=0z = 0 or z=∞z = \
infty.
3. Z-Transforms of Standard Sequences
Sequence x[n] Z-Transform X(z) ROC
Unit δ[n]\delta[n] 1 Entire
Impulse z-
plane
Unit Step u[n]u[n] zz−1\frac{z}{z - 1} (
Exponential anu[n]a^n u[n] zz−a\frac{z}{z - a} (
Ramp nu[n]n u[n] z(z−1)2\frac{z}{(z - 1)^2} (
Delayed u[n−k]u[n - k] z−k1−z−1\frac{z^{-k}}{1 - z^{-1}} (
Step
Sinusoidal sin(ω0n)u[n]\sin(\omega_0 n) zsinω0z2−2zcosω0+1\frac{z \sin \ (
u[n] omega_0}{z^2 - 2z \cos \omega_0 +
1}
4. Properties of the Z-Transform
1. Linearity:
ax1[n]+bx2[n]→ZaX1(z)+bX2(z)a x_1[n] + b x_2[n] \xrightarrow{Z} aX_1(z) + bX_2(z)
2. Time Shifting:
x[n−n0]→Zz−n0X(z)x[n - n_0] \xrightarrow{Z} z^{-n_0} X(z)
3. Time Reversal:
x[−n]→ZX(z−1)x[-n] \xrightarrow{Z} X(z^{-1})
4. Convolution in Time:
x[n]∗h[n]→ZX(z)H(z)x[n] * h[n] \xrightarrow{Z} X(z) H(z)
5. Multiplication by nn:
nx[n]→Z−zdX(z)dzn x[n] \xrightarrow{Z} -z \frac{dX(z)}{dz}
6. Initial Value Theorem:
x[0]=limz→∞X(z)x[0] = \lim_{z \to \infty} X(z)
7. Final Value Theorem:
limn→∞x[n]=limz→1(z−1)X(z)(if limits exist)\lim_{n \to \infty} x[n] = \lim_{z \to 1} (z - 1)
X(z) \quad \text{(if limits exist)}
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Forgetting to specify or check the ROC.
Using Z-transform pairs without checking causality.
Applying Final Value Theorem when poles are outside the unit circle.
Mistaking time shifting x[n−n0]x[n - n_0] for x[n+n0]x[n + n_0].
Ignoring convergence conditions when using standard tables.
6. Practice Questions
1. Find the Z-transform and ROC of x[n]=(0.5)nu[n]x[n] = (0.5)^n u[n].
2. Compute the Z-transform of x[n]=nu[n]x[n] = n u[n].
3. Determine whether the system h[n]=(1.1)nu[n]h[n] = (1.1)^n u[n] is stable.
4. Given x[n]=(n−3)u[n−3]x[n] = (n - 3)u[n - 3], find X(z)X(z).
7. Conclusion
The Z-transform is an essential tool for analyzing and solving problems related to discrete-time
systems. Mastering standard sequences and properties ensures deeper understanding and
accuracy in solving DSP problems.