Can Linear Systems Effectively Store Information?

AI Thread Summary
Storing information in a linear system is theoretically possible, as these systems can utilize memory to combine current and past input samples. However, the superposition principle limits their capacity, as continuous input application can lead to data loss. Linear systems are primarily designed as filters, producing outputs based on summed inputs. While they can retain some information temporarily, their effectiveness for long-term storage is questionable. Overall, linear systems are not ideal for reliable information storage due to their inherent limitations.
Idlemind
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Hi all

Would it be possible to store information in a linear system?
 
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The term "linear system" usually means some kind of filter which takes an input signal and produces an output signal. Such a filter is linear if it obeys the superposition principle: two summed inputs produces an output that's equal to the two inputs passed independently through the filter, and then summed afterwards.

In any event, a "linear system" may have some memory, usually used to add present samples of the input to past samples of the input. In this sense, you may store information in such a system, though, if you keep applying inputs, your data will eventually be lost.

Note: since this has nothing to do with astronomy, I'm moving it to general engineering.

- Warren
 

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