unitstepfunction
nounUK /ˈjuːnɪt stɛp ˈfʌŋkʃən/
US /ˈjuːnɪt stɛp ˈfʌŋkʃən/
A math rule that stays at zero and then jumps to one and stays there.
The unit step function switches on at time zero and stays on.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A function that is zero for negative inputs and one for positive inputs.
Engineers use the unit step function to model a switch turning on.
3. A basic building block for describing signals that start suddenly.
The circuit's response was written using a unit step function.
4. A function whose value changes from zero to one at a chosen point.
By shifting the unit step function, we can delay when the signal begins.