Continuous-Time Signals

Continuous-Time Source Blocks

Most signals in a signal processing model are discrete-time signals. However, many blocks can also operate on and generate continuous-time signals, whose values vary continuously with time. Source blocks are those blocks that generate or import signals in a model. Most source blocks appear in the Sources library. The sample period for continuous-time source blocks is set internally to zero. This indicates a continuous-time signal. The Simulink^® Signal Generator (Simulink) and Constant (Simulink) blocks are examples of continuous-time source blocks. To render continuous-time signals in black when, in the Debug tab, select Information Overlays > Colors.

When connecting continuous-time source blocks to discrete-time blocks, you might need to interpose a Zero-Order Hold block to discretize the signal. Specify the desired sample period for the discrete-time signal in the Sample time parameter of the Zero-Order Hold block.

Continuous-Time Nonsource Blocks

Most nonsource blocks in DSP System Toolbox™ software accept continuous-time signals, and all nonsource blocks inherit the sample period of the input. Therefore, continuous-time inputs generate continuous-time outputs. Blocks that are not capable of accepting continuous-time signals include the Biquad Filter, Discrete FIR Filter, FIR Decimation, and FIR Interpolation blocks.