Engineering and design

Digital Communications

Module code: H6106
Level 6
15 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Laboratory, Lecture
Assessment modes: Coursework

This module introduces the basic principles of digital communications and applications. Mobile phones, WiFi, satellite, internet, and digital TV are all examples of digital communication systems that we all use every day.

The module will:

  • provide you with fundamental knowledge and skills for the design and analysis of digital communication systems
  • start with an introduction to communication systems
    • cover major topics on digital baseband and digital bandpass communication principles
  • cover techniques used in wired and wireless communication systems
  • finish with higher-level topics including performance analysis, multiplexing methods, and information theory concepts
  • contain a mix of lectures and laboratory-based project work using MATLAB/Simulink software tools.

Topics include:

  • basic elements and categories of communication systems, signals and spectra
  • digital baseband communications, source coding for analogue signals, and data transmission fundamentals
  • physical layer transmission and reception systems
  • digital bandpass communications, digital modulation and demodulation methods
  • error performance and bandwidth efficiency of digital communication systems
  • frequency and time division multiplexing methods
  • information theory, Shannon channel capacity, source coding, and channel coding
  • modelling, simulations. and performance analysis of digital communication systems using MATLAB/Simulink software tools

Module learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the underlying principles of digital communications, transmission and reception techniques, and applications.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the mathematical principle underpins design and analysis of communication systems.
  • Apply appropriate computational and analytical methods in problem solving and the design of digital communication systems.
  • Model and simulate digital communication systems and critically evaluate performance using MATLAB/Simulink software tools.