ECE 313 Linear Systems and Signals

ECE 313 builds a mathematical foundation for analyzing signals and systems in a wide variety of applications, including speech, audio, image and video processing as well as communications and control systems.

Topics include: Examine representation of signals and systems; system properties; sampling; Laplace and z-transforms; transfer functions and frequency response; convolution; stability; Fourier transform; feedback; and control applications. Explore computer analysis using MATLAB or Python.

ECE 313 feeds into several ECE specializations, including machine learning, energy systems, communication systems, and signal/image processing systems. Here's a slide showing the 15 undergraduate ECE courses at UT Austin that build on ECE 313.

The Fall 2025 ECE Web site for Prof. Evans' ECE 313 course is available here.

The Fall 2010 ECE Web site for Prof. Evans' ECE 313 course is available here.

Advice to get the most out of this course:

• Remove distractions that prevent you from being efficient in your work and in your play.
• When choosing courses, check the workload ratings by the two-thirds of students who had previously taken the course on the course instructor surveys.
• Write down questions in a journal when they arise and find opportunities to ask the questions to professors, TAs, tutors, students, and others.
• Find a mutually beneficial study group of two or three persons for each course-- more than three can become great for socializing but unproductive for studying.
• Attend instructor, teaching assistant and tutor office hours. They can answer your questions and guide you in what material to focus on when studying.
• Attend all lectures. It will save you time-- the instructor will explain difficult concepts, indicate what material to focus on, and give insights not available elsewhere.
• Start assignments when assigned and make progress each day. This will give your brain more calendar time to process the information and reduce panic before the deadline.

Last updated 08/26/25. Send comments to bevans@ece.utexas.edu