NG4S803 - Digital Communication Systems 01 Sep 2020 - 31 Aug 2028 | Version 4
Associated Module Information
| Module Code: | NG4S803 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Module Title: | Digital Communication Systems | ||
| Faculty: | Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science | ||
| Faculty Group: | Information and Electronics | ||
| Faculty Sub Group: | Electronics | ||
| Module Leader: | Adam Jones | ||
| Module Team: | Sivagunalan Sivanathan, Eurfyl Davies, Elango Nagasundaram | ||
| First Intended Intake: | SEP 2015 | Final Year of Intake: | 2027 |
| Date Closed: | |||
| Credit Value: | 20 | Credit Level: | 7 |
| Language: | English | ||
| Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: | 0 | ||
| Equivalent Module: | |||
| HECOS codes: | 100163 - electrical and electronic engineering | ||
| HECOS Code Weighting: | 100 | ||
Document Version Information
| Version | 4 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 01 Sep 2020 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2028 |
Module Aims
To equip students with a comprehensive understanding and practical knowledge of the core techniques that underpin diverse digital communication systems. The module focuses on key theoretical concepts, IEEE standards, design methodologies, simulation approaches, and their application in in the solution of complex modern, real-world contexts.
Content Summary
1. Signal analysis (time domain).
2. Signal analysis (frequency domain).
3. Architecture of digital communication systems.
4. Design parameters of digital communication systems.
5. Information theory.
6. Source coding techniques.
7. Channel coding techniques.
8. Line coding techniques.
9. Analogue modulation schemes.
10. Digital modulation schemes.
11. Complex and adaptive modulation techniques.
12. Signal filtering.
12. Signal amplification.
13. Channel models and estimation.
14. IEEE wireless standards.
15. IEEE wired standards.
16. Modern and emerging technologies.
Through practical application using MATLAB/SIMULINK, students will develop complex solutions to modern digital communication system design challenges. This includes the generation and analysis of digital signals, the design of link budgets with a critical evaluation of associated trade-offs, and an in-depth analysis of advanced modulation techniques, such as high-order QAM, under practical environmental constraints. Additionally, students will critically assess the impact of varying system parameters on channel capacity, demonstrating the ability to synthesize theoretical concepts and practical considerations to solve real-world communication system challenges.
Learning and Teaching Methods
| Activity Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 16 |
| Tutorial | 16 |
| Practical classes and workshops | 16 |
| Independent Study | 120 |
| Directed Study | 32 |
| Total Hours Selected | 200 |
Learning Outcomes
| # | Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| LO1 | Demonstrate a systematic understanding and critical evaluation of signal processing techniques and the trade-offs inherent in the design of modern digital communication systems. |
| LO2 | Apply advanced knowledge and analytical skills to design a digital communication system, ensuring the effective selection and specification of link and system parameters to meet defined quality-of-service targets, addressing constraints and practical challenges encountered in real-world scenarios. |
Module Requisites
N/A
Assessment Criteria
| Assessment Category | Assessment Type | Description | Duration | Word Count | Weight (%) | Best of? | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asynchronous Assessment | Practical Written Work 1 | Digital communication systems design, simulation, and analysis | 0 | 2000 | 60 | No | 50 |
| Synchronous Onsite Assessment (Exam) | Onsite Closed Book Examination 1 | Exam | 120 | N/A | 40 | No | 50 |
Assessment Matrix
| Assessment Type | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| LO1 | LO2 | ||
| Practical Written Work 1 | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Onsite Closed Book Examination 1 | ✔ | ✔ | |