Module Details

Module Code: ELTR7008
Title: Digital Comms Principles
Long Title: Digital Communications Principles
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2020/21 ( September 2020 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5230 - Electronic Engineering
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: This module introduces the student to fundamental digital transmission concepts. A number of baseband and passband transmission schemes are discussed at block diagram level.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Describe the sampling process and compute spectra for sampled waveforms.
LO2 Explain the operation of baseband communication systems including pulse code modulation (PCM) and delta modulation systems and compute appropriate performance criteria.
LO3 Describe at block diagram level and evaluate the operation of M-ary digital passband transmission systems including QPSK, MPSK and MQAM.
LO4 Evaluate bandwidth and bitrate requirements for digital baseband, passband and multiplexed transmission schemes.
LO5 Describe line coding and clock recovery methods; evaluate the impact of line coding and synchronisation methods on the design of digital transmission schemes.
LO6 Report on the operation of typical digital communications systems using industry standard simulation tools.
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).
13985 ELTR7007 Wireless Comms Principles
13986 ELTR7008 Digital Comms Principles
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
Sampling
Sampling theorem, Nyquist rate, aliasing, spectrum of sampled signals. Signal recovery. Natural sampling vs flat top sampling, sample & hold considerations, distortion and equalisation.
Baseband Communications
Review of PCM, quantization noise and SQNR. Linear PCM, companded PCM, SQNR of companded systems. Survey of other waveform coding systems with applications, DPCM, ADPCM, delta modulation, sigma delta modulation, CELP.
Baseband Transmission
Encoding and decoding for baseband transmission, commonly used line codes, e.g. NRZ, RZ, Manchester, AMI. Pulse shaping, ISI, crosstalk, jitter, eye diagram, clock recovery, integrate and dump receiver.
Multiplexing
Review of multiplexing concepts, TDM, FDM, WDM. Bit and frame synchronisation. Bandwidth requirements. Multiplexing examples. Wired networks, e.g. PDH, SDH, SONET, OTN. Wireless networks, e.g. cellular, wifi.
Digital Passband Transmission
Review of binary modulation schemes, e.g. ASK, BPSK, DPSK, FSK. Multilevel (M-ary) single carrier modulation schemes, MASK, MPSK, QAM. Block diagrams of quadrature modulators and demodulators. Baud rates and bandwidth requirements. Pulse shaping, raised cosine and root raised cosine filters. Carrier recovery issues. Typical applications for passband modulation schemes.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5,6
Assessment Description
Laboratory exercises and assignments in digital communications using industry standard simulation tools. Individual and small group activities.
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 8 Learning Outcomes 1,2,4,5
Assessment Description
Questions on baseband communications and line coding topics.
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 50
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5,6
Assessment Description
Written examination
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

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 Presentation of theory with worked examples and case studies Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Laboratory practicals using systems simulation tools Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Self study, review of lecture material, assignments 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 Presentation of theory with worked examples and case studies Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Laboratory practicals using systems simulation tools Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Self study, review of lecture material, assignments Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Leon Couch. (2013), Digital and Analog Communication Systems, 8th. Wiley, [ISBN: 9780132915380].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • John W. Leis. (2018), Communications Systems Principles using MATLAB, 1st. Wiley, [ISBN: 978-11194706].
  • Simon Haykin, Michael Moher. (2009), Communication Systems, 5th. Wiley, [ISBN: 0470169966].
  • Ian Glover, Peter Grant. (2010), Digital Communications, 3rd. Prentice Hall, [ISBN: 0273718304].
  • Paul H. Young. (2004), Electronic communication techniques, 5th. Pearson/Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, N.J., [ISBN: 0130482854].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_EELES_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Electronic Engineering 6 Mandatory
CR_EELXE_7 Bachelor of Engineering in Electronic Engineering 6 Mandatory