Course syllabus

Digital Communications
Digital kommunikation

EITG05, 7.5 credits, G2 (First Cycle)

Valid for: 2024/25
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering LTH
Decided by: PLED C/D
Date of Decision: 2024-04-16
Effective: 2024-05-08

General Information

Main field: Technology Depth of study relative to the degree requirements: First cycle, in-depth level of the course cannot be classified
Main field: Communication Systems Depth of study relative to the degree requirements: First cycle, in-depth level of the course cannot be classified
Mandatory for: MWIR1
Elective for: BME4, C4-ks, D4-ssr, D4-ns, E4-ks, F4, F4-f, M4, MFOT1, MMSR2, Pi4
Language of instruction: The course will be given in English

Aim

The aim of this course is to give basic knowledge of principles, concepts, functioning, performance and limitations of digital communication systems.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

Contents

Introduction: An overview is given of a general communication link consisting of the three parts transmitter – communication channel – receiver. Examples of digital communication methods are introduced for realistic bit rates and noise levels.

The transmitter: The principles, structure and functioning of the transmitter are explained. Basic binary and M-ary digital communication methods are presented such as: phase shift keying (PSK), quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM), frequency shift keying (FSK) and orthogonal frequency division multiplex (OFDM). Communication methods that use several transmitter and receiver antennas (MIMO system) are briefly discussed. The efficiency with respect to bit rate, bandwidth and signal power is evaluated for different methods. Multiple access techniques are briefly discussed in connection with multi-user communication systems.

The communication channel: The influence of the communication channel on the transmitted information carrying signals is investigated. The consequences of multi-path propagation and noise on the bit rate is also studied. Disturbing signals, noise and other unwanted signals are described and modelled (typically as additive white Gaussian noise in this course). The influence of different transmission media such as air, metallic conductors and optical fibers are briefly discussed.

The receiver: The principles (MAP and ML), structure and functioning of the receiver are explained. Synchronisation issues are described. The bit error probability of the receiver is analysed and calculated. The connection between bit rate, received signal power, noise level, bandwidth and error probability is clarified. The concept of diversity is briefly discussed and illustrated. Technical challenges when using very high bit rates, such as the presence of inter-symbol interference (ISI), is described.

Applications: Some of the following applications are considered in the course: Mobile digital telephony (3G, EDGE, GSM), WLAN, modem, ADSL, digital TV, Bluetooth, navigation (GPS), surveillance systems.

Examination details

Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5) - (Fail, Three, Four, Five)
Assessment: Written examination (5 h) normally consists of five problems. Approved lab is a requirement to be allowed to enter the examination.

The examiner, in consultation with Disability Support Services, may deviate from the regular form of examination in order to provide a permanently disabled student with a form of examination equivalent to that of a student without a disability.

Modules
Code: 0117. Name: Examination.
Credits: 6.5. Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5). Assessment: Written exam. The module includes: The whole course.
Code: 0217. Name: Laboratory Work.
Credits: 1.0. Grading scale: UG - (U, G). Assessment: Passed laboratory lesson. The module includes: The course has one mandatory laboration.

Admission

Assumed prior knowledge: FMAA01 Calculus in one variable or corresponding, and two years of studies at a technical university.
The number of participants is limited to: No
Kursen överlappar följande kurser: ETT051

Reading list

Contact

Course coordinator: Michael Lentmaier, michael.lentmaier@eit.lth.se
Course homepage: https://www.eit.lth.se/course/eitg05