MSc Communications and Signal Processing / Course details

Introduction to the basics of digital communication systems including signals spectrum characterisation, Nyquist signalling and intersymbol interference analysis.

Various binary and non-binary baseband signalling techniques: coherent and differential, detection technique using matched filtering and correlation.

Bandpass modulation: binary and non binary PSK, ASK, FSK and QAM. Signal generation and demodulation, performance comparisons.

Synchronisation and Equalisation techniques: parameter estimation for equalisation, maximum likelihood sequence estimation, linear equalisation, feedback equalisation.

Information theory: various entropy definitions and uses, channel capacity, source coding Hoffman and Lemple-ziv.

Channel coding: coding and decoding method for various channel coding techniques including automatic repeat request, linear block codes, convolutional codes.

This course unit detail provides the framework for delivery in the current academic year and may be subject to change due to any additional Covid-19 impact.  Please see Blackboard / course unit related emails for any further updates.

To develop an understanding of basic and advanced principles in digital Communication systems.

The unit addresses the issues in the generation and detection of digital signals in physical layer including modulation, detection, synchronisation and equalisation aspects.

Channel coding and decoding techniques will be covered with particular focus on fundamental methods for coding and decoding techniques in block coding and convolutional codes.

The fundamental aspects of information theory including channel capacity and source coding techniques will be covered.

On successful completion of this course unit, students will be able to:

• ILO1 - Apply various fundamental concepts in digital baseband communication systems. (Taught and assessed).
• ILO2 - Design various types of bandpass modulation techniques. (Taught and assessed).
• ILO3 - Design basic forms of frequency, time and code division multiple access techniques. (Taught and assessed).
• ILO4 - Describe various types of source coding and decoding techniques. (Taught and assessed).
• ILO5 - Describe fundamental types of channel coding and decoding techniques. (Taught and assessed).

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Digital Communications, 2^nd edition, B Sklar

Digital and Analogue Communication Systems, L W Couch