EE 511 - INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS

CATALOG DATA:

EE511 Introduction to communication systems: 3 Credits

An introduction to the basic signal processing operations in communications systems. Topics include frequency and time domain signal and system representation, random signals, modulation, sampling, pulse modulation, information theory. Prereq: EE 421G and engineering standing.

TEXTBOOK:

Digital and Analog Communication Systems by Leon W. Couch II, Sixth Edition, Prentice Hall.

COORDINATOR:

Laurence G. Hassebrook, Associate Professor.

GOALS:

The content of "Communication Systems" represents the basic knowledge necessary for transmitting and receiving information using today's communication technologies. The techniques that will be studied involve coding information onto a carrier (modulation) which is then transmitted. The received signal is then decoded (demodulated) yielding the original information. Emphasis will be given to analog modulation of both analog and digital signals. Classical and modern modulation techniques will be covered. These include the classical FM and AM modulation techniques, as well as modern Phase Shift Keying, Frequency Shift Keying, Quadrature and Spread Spectrum modulation techniques. The student should attain a good theoretical and practical understanding of communication techniques.

PREREQUISITE:

EE421G and engineering standing.

TOPICS:

This course will cover the concepts associated with the Fourier transform, active filtering, spectral analysis, sampling theory and signal modulation/demodulation.

Filter design will include active higher order bandpass, lowpass, highpass and linear phase filtering. Matched filtering and quadrature detection for binary demodulation will be studied.

Sampling theory will cover impulse, natural and sample and hold types of sampling design. The modulation techniques covered will include Amplitude Modulation (AM), Time-Division Modulation (TDM) and Frequency Shift Keying (FSK), Phase Shift Keying (PSK) and Spread Spectrum.

OUTCOMES:

Upon completion of this course students should demonstrate the ability to:

1. Analyze basic communication systems involving random signals, filtering, sampling, and modulation.
2. Design basic communication systems.
3. Describe the reasoning behind design decisions.

COMPUTER USAGE:

MATLAB problems are assigned regularly with the homework to establish a useful skill level in these software tools. A final group project will be assigned as a competitive project.

DESIGN CONTENT:

1. Final Project: The students form groups with no more than 4 people. They are given a working baseline transmission and reception model written in MATLAB. Their task is to write a modulator and demodulator MATLAB modules. The input data format and intermediate formats and protocol are defined by the instructor. The idea is to send as many random bits as possible, through a noisey band limited channel model and then recover them, with out error. The group that can transmit the most bits with out error wins and the groups are graded on the number of bits sent without error.

CLASS SCHEDULE:

Lecture 3 hours per week.

PROFESSIONAL CONTRIBUTION:

Engineering science: 2.25 credits (75%)

Engineering Design: 0.75 credits (25%).

RELATION OF COURSE TO PROGRAM OUTCOMES:

These course outcomes fulfill the following Program outcomes:

(c) An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs.

(e) An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems.

(g) an ability to communicate effectively

(k) An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.

(m) depth of knowledge in at least one area

(n) knowledge of probability and statistics, including applications to electrical and computer systems

(o) knowledge of mathematics through differential and integral calculus

(p) knowledge of basic sciences, computer science, and engineering sciences necessary to analyze and design complex electrical and electronic devices, software, and systems containing hardware and software components

(q) knowledge of advanced mathematics, linear algebra, complex variables, and discrete mathematics.

PREPARED BY: L.G. Hassebrook Date: April 25, 2004