How does a signal experiencing hysteresis typically behave during a change in direction?

When a signal experiences hysteresis, it indicates that there is a lag or delay in the response of the system to changes in input. This phenomenon is commonly observed in systems that have a threshold or memory effect, where the output is not solely dependent on the current input but also on the history of inputs.

In the context of a signal changing direction, hysteresis causes the output to follow the input with a delay. This means that when the input reaches a certain threshold to change direction, the output does not immediately follow. Instead, it remains at its previous state until the input crosses another threshold, which is typically in the opposite direction. Once this opposite threshold is reached, the output will then change state, thus demonstrating the lag effect characteristic of hysteresis.

The nature of hysteresis leads to a smoother transition between states, which can help prevent abrupt changes that might otherwise lead to system instability. This is critical in applications like control systems or electronic devices where rapid fluctuations can have negative consequences.

Understanding this behavior is crucial for interpreting the performance of various electronic and control systems, where keeping a stable output while managing input changes is a key design consideration.