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Concept Taxonomy

This document defines the categorical taxonomy for organizing the 200 signal processing concepts into 12 logical groups.

Taxonomy Categories

MATH - Mathematical Foundations

TaxonomyID: MATH

Core mathematical concepts that form the foundation for signal processing, including: - Real and complex numbers - Calculus (differential and integral) - Linear algebra (vectors, matrices, eigenvalues) - Probability and statistics - Trigonometry and special functions

Target Distribution: ~15-20 concepts


SIG - Signal Fundamentals

TaxonomyID: SIG

Basic signal types, properties, and characteristics, including: - Signal classifications (continuous/discrete, analog/digital, periodic/aperiodic) - Signal properties (energy, power, amplitude, frequency, phase) - Basic signal operations and transformations

Target Distribution: ~20-25 concepts


SYS - System Properties

TaxonomyID: SYS

System characteristics and behaviors, including: - Linear/nonlinear, time-invariant/time-varying systems - Causality, stability, memory properties - System responses and interconnections - Transfer functions and system identification

Target Distribution: ~15-20 concepts


CONV - Convolution and Correlation

TaxonomyID: CONV

Convolution operations and correlation analysis, including: - Continuous and discrete convolution - Circular convolution and convolution theorems - Autocorrelation and cross-correlation - Matched and Wiener filters

Target Distribution: ~8-10 concepts


SAMP - Sampling and Quantization

TaxonomyID: SAMP

Analog-to-digital conversion concepts, including: - Sampling theory and Nyquist criteria - Aliasing and anti-aliasing - Quantization methods and errors - Signal reconstruction

Target Distribution: ~12-15 concepts


FOUR - Fourier Analysis

TaxonomyID: FOUR

Fourier-based frequency analysis techniques, including: - Fourier series and transforms - DFT and FFT algorithms - Frequency/time domain representations - Spectral analysis and windowing

Target Distribution: ~20-25 concepts


XFRM - Advanced Transforms

TaxonomyID: XFRM

Transform methods beyond basic Fourier, including: - Laplace and Z-transforms - Pole-zero analysis - Wavelet transforms - Time-frequency analysis methods

Target Distribution: ~15-18 concepts


FILT - Filter Design

TaxonomyID: FILT

Filter types, design methods, and implementation, including: - Filter classifications (low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, etc.) - FIR and IIR filter design - Classical filter approximations (Butterworth, Chebyshev, etc.) - Multirate and polyphase filters

Target Distribution: ~25-30 concepts


ADAP - Adaptive Processing

TaxonomyID: ADAP

Adaptive signal processing techniques, including: - Adaptive filter algorithms (LMS, RLS, Kalman) - Adaptive applications (noise cancellation, equalization) - System identification methods

Target Distribution: ~10-12 concepts


RAND - Stochastic Processes

TaxonomyID: RAND

Random signal analysis and statistical signal processing, including: - Random processes and stochastic signals - Noise types and characteristics - Power spectral density - Statistical signal processing methods

Target Distribution: ~10-12 concepts


ADVN - Advanced Topics

TaxonomyID: ADVN

Multirate processing, compression, and time-frequency analysis, including: - Decimation, interpolation, upsampling, downsampling - Signal compression and coding - Spectrograms and advanced time-frequency methods - Compressed sensing

Target Distribution: ~15-18 concepts


APPL - Applications and AI

TaxonomyID: APPL

Practical applications and modern AI integration, including: - Digital signal processors and FPGA implementation - Audio, image, and video processing - Machine learning and deep learning for signals - AI-driven signal analysis

Target Distribution: ~10-12 concepts


Category Summary

TaxonomyID Category Name Description Target Count
MATH Mathematical Foundations Core math prerequisites 15-20
SIG Signal Fundamentals Basic signal types and properties 20-25
SYS System Properties System characteristics and behaviors 15-20
CONV Convolution and Correlation Convolution operations and correlation 8-10
SAMP Sampling and Quantization ADC and sampling theory 12-15
FOUR Fourier Analysis Frequency domain analysis 20-25
XFRM Advanced Transforms Laplace, Z, wavelet transforms 15-18
FILT Filter Design Filter types and design methods 25-30
ADAP Adaptive Processing Adaptive algorithms and applications 10-12
RAND Stochastic Processes Random signals and noise 10-12
ADVN Advanced Topics Multirate, compression, TF analysis 15-18
APPL Applications and AI Practical applications and ML/AI 10-12

Total Categories: 12 Total Concepts: 200

This taxonomy provides balanced distribution across signal processing domains while maintaining logical groupings that support the course structure.