Convolution

The system output y(t) is the system input x(t) convolved with the impulse response h(t).

y(t) = x(t) * h(t)

Flip h(t) and slide it past x(t). At a given location, the area of the product yields y(t) for that location.

The (-) sign in the integral denotes the fact that the further go you back in the input, the further forward you go in the impulse response.

 

 

The demo can be run off-line using a hard-copy downloadable as a .pdf file here.

Print on an 8.5" x 11" overhead transparency, cut in half on the dotted line, flip the top half and slide it past the bottom half.