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Linear models for biological transducers and impulse train spectra: general formulation and review

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Abstract

Starting with the assumption that the output of a biological transducer is the linear sum of discrete waveshapes, then under appropriate conditions, such a system may be modelled by a transfer function whose input is a train of delta functions. The transfer function is obtained by averaging over the population of possible waveshapes. The representation of the input as a train of delta functions facilitates the calculation of its frequency power spectrum. A number of examples of possible physiological interest are given.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. of Neurosciences, University of California, La Jolla, Calif., USA

    John C. Coggshall

  2. Max-Planck-Institut für biologische Kybernetik, Tübingen, FRG

    John C. Coggshall

  3. Dept. of Biology, Yale University, 06520, New Haven, Conn., USA

    John C. Coggshall

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Coggshall, J.C. Linear models for biological transducers and impulse train spectra: general formulation and review. Kybernetik 13, 30–37 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00289108

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00289108

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