ECE6884 - Wireless communications - 2017

This unit introduces the fundamentals of wireless communications and networking. Students will learn about the characteristics of wireless channels, coding, modulation techniques, methods of combating fading including space, time and frequency diversity, multiple access techniques and cellular networks.

A selection of more advanced topics will also be covered including MIMO systems, heterogeneous networks, cognitive and cooperative communications.

At the successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Identify common radio channel impairments such as noise, fading and interference to synthesise theoretical channel models.
2. Determine theoretical error-performance of wireless systems for comparison against practical measurements.
3. Analyse theoretical capacity of wireless communication systems that employ spatial and temporal diversity methods.
4. Design appropriate transmitter and receiver signal processing functionalities for wireless systems and demonstrate its performance on a software defined radio hardware platform.
5. Assess space-time coding schemes that are capable of improving the channel capacity of wireless systems.

Continuous assessment: 50%

Examination (2 hours): 50%

Students are required to achieve at least 45% in the total continuous assessment component (assignments, tests, mid-semester exams, laboratory reports) and at least 45% in the final examination component and an overall mark of 50% to achieve a pass grade in the unit. Students failing to achieve this requirement will be given a maximum of 45% in the unit.

3 hours lectures/tutorials, 3 hours laboratory and 6 hours of private study per week.

See also Unit timetable information

Professor Manos Varvarigos