Digital Communications (H6106)
Digital Communications
Module H6106
Module details for 2017/18.
15 credits
FHEQ Level 6
Library
B. Sklar, Digital Communications Fundamentals and Applications, 2nd Ed., Pearson, 2013.
S. Haykin, Digital Communication Systems, Wiley, 4th Ed., 2014.
I.A. Glover and P.M. Grant, Digital Communications, 3rd Ed., Pearson , 2009.
Module Outline
This module introduces the basic principles of digital communications and applications. Digital communication is the pillar of the digital age and lies at the heart of modern society. It allows different type of information-bearing signals such as voice, images, video, as well as data to be communicated digitally over wires or the air. Mobile phones, WiFi, Internet, Bluetooth, and Digital TV are all examples of digital communication systems that we all use every day.
The module starts with an introduction to digital communication systems, signal and spectra, digitisation process and source coding for analogue signals. This is then followed by major topics on digital baseband and digital bandpass transmission and reception techniques used for wired and wireless communications. It finishes with higher level topics related to multiplexing, performance analysis, and information theoretic concepts.
The module is delivered by a series of lectures, exercise classes solving real problem and laboratory based project work using MALTAB software package. The module provides the student with fundamental knowledge and skills important in the design and analysis of digital communication systems. Graduates are expected to be employed by wide range of industry including telecommunication companies and other related industry.
Module Topics
The following topics will be covered in the module
· An introduction to communications systems, digital versus and analogue, main components and categories of
digital communication systems, and signals and spectra.
· Sampling and quantisation, pulse code modulation and differential PCM.
· Digital baseband transmission including data transmission fundamentals, line coding, binary and multilevel
signalling, pulse shaping, inter-symbol interference, noise in communication systems, and detection of digital signals.
· Digital modulation and demodulation techniques for wireless communications.
· Multiplexing methods.
· Error performance and bandwidth efficiency analysis.
· Fundamentals of information theory and coding.
AHEP3 Learning Outcomes
SM2p SM3p SM4m EA1p EA3p EA5m EP1p EP2p EP3p EP4p EP1m EP2m EP3m EP4m
Module learning outcomes
Understand the underlying principles of transmission, detection, and coding of digital signals.
Understand the basic principles of digital modulation and demodulation for wireless systems.
Analyse digital communication methods and applications in practical systems.
Describe research work and perform modelling and simulation with the aid of software tools.
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 30.00% | |
| Coursework components. Weighted as shown below. | ||
| Report | T2 Week 10 | 100.00% |
| Computer Based Exam | Semester 2 Assessment Week 1 Thu 09:30 | 70.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Semester | Laboratory | 2 hours | 01111111000 |
| Spring Semester | Lecture | 2 hours | 11111111111 |
| Spring Semester | Workshop | 2 hours | 00000101000 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Prof Falah Ali
Assess convenor
/profiles/8055
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