Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This module aims to further the students’ knowledge of modern digital communication systems, by studying the encoder-decoder (CODEC) and modulator-demodulator (MODEM) blocks in more detail and introducing transmitter and receiver design. It will also introduce the modelling of wireless channels and methods to mitigate against multi-path fading effects.

Outline Of Syllabus

The module will give an overview of modern digital communications at the physical layer, with emphasis on coding techniques and filter design to improve data rates and mitigate the effects of the communications channel on which we are transmitting and receiving. This includes source and channel coding, security, receiver design and methods to combat multi-path fading.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Define and employ different source coding and channel coding methods, encryption techniques, and digital modulation and demodulation schemes used in a modern communication system. (M1, M3)
Describe how source coding reduces redundancy in an information-bearing signal, how error correction introduces redundancy to detect and correct bit errors at the receiver, and how encryption ensures secure communication. (M1, M2, M3, M10)
Describe how pulse shaping can control inter-symbol interference and ensure the transmitted signal fits within its allocated bandwidth, how matched filtering can maximise the signal-to-noise ratio, how OFDM and channel equalisation mitigate the effects of fading channels. (M1, M2, M3)
Describe how cellular communications and multiple access techniques allow many users to share a common communication channel. (M1, M2, M3)

Intended Skill Outcomes

Design and implement a modern digital communication system using Matlab
Use source and channel coding methods to construct codes.
Examine the effects of the communication channel on radio frequency signals and demonstrate how to mitigate the effects of the channel.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures provides the core material and synchronous tutorial sessions give students the opportunity to query material taught in that week. Problem solving is also introduced and practiced through synchronous tutorial sessions.

Computing lab sessions provide an opportunity to gain experience in implementing the different components of a communication system 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 communications, based on the knowledge and methodologies presented in the course material. The laboratory report assesses technical writing skills and provides the opportunity for the students to apply programming skills to validate the theory taught on the course. The formative Matlab exercises will assess the students’ current level of understanding of the material taught throughout semester two and provide useful feedback on strengths and weaknesses.

General Notes

N/A