Communication Systems (ELEN90057)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
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: 4 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELEN30012 | Signals and Systems |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
AND
One of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELEN90054 | Probability and Random Models | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| MAST30001 | Stochastic Modelling | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| MAST30020 | Probability for Inference | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
ELEN30003 Communication Systems
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Final Exam Assignment. This will be an individual assignment released at beginning of examination period and due two weeks later. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1 - 4 are addressed in the examination.
| End of semester | 30% |
Progress test 1. ILOs 1 - 4 are addressed in this test.
| From Week 4 to Week 6 | 15% |
Progress test 2. ILOs 1 - 4 are addressed in this test.
| From Week 8 to Week 10 | 15% |
Participation in workshops. ILOs 1 - 5 are addressed in this assessment. | Throughout the semester | 10% |
Written assignments. Three equally-weighted assignments not exceeding 30 pages in total and completed in groups of up to three students. ILOs 1 - 5 are addressed in these assignments.
| Due in Weeks 4, 8 and 12 (approximately) | 30% |
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours Four hours of workshops per week for 12 weeks, ideally grouped into two 2-hour sessions per week. These workshops integrate what would traditionally be called lectures, tutorials and laboratories. Total time commitment 200 hours Teaching period 28 July 2025 to 26 October 2025 Last self-enrol date 8 August 2025 Census date 1 September 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 26 September 2025 Assessment period ends 21 November 2025
Time commitment details
200 hours
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Subject notes
LEARNING AND TEACHING METHODS
The subject is delivered through lectures, tutorials and workshop classes.
INDICATIVE KEY LEARNING RESOURCES
Students have online access to lecture notes, and tutorial and solution sets, and access to software- and hardware-based workshops. Reference books are available from the library for short-term loan.
CAREERS / INDUSTRY LINKS
Exposure to simulation and measurement tools and teamwork through the five workshops.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Specialisation (formal) Electrical with Business Specialisation (formal) Electrical Specialisation (formal) Mechatronics - Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Additional information for this subject
Subject coordinator approval required
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 4 March 2025