Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

Undergraduate degree level knowledge of digital signal processing and communications. Basic knowledge in statistics and probabilities. Basic MATLAB and C programming knowledge for the lab sessions.

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

To ensure students have a sound knowledge of the fundamental concepts of simulation techniques for wireless communication systems.

To provide experience and develop skills in the simulation of communication systems using MATLAB.

To develop skills in mapping theoretical concepts to fast signal processing algorithms as required for modern wireless communications.

To ensure students can assess the complexity involved in the computation of digital signal processing algorithms and be able to recommend hardware specifications that meet the requirements.

Outline Of Syllabus

Part A

The bit error rate (BER) performance of a digital communication link using a state-of-the-art modulation scheme such as high order Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) in conjunction with Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) and multiple input multiple output (MIMO) will be investigated via MATLAB simulations in mobile wireless communications channels and in the presence of additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) by utilizing functions available in the Signal Processing and Communications toolboxes and additional programming. This module aligns with the advancements in wireless communication technologies, particularly in the context of 5G and the requirements of future 6G systems. The MATLAB simulations will provide insights into the performance of state-of-the-art modulation techniques within the dynamic and challenging environments characteristic of modern and future wireless communication networks.

Part-B

Lecture on Matlab programming

Part-C

Lab exercise for Matlab programming tasks in Part-B

Part-D

Lab exercise for the communication system design tasks in Part-A

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Detailed knowledge of analytical and simulation techniques for communications systems and other signal processing problems.

Explain the fundamental principles of digital communication systems. (M1)

Acquire knowledge of modulation schemes, with a focus on high-order Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) and Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM). (M2)

Develop proficiency in using MATLAB for signal processing and communication system simulations. (M3)

Identify the impact of multipath channels on communication systems. (M1)

Extend knowledge to MIMO systems used in 5G cellular communications. (M1,M4)

Test theoretical knowledge to design communication systems that are robust in mobile wireless communication environments. (M2)

Intended Skill Outcomes

Ability to methodically compute the Bit Error Rate for a given modulation scheme in AWGN and frequency- selective multipath fading channels. (M2,M3)

Ability to setup a simulation test-bench in MATLAB that evaluates the performance of a wireless communication link. (M5)

Ability to map and efficiently implement in software signal processing algorithms required for wireless communications. (M6)

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The module will be taught off-line in class in a block teaching mode. The module will introduce the required background knowledge and give the students guidance on how to implement in MATLAB the different stages of the communication links under consideration. Each programming activity (1 hour) will be supported by a 1 hour lecture, where the theory behind the tasks to be completed is introduced, and the programming methods and software tools to be utilized are outlined. A set of guidance notes is also provided. Additional support will be provided by interleaved online Q&A sessions. The simulation techniques and software implementation of communication and DSP systems is most effectively taught with this hands-on approach, allowing the students to discover how signal processing theory can be applied in practice and how to diagnose problems. The students also have significant scope to show initiative and to investigate a variety of solutions to a given problem.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The module is assessed via report writing and software code development. Report writing assesses the understanding of underlying theoretical concepts, while simulation, implementation and modelling is assessed via software code development in Matlab. The programming sessions consider the various concepts explained in the lectures and provide students with several practical problems encountered by R&D engineers in the telecommunication industry.

The formative exercises will be designed to progressively build upon each other, allowing students to apply their knowledge to solve real-world communication system challenges, develop their problem-solving and Matlab programming skills incrementally.

General Notes

N/A