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2017/18 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

ELEC3430 Digital Communications

10 creditsClass Size: 100

Module manager: Dr M Razavi
Email: m.razavi@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2017/18

Module replaces

ELEC3480 Digital Communications & Signal Processing

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Objectives

This module introduces the key principles of advanced digital communications systems, including pulse shaping, channel characteristics and multiple-access techniques in cellular mobile and optical communications systems.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students should be able to:

- show a good understanding of the engineering principles behind the physical layer in modern communications networks;
- demonstrate extensive knowledge and understanding of the principles of digital modulation schemes such as BPSK, QPSK and QAM;
- use analytical techniques to predict the performance of communications systems;
- understand the nature of communication channels and the methods used to combat signal impairments;
- reproduce all aspects of both the design procedure, and subsequent analysis, for a representative communications system case study;
- use mathematical or other simulation tools to model the performance of a typical communications subsystem.


Syllabus

Modern Digital Communication Systems

Review of signals; Vector representation of signals; energy vs power signals
Generic binary communication links
Optimal receivers for binary communications systems, e.g., matched-filter and correlation receivers
Performance analysis of binary communication systems
Carrier modulation techniques, e.g., binary phase shift keying (BPSK), quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK), and quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM).
Pulse shaping; inter-symbol interference
Introduction to radio propagation, channel characteristics and countermeasures; fading channels
Multiple-access techniques.

Optical Communications
- Optical fibres, their characteristics (e.g. attenuation, single-mode versus multimode)
- Receiver characteristics: quantum limit on receiver sensitivity
- Sources and detectors. Optical amplification and regeneration
- Coherent and incoherent optical communications
- BER analysis of an optical OOK link
- Wavelength division multiplexing and future directions in optical networking

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Example Class31.003.00
Laboratory43.0012.00
Lecture201.0020.00
Private study hours65.00
Total Contact hours35.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)100.00

Private study

Regular problem sheets (30 hours)
MATLAB Project (15 hours)
Revision for examination (20 hours)

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student progress will be monitored during laboratory classes and via problem sheet assignments.

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
AssignmentProject reports and problem sheets30.00
In-course AssessmentDiagnostic Test10.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)40.00

.


Exams
Exam typeExam duration% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)2 hr 60.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)60.00

Re-sits for ELEC modules are subject to the rules in the School’s Code of Practice on Assessment. Students should be aware that, for some modules, a re-sit may only be conducted on an internal basis (with tuition) in the next academic session.

Reading list

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 26/04/2017

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