Differential equation.

A mathematical relationship to model a continuous function, expressed in terms of derivatives; Initial conditions are usually given or implied. In avionics, differential equations are commonly used by systems engineers to model avionics systems. The systems engineer usually converts differential equations to difference equations for specification and implementation in software. In avionics, a differential equation usually models continuous-time phenomenon in terms of time derivatives; Compare: continuous-time equation, difference equation, discrete-time equation, Laplace transform, state-space model, Z transform; See Also: first-order filter, integrator, second-order filter