Modeling and Simulation‐Based Numerical Solution to Linear Time‐Variant Systems Applied to the Course Teaching of “Signals and Systems”

ABSTRACT

Compared to linear time‐invariant (LTI) systems, linear time‐variant (LTV) systems represent a crucial conceptual extension in the foundational “signals and systems” course for electronic information majors. Given their widespread presence in real‐world scenarios and engineering applications, it is essential to incorporate LTV systems into the curriculum. Well‐established techniques, such as the Laplace and Fourier transforms, are widely used for analyzing LTI systems. However, these methods are not strictly applicable for LTV systems. Consequently, obtaining analytical solutions for many LTV systems remains a difficult and complex challenge. An alternative approach is to employ numerical solution methods, which are widely recognized as practical and effective in science and engineering. Based on virtual simulation, this study proposes methods for modeling LTV systems and obtaining their numerical solutions for pedagogical purposes. The proposed method is validated in the Simulink development environment. Simulation results demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach, providing a convenient and intuitive way for modeling and obtaining numerical solutions for LTV systems. Furthermore, the proposed methodology has been integrated into the “signals and systems” course taught by the author for undergraduate students majoring in electronic information at the University of ***. Feedback and suggestions for practical teaching reference are also presented. The proposed methodology holds the potential to benefit electronic and electrical engineering education and related studies.