The zero-state unit step response is a concept in control systems and signal processing that describes how a system responds to a unit step input when the system starts from rest. To understand this concept, let's break it down into its components:
### 1. **Zero-State Response:**
The zero-state response of a system refers to the system's output solely due to the input signal, assuming that the system starts with no initial energy or stored state. In other words, it is the response of the system with all initial conditions set to zero.
### 2. **Unit Step Function:**
The unit step function, denoted as \( u(t) \), is a common input signal used in control systems and signal processing. It is defined as:
\[ u(t) =
\begin{cases}
0 & \text{for } t < 0 \\
1 & \text{for } t \geq 0
\end{cases}
\]
This function represents a signal that is zero before time \( t = 0 \) and then suddenly jumps to one and remains constant thereafter.
### 3. **Unit Step Response:**
The unit step response of a system is the output of the system when the input is a unit step function \( u(t) \). It essentially characterizes how the system reacts to a sudden and sustained change in input.
### **Combining the Concepts:**
The zero-state unit step response is specifically the unit step response of the system when it starts from rest (zero initial conditions). This response is crucial because it provides insight into how the system will behave when subjected to a sudden input from a neutral state, without any influence from previous states.
### **Mathematical Formulation:**
In the context of linear time-invariant (LTI) systems, if we have a system described by its differential equation or transfer function, the zero-state unit step response can be determined as follows:
1. **Transfer Function Approach:**
- If the system is described by a transfer function \( H(s) \), where \( s \) is the Laplace transform variable, the unit step response \( y(t) \) can be found by taking the inverse Laplace transform of \( H(s) \cdot \frac{1}{s} \). The term \( \frac{1}{s} \) represents the Laplace transform of the unit step function \( u(t) \).
2. **Impulse Response Approach:**
- If the system's impulse response \( h(t) \) is known, the unit step response \( y(t) \) can be found by convolving the impulse response with the unit step function \( u(t) \). Mathematically, this is expressed as:
\[
y(t) = (h * u)(t) = \int_{0}^{t} h(\tau) \, d\tau
\]
where \( * \) denotes convolution and the integration limits start from 0 because \( u(t) \) is zero before \( t = 0 \).
### **Example:**
Consider a simple first-order system with a transfer function \( H(s) = \frac{1}{s + 1} \). To find the zero-state unit step response:
1. Multiply the transfer function by \( \frac{1}{s} \) to account for the unit step input:
\[
\frac{H(s)}{s} = \frac{1}{(s + 1)s}
\]
2. Take the inverse Laplace transform to get the time-domain response:
\[
y(t) = \mathcal{L}^{-1} \left\{ \frac{1}{(s + 1)s} \right\}
\]
Using partial fraction decomposition and inverse Laplace transforms, we find:
\[
y(t) = 1 - e^{-t}
\]
which represents the zero-state unit step response of the system.
### **Summary:**
The zero-state unit step response is a vital tool for understanding how a system behaves in response to a sudden, sustained input when initially at rest. It helps in analyzing the stability and dynamic characteristics of the system and is foundational in the study of control systems and signal processing.