Learning Objectives and Course Outline

Learning Objectives

By the end of the course, the students will be able to:

  1. Design Pulse code modulation (PCM) and other baseband modulation techniques for transmission of baseband signals.
  2. Develop a matched filter for detection of binary signals corrupted by additive white Gaussian noise.
  3. Compute the error probability, power, and bandwidth requirements of modern communication systems, including those employing binary ASK, PSK, and FSK modulation formats.
  4. Analyze the error detection and self-correction capability of channel codes.
  5. Implement common self error-correction codes including the convolutional codes as well as the corresponding decoders in particular the Viterbi Algorithm.
  6. Implement and compare the modren spread spectrum techniques including direct sequence and frequency hopping.

Course Outline

The course outline is a guideline to topics that will be discussed in the course, and when they will be discussed. The sequence in which topics wil be taught are subject to change. Instructors transparencies, if applicable, will also be made available here.

Week Topics Readings Handouts Assignment/Quiz Lab (tentative)
Sep.06, 2012 Digital Communication: Overview Section 1.1 Handout # 1 - -
Sep.10, 2012 Fundamentals Sections 1.2 - 1.7 Handout # 2 HW 1 Lab 1
Sep.17, 2012 Pulse Code Modulation Sections 2.1 - 2.6 Handout # 3 HW 1 due Lab 2 (Lab 1 due)
Sep.24, 2012 ML Detector Sections 3.1 - 3.2 Handout # 4 HW 2 (Quiz 1) Lab 2
Oct.01, 2012 Matched Filter Section 3.2 Handout # 4 HW 2 due Lab 3 (Lab 2 due)
Oct.08, 2012 Equalization Sections 3.3 - 3.5 Handout # 5 Lab 3
Oct.15, 2012 Bandpass Modulation Sections 4.1 - 4.5 Handout # 6 HW 3 (Quiz 2) Lab 3
Oct.22, 2012 Error Analysis Sections 4.7 - 4.9 Handout # 7 HW 3 due (Lab 3 due)
Oct.29, 2012 Mid-term Exam Lab 4
Oct.31, 2012 Co-curricular week (No classes) (Tutorial)
Nov.05, 2012 Channel Coding Sections 6.1 - 6.4 Handout # 8 HW 4 (Quiz 3) Lab 4
Nov.12, 2012 Linear Block Codes Sections 6.4 - 6.8 Handout # 9 HW 4 due Lab 4
Nov.19, 2012 Convolutional Codes Sections 7.1 - 7.3 Handout # 10 HW 5 (Quiz 4) Lab 5 (Lab 4 due)
Nov.26, 2012 Convolutional Decorders Sections 7.4 - 7.5 Handout # 11 HW 5 due Lab 5
Dec.03, 2012 Spread Spectrum Techniques Sections 12.1 - 12.4 Handout # 12 Quiz 5 (Lab 5 due)

Review Notes

  1. Review of Complex Numbers
  2. Review of Probability
  3. Review of Random variables

Animation

Animations explaining important concepts will be made available here as these concepts are introduced in the course.