Graph Notation

The Software Synthesis from Dataflow Graphs defines the following notation in Chapter 2:

Relative Primeness

Relative primeness has meaning for integers, rational numbers, polynomials, as well as matrices of integers, rational numbers, and polynomials. In one-dimensional multirate signal processing, one can interchange the order of upsampling and downsampling if the resampling factors are relatively prime. This means that when we are performing a rational sampling rate change by L / M, we can actually downsample by M first and then upsample by L, provided that L / M is a reduced fraction. Putting the downsampling first is far more efficient in terms of computation.

Another application of relative primeness occurs in multidimensional multirate signal processing, which is beyond the scope of this class. One can interchange the order of upsampling and downsampling if the resampling matrices are relatively prime and commute with respect to matrix multiplication. Relative primeness underlies the Smith-McMillan decomposition, which is key for decoupling systems of differential equations represented by a matrix of Laplace transforms. Relative primeness also underlies the Smith form decomposition for integer, matrices. The Smith form decomposition is essential for decoupling non-separable multidimensional signal processing operations. It was used in the 1970s to solve integer programming problems.


Updated 02/25/99.