Sampling and Discretization of Continuous Signals

This example illustrates the process of continuous signal sampling and discretization within the MATLAB/Simulink environment. The implementation helps build a fundamental understanding of signal processing principles and methodologies. First, we examine the characteristics of continuous signals and the theoretical concepts of sampling and discretization, where proper sampling rate selection (following Nyquist theorem) is crucial to prevent aliasing. Then, using MATLAB/Simulink, we simulate the entire process - typically employing Source blocks for signal generation, Zero-Order Hold blocks for sampling, and configuring appropriate sample times. The continuous signal is converted to discrete form through quantization and sampling operations. Subsequently, we perform FFT spectral analysis using MATLAB's fft() function to examine the signal's frequency domain characteristics, including frequency resolution calculation and windowing techniques. This practical example enables deeper investigation into signal processing techniques and their application to real-world problems, with emphasis on proper parameter configuration and result interpretation.