Module Details

Module Code: PHYS7002
Title: Digital Systems Interfacing
Long Title: Digital Systems Interfacing
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2023/24 ( September 2023 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4411 - Physics
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: This module provides the student with the necessary skills and knowledge to understand and utilise digital signals, sensors, and systems. A strong emphasis is placed on relevant practical laboratory skills, including the use of digital test equipment, and practical implementation of communications protocols.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Effectively use a variety of sophisticated digital test equipment to analyse and trouble-shoot systems.
LO2 Critically compare the characteristics of a number of standard interfaces.
LO3 Set up links between computers and programmable instruments over a number of different types of interface.
LO4 Write programs in an appropriate high level language to control instruments and automate laboratory experiments.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
The Digitization process
The sampling theorem and aliasing. Fourier series and transforms. Resolution and quantization noise. Applications such as speech and music recording.
Digital Test Equipment
Operating principles and applications of digital storage oscilloscope, logic analyser, arbitrary waveform generator, spectrum analyser (swept sine and FFT), vector signal generators/analysers, RF transceivers, protocol analysers, packet sniffers.
Guided and Wireless Communications Principles
Signalling, synchronization and flow control, error detection and recovery, character encoding. Multiplexing. Wireless Communications principles: amplitude/frequency/phase shift modulation (e.g. BPSK, QPSK, QAM), DSS and other interference reduction mechanisms. Applications of principles in communications protocols e.g. UART, RS-232, USB, SPI, I2C, Zigbee, WirelessHART.
System Integration and Test
Use of software in implementation of communications protocols. Relevant Python libraries and implementations e.g. pySerial, pyVISA, pyUSB, microPython.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 20
Timing Every Second Week Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
Laboratory Assignments
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 8 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
Written assessment
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 50
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
Laboratory Exam
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Delivery of module content Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Delivery & application of module content Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Study & homework Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Delivery of module content Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Delivery & application of module content Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Study & homework Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • William Stallings. (2013), Data and Computer Communications, 10th. Pearson Education, [ISBN: 9781292014388].
  • Frederick J. Harris, Bernard Sklar. (2020), Digital Communications: Fundamentals and Applications, 3rd Edition, 3rd. Pearson, [ISBN: 9780134588636].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Paul Horowitz & Winfield Hill. (2015), The Art of Electronics, 3rd. Cambridge University Press, [ISBN: 9780521809269].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_SINEN_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Instrument Engineering 6 Mandatory
CR_SPHYS_7 Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics and Instrumentation 6 Mandatory