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EEEN40060

Academic Year 2023/2024

Digital Communications (EEEN40060)

Subject:
Electronic & Electrical Eng
College:
Engineering & Architecture
School:
Electrical & Electronic Eng
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Professor Mark Flanagan
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
Blended
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

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),

About this Module

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
Specified Learning Activities

20
Autonomous Student Learning

60
Lectures

30
Tutorial

6
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 In Module Component Repeat Offered
Continuous Assessment: Simulation Assignment. Note that work submitted for this assignment will only be graded if it is submitted within one week of the assignment deadline. Varies over the Trimester n/a Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
20
 No
Examination: End of Trimester written examination 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
80
 No

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 assignment, feedback will be provided indicating ways in which the submission could have been improved. This feedback may be provided at an individual level or at a group level.

Name Role
Duc Tung Bui Tutor
Ahmed Magbool Tutor
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