431-327 Communication Systems

431-221 Fundamentals of Signals and Systems, and 431-325 Stochastic Signals and Systems or 620-201 Probability

On completion of this subject students should understand techniques for the digital coding of analog waveforms; understand the causes of, and cures for, interference in digital transmission; understand the effects of noise in analog and digital communication systems; and possess a basic skill in carrying out noise and signal analysis for communication system design

Topics include review of signals and systems: amplitude and frequency response, bandwidth, distortion, bandpass signals, lowpass equivalent etc.; amplitude modulation: DSBLC, DSBSC, SSBSC, VSB, AM circuits, AM radio and television broadcasting; phase-locked loop; frequency modulation: theory, Carson's rule, direct and indirect FM, demodulation by frequency discrimination, PLL; review of bandpass random processes and white, Gaussian noise; noise in AM and FM: SNR calculations, plus threshold effects, and pre-emphasis and de-emphasis filtering; and digital communication: sampling and quantisation, regeneration, pulse coded modulation (including differential PCM, and delta modulation), intersymbol interference, matched filter.

One written examination not exceeding three hours, practice classes, tests, assignments, laboratory reports and project reports not exceeding 20 pages. Students will be notified of the weighting of assessment components at the beginning of the semester.