z-Transform
The discrete-time counterpart of Laplace transform is z-transform. The frequency domain analysis of discrete time system allows us to represent any arbitrary signal x[n] as a sum of exponential of the form zn.
There are two varieties of z-transform: bilateral and unilateral. The bilateral one, also known as two- sided z-transform.
can handle all causal and non causal signals. It provides insights about system’s characteristics such as stability, causality and frequency response.
The unilateral one, also known as one-sided z -transform can handle only causal signals and mainly used to solve
difference equations with initial conditions.
The purpose of the z-transform is to map (transform) any point s = ±σ ±jω in the s-plane to a corresponding point z(r ∠Ω) in the z-plane by the relationship.
z = esT, where T is sampling period (seconds)
Under this mapping, the imaginary axis, σ = 0 maps on to the unit circle |z| = 1 in the z-plane. Also, the left half – plane, σ < 0 corresponds to the interior of the unit circle |z| = 1 in the z-plane.
The mapping of s-plane to z-plane is shown in figure.

The Definition of z-Transform
Consider a discrete-time signal x[n]. Its z-transform is defined as

Region of Convergence for z-transform
The z-transform is guaranteed to converge if x[n] ⋅ r –n is absolutely summable.

Thus, ROC consist of those values of |z| = |reiΩ| = r for which z-transform converges.
Properties of ROC
- The ROC of (i) X(z) consists of a ring in the z-plane centered about the origin.
- The ROC does not contain any poles.
- If x[n] is of finite duration, then the ROC is entire z-plane, except possibly z = 0 and/or z = ∞.
- If x[n] is a right-sided sequence, and if the circle |z | = r0 is in the ROC then all finite values of z for which | z | > r0 will also be in the ROC.
- If x[n] is a left-sided sequence, and if the circle | z |= r0 is in the ROC, then all values of z for which 0 < |z |< r0 will also be in the ROC.
- If x[n] is two sided, and if the circle | z |= r0 is in the ROC, then the ROC will consist of a ring in the z-plane that includes the circle | z |= r0.
- If the z-transform X(z) of x[n] is rational, then its ROC is bounded by poles or extends to infinity.
- If the z-transform X(z) of x[n] is rational and if x[n] is right sided, then the ROC is the region in the z-plane outside the outer most pole i.e., outside the circle of radius equal to the largest magnitude of the poles of X(z). Furthermore, if x[n] is causal (i.e., if it is right sided and equal to 0 for n < 0), then the ROC also includes z = ∞.
(ix) If the z-transform X(z) of x[n] is rational, and if x[n] is left sided, then the ROC is the region in the z-plane inside the innermost non-zero pole i.e. magnitude of the poles of X(z) other than any at z = 0 and extending inward to and possibly including z = 0. In particular, if x[n] is anti-causal (i.e., if it is left sided and equal to 0 for n > 0), then the ROC also includes z = 0.
The z-plane and poles and zeros
The graphical representation of complex number z = rejΩ in terms of complex plane is called as z-plane

It is concluded that DTFT corresponds to z-transform evaluated on unit circle.

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