Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

To understand and calculate transforms, it is necessary for the students to take the Engineering Mathematics module during their first year. In addition, fundamental knowledge electrical and electronic engineering covered in ENG1002, ENG1003 and ENG1004 is essential to apply signal processing techniques to circuits and systems.

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

To provide students with the knowledge to apply fundamental signal processing techniques to electronic engineering problems and introduce the basic concepts of analogue and digital communications. This will be achieved through lectures, tutorials, lab sessions and independent study. The skills obtained in this module are prerequisite for many other modules taught later in the degree programme and valuable for engineering careers in areas such as communications, bioelectronics, signal processing and machine learning, and automation and control.

Outline Of Syllabus

This module introduces the important subject of signal processing and different mathematical transforms that can be used to solve a variety of different engineering problems. The focus will be on the well-known Fourier, Laplace, and Z transforms, which are commonly used mathematical tools in engineering.

Additionally, analogue and digital communications will be introduced, beginning with the older but historically important amplitude modulation and frequency modulation through to more modern digital modulation techniques. A lab session will provide the opportunity for students to investigate a real frequency modulator and demodulator circuits, applying different signals and observing waveforms and frequency spectra on the oscilloscope. Students will also learn how to write a technical report on the results and findings from the lab session.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

The mapping of certain AHEPv4 learning outcomes to each intended knowledge outcome is indicated in each point. By the end of the module a student will be able to:

1.       Define time and frequency domain representations of continuous and discrete signals. Explain the concept of sampling analogue signals and the importance of the Nyquist theorem that limits the minimum rate at which as signal can be sampled. (M1 and M2)

2.       Describe Laplace transforms and Z-transforms and use them to solve differential and difference equations respectively. (M1)

3.       Describe Fourier transforms and examine how the signal power is spread over the different frequencies. (M2)

4.       Define analogue and digital modulation and demodulation concepts and compare them in terms of their performance and limitations. (M2)

5.       Recognise uncertainties due to the stochastic behaviour of noise on a communication channel. Define fundamental information-theoretic measurements and use them to examine the limits on the maximum rate at which information can be sent on a noisy channel, and the minimum average codeword lengths of a binary code that represents an information source. (M2 and M3)

Intended Skill Outcomes

The mapping of certain AHEPv4 learning outcomes to each intended skill outcome is indicated in each point. By the end of the module, it is expected students will be able to:

1.       Use the different transforms to examine LCR circuits, linear-time invariant systems, and frequency spectra. (M1)
2.       Describe and design the different blocks that comprise a basic digital communication system. (M6)
3.       Calculate the information content of a discrete memoryless source and compare this before and after being observed to examine the amount of information transferred across a communication channel (M2 and M3)
4.       Use lab instruments to evaluate signals and communication systems in the time and frequency domains. (C16, M12)

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures provide the core material and give students the opportunity to engage with set questions and query material covered in the lecture.

Problem solving is introduced through tutorial sheets and recordings will help students’ understanding of each topic. Weekly one-hour drop-in sessions on Zoom are scheduled should students wish further support from the lecturer.

Laboratory sessions provide an opportunity to gain practical experience with a variety of instruments and validate the theory introduced in lectures.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The examination allows students to demonstrate their ability to solve engineering problems focused on signal processing and communication, assessing knowledge outcomes 1 – 5 and skill outcomes 1 – 3.

The laboratory report assesses skill outcome 4

The formatively assessed tutorial sheets will be released throughout the semester after each topic is completed. A recording of the worked solution to the questions in the tutorial sheet is released a week later. This encourages students to study each topic after it is completed and prepare them for the summatively assessed exam.

General Notes

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