ECE4042 - Communications theory

Leader: M Premaratne

Offered

Clayton Second semester 2008 (Day)
Sunway Second semester 2008 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit will cover aspects of physical layer communications which are relevant to modern communication systems. Digital modulation techniques, including quadrature modulation and orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) will be covered. The effects of noise on bit error rates will be covered, along with techniques to reduce them, including matched filtering and equalisation. Information theory covers questions of capacity, diversity, and error correction coding. Finally the use of multiple input multiple output (MIMO) communication systems will be covered.

Objectives

Knowledge of the fundamental limits of communication in noisy band limited channels. Knowledge of digital modulation techniques and the advantages and disadvantages of different techniques. Understanding of the properties of different communication channels and how channels can be modelled mathematically. Knowledge of the properties of modern error correcting codes. Understanding of how orthogonal frequency division multiplexing and multiple input multiple output (MIMO) multiple antenna systems can be used in modern communication systems and the advantages and limitations of their use. Understanding of the statistical nature of communications. Skills to design and simulate modern communication systems using industry standard simulation tools.

Assessment

Continuous assessment: 30%
Examination: (3 hours): 70%. Students must achieve a mark of 45% in each of these two components to achieve an overall pass grade.

Contact hours

3 hours lectures and 3 hours laboratory and practice classes, and 6 hours of private study per week

Prerequisites

ECE2041 or ECE2401

Prohibitions

ECE5042