EEEN40060 Digital Communications

Academic Year 2022/2023

This module deals mainly with the theoretical underpinning of modern digital communication systems. It will give a firm understanding of the principles behind modern physical-layer line and wireless communications. Digital modulation techniques and decision theory are described through the use of signal space theory. The module also includes an introduction to information theory and channel coding. Advanced modulation and coding techniques will be covered such as OFDM, convolutional codes and Viterbi decoding, and low-density parity-check coding. Students will be required to write computer simulations of various communication systems.

Specific topics include:

* Decision theory and optimum detection over the discrete memoryless channel
* Signal space theory (optimum receiver design, probability of error)
* Digital modulation techniques (BPSK, QPSK, MPSK, FSK, PAM, QAM, OFDM)
* Channel coding techniques (block codes, convolutional codes and Viterbi decoding, low-density parity-check codes)
* Information theory (entropy, mutual information, channel capacity),

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module a student will be able to:

1. Describe various digital modulation schemes in terms of signal space theory.
2. Calculate performance metrics of standard transmitter/receiver pairs under various channel conditions.
3. Design and evaluate the performance of optimum and sub-optimum communication receivers.
4. Write computer simulations of various physical layer communications scenarios.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of information theory and its application in channel coding.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

30
Tutorial

6
Specified Learning Activities

20
Autonomous Student Learning

60
Total

116
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Classes will explain digital communication concepts and also provide many worked examples. Comprehensive electronic notes will be provided, and many extra worked examples and problems will be solved in class. The programming assignments will test the student's ability to translate the theoretical concepts into practical solutions to communication system design problems.



 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

Learning Requirements:
EEEN30060 Communication Theory or equivalent.
EEEN30110 Signal and Systems or equivalent.
EEEN30050 Signal Processing or equivalent.
A sound understanding of the fundamentals of probability theory and random processes such as would be provided by STAT20060.
A good knowledge of linear algebra and calculus.
Proficiency in MATLAB programming.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Examination: End of semester written examination 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

70
Continuous Assessment: Computer Exercises Varies over the Trimester n/a Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

30

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

For the computer programming exercises, general feedback will be provided to the class summarizing the most common errors, and advice will be given regarding how to avoid such errors in future.

Name Role
Mohamad Hejazi Dinan Tutor
Ahmed Magbool Tutor
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Autumn
      
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Mon 09:00 - 09:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Wed 09:00 - 09:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Wed 13:00 - 13:50
Tutorial Offering 1 Week(s) - 4, 9, 12 Tues 16:00 - 17:50
Tutorial Offering 2 Week(s) - 4, 9, 12 Wed 15:00 - 16:50
Autumn