# What is meant by finite action signal

In section 1.3 from Signals, Systems and Inference, Alan V. Oppenheim, George C. Verghese. Finite-action signals, which are also called absolutely summable signals, are defined by the condition $$$$\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}|x(t)|dt<\infty$$$$ whereas for discrete time signal, its as $$$$\sum_{k = -\infty}^{\infty}|x[k]|<\infty$$$$ The integration and sum on the left are called the action of the signal. Therefore also known as finite-action signals. So I would like to know what does finite action signal means? Or is there intuitive explanation about it.

• The definition is straightforward, so why go into transformation theory? – Max Mar 20 '18 at 10:40
• What exactly don't you understand? Your description suggests you understand what the definition means. It's simply a signal that has a finite amount of energy. – Izzo Apr 8 '19 at 20:19

## 2 Answers

A finite-action signal is one for which the Fourier transform exists in the conventional sense (i.e. no impulses a.k.a. Dirac deltas allowed). If the function were an impulse response of a LTI system, then the system would be considered to be a BIBO-stable system.

• Can you please elaborate it without going into transform theory. – Meet Mar 15 '19 at 12:03

It's something like "finite energy signals"

$$\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}|x(t)|^2 dt<\infty$$

$$\sum_{n=-\infty}^{\infty}|x[n]|^2 <\infty$$

except that the "finiteness" is a tougher constraint with

$$\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}|x(t)| dt<\infty$$

$$\sum_{n=-\infty}^{\infty}|x[n]| <\infty$$

for example, the signal

$$x(t) = \frac{1}{\sqrt{1+t^2}}$$

is finite energy, but is not finite action.