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Communication Systems (ELEN90057)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 2
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AIMS

This subject provides an introduction to the analysis and design of telecommunication signals and systems, in the presence of uncertainty. The emphasis is on understanding the basic concepts that underpin the physical layer of modern communication systems.

INDICATIVE CONTENT

Topics to be covered include:

  • Introduction to communication systems including historical developments and comparisons between analogue and digital communications.
  • Review of assumed knowledge from linear algebra, signals and systems and probability and random processes.
  • The sampling theorem, analog-to-digital conversion, complex baseband representation of passband signals, filtering of random processes, power spectral density, bandwidth of random signals, additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN), signal-to-noise ratio.
  • Communication over baseband AWGN channels including modulation techniques (pulse amplitude modulation, orthogonal modulation), signal space representation, optimal detectors, matched filters, error probability calculations and bandwidth / power trade-off.
  • Communication over passband AWGN channels including modulation techniques (phase shift keying, quadrature amplitude modulation and frequency shift keying), optimal coherent detectors, noncoherent detectors and error probability calculations.
  • Communication over linear time-invariant channels including concepts of distortion, inter-symbol interference, pulse shaping, Nyquist’s criterion, equalization, sequence detection and the Viterbi algorithm.
  • Synchronization including carrier, symbol and frame synchronization.

Intended learning outcomes

 On completion of this subject, students should be able to

  • 1. Describe the basic functional blocks of a digital communication system
  • 2. Analyse the performance of digital communication schemes, in terms of signal-to-noise ratio, symbol-error-rate and bandwidth
  • 3. Assess the relative merits of different modulation and detection techniques, and make design choices on this basis
  • 4. Use software tools to analyse, design and evaluate digital communication systems
  • 5. Demonstrate awareness of the broader context, implications and applications of digital communication systems in society.

Generic skills

Upon completion of this subject, students will have developed the following skills:

  • Ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals;
  • In-depth technical competence in at least one engineering discipline;
  • Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution;
  • Ability to utilise a systems approach to design and operational performance;
  • Capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning;
  • Ability to communicate effectively, with the engineering team and with the community at large.

Last updated: 8 November 2024