ELEC ENG 7080 - Principles of Communication Systems

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2021

Frequency Domain Analysis; Amplitude Modulation; Synchronous Demodulation; Double Sideband Suppressed Carrier; Single Sideband Suppressed Carrier; Vestigial Sideband Modulation; Frequency Modulation; Radio and Television Broadcasting: Correlation Functions; Power Spectral Density; Cyclostationary Processes; Linear Time Invariant Systems; Gaussian Processes; White Noise; Noise Bandwidth; Narrowband Noise; Effect of Noise in Analog Systems; Information Theory and Source Coding; Information Content; Joint and Conditional Entropy; Source Coding Theorem; Huffman Codes; Mutual Information; Pulse Code Modulation; Differential Pulse Code Modulation; Pulse Position Modulation; Pulse Amplitude Modulation; Two Dimensional Signals; Carrier Modulation; Amplitude Shift Keying; Phase Shift Keying; Frequency Shift Keying; Quadrature Amplitude Modulation; The Matched Filter; Receiver for Carrier Systems; Probability of Error; Constellation Diagrams; Carrier and Clock Recovery; Digital Transmission in Bandlimited Channels; Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing; Channel Capacity and Coding; Hamming Distance; Linear Block Codes; Hamming Codes; Review Optical Waveguides; Dispersion and Distortion Effects; Single-Mode and Multi-mode Optical Fibres; Light emitting diodes; Lasers; Photoelectric effects; PIN photodiodes; Avalanche Photodiodes; Receiver circuits; Noise and Detection.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code ELEC ENG 7080
    Course Principles of Communication Systems
    Coordinating Unit School of Electrical & Electronic Engineering
    Term Semester 1
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 4 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Incompatible ELEC ENG 4063
    Assumed Knowledge ELEC ENG 7079
    Course Description Frequency Domain Analysis; Amplitude Modulation; Synchronous Demodulation; Double Sideband Suppressed Carrier; Single Sideband Suppressed Carrier; Vestigial Sideband Modulation; Frequency Modulation; Radio and Television Broadcasting: Correlation Functions; Power Spectral Density; Cyclostationary Processes; Linear Time Invariant Systems; Gaussian Processes; White Noise; Noise Bandwidth; Narrowband Noise; Effect of Noise in Analog Systems; Information Theory and Source Coding; Information Content; Joint and Conditional Entropy; Source Coding Theorem; Huffman Codes; Mutual Information; Pulse Code Modulation; Differential Pulse Code Modulation; Pulse Position Modulation; Pulse Amplitude Modulation; Two Dimensional Signals; Carrier Modulation; Amplitude Shift Keying; Phase Shift Keying; Frequency Shift Keying; Quadrature Amplitude Modulation; The Matched Filter; Receiver for Carrier Systems; Probability of Error; Constellation Diagrams; Carrier and Clock Recovery; Digital Transmission in Bandlimited Channels; Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing; Channel Capacity and Coding; Hamming Distance; Linear Block Codes; Hamming Codes; Review Optical Waveguides; Dispersion and Distortion Effects; Single-Mode and Multi-mode Optical Fibres; Light emitting diodes; Lasers; Photoelectric effects; PIN photodiodes; Avalanche Photodiodes; Receiver circuits; Noise and Detection.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Professor Derek Abbott

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

     
    1 Analyse communication systems in both the time and frequency domains. 
    2 Describe the principles of amplitude modulated and angle modulated communication
    systems and be able to analyse their performance in the presence of
    noise. 
    3 Explain source coding, its relations to information theory and cite Shannon’s
    theorem. 
    4 Describe the principles of various digital modulation systems and their properties,
    including bandwidth, channel capacity, transmission over bandlimited
    channels, inter-symbol interference (ISI), demodulation methods, and error
    performance in the presence of noise. 
    5 Explain and analyse error correcting codes, including block codes. 
    6 Explain engineering fundamentals of photogeneration, photodetection, lightwave
    propagation, for optical communications.

     
    The above course learning outcomes are aligned with the Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standard for the Professional Engineer.
    The course is designed to develop the following Elements of Competency: 1.1   1.2   1.3   1.4   1.5   1.6   2.1   2.2   2.3   2.4   3.1   3.2   3.3   3.4   3.5   3.6   

    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Deep discipline knowledge
    • informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies
    • acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1
    • accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)
    1-6
    Critical thinking and problem solving
    • steeped in research methods and rigor
    • based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development
    • demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment
    1-6
    Teamwork and communication skills
    • developed from, with, and via the SGDE
    • honed through assessment and practice throughout the program of studies
    • encouraged and valued in all aspects of learning
    1,2
    Career and leadership readiness
    • technology savvy
    • professional and, where relevant, fully accredited
    • forward thinking and well informed
    • tested and validated by work based experiences
    1-6
    Intercultural and ethical competency
    • adept at operating in other cultures
    • comfortable with different nationalities and social contexts
    • able to determine and contribute to desirable social outcomes
    • demonstrated by study abroad or with an understanding of indigenous knowledges
    1-6
    Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
    • a capacity for self-reflection and a willingness to engage in self-appraisal
    • open to objective and constructive feedback from supervisors and peers
    • able to negotiate difficult social situations, defuse conflict and engage positively in purposeful debate
    1-6
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Text Books:
    1) J. G. Proakis and M. Salehi, Communication Systems Engineering, 2nd Ed Prentice-Hall.
    2) J.C. Palais, Fibre Optic Communications, Publ: Prentice-Hall

    A set of course notes, practice problems and other supporting materials will also be available for downloading from the course web site.
    Recommended Resources
    Text Books:
    1) R. E. Ziemer & W. H. Tranter, Principles of Communications, 5th Ed Wiley.
    2) A. B. Carlson, Communication Systems, 4th Ed, McGraw-Hill.
    3) M. Born and E. Wolf, Principles of Optics, Publ: Cambridge University Press.
    4) B.E.A. Saleh and M.C. Teich, Fundamentals of Photonics, Publ: John Wiley & Sons.
    Online Learning
    Course materials will be available via MyUni web site for this course, https://myuni.adelaide.edu.au/webapps/login.

    Course notes, tutorial problems and solutions, laboratory exercises and practice problems will all be available for downloading from the web site. Where the lecture theatre facilities permit, audio recordings of lectures will also be available for downloading.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    This course relies on lectures as the primary delivery mechanism for the material. Students are encouraged to view the lecture beforehand on podcast, so that the live lecture can focus more on questions arising and lecturer-student interaction. Tutorials supplement the lectures by providing exercises and example problems to enhance the understanding obtained through lectures. Students are encouraged to pre-pare for tutorials in small independent teams or groups before attending the tutorial. Continuous assessment activities provide the formative assessment opportunities for students to gauge their progress and understanding and will comprise a major Matlab assignment. The assignment will be a formative part of the small group experience, and students will be required to formally partner and problem solve in small groups. However, the written material handed up will be expected to be carried out individually.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    Activity Contact hours Workload hours
    Lecture 36 lectures 36 72
    Assignment 1 - 24
    TOTALS 36 96
    Learning Activities Summary
    Activity Sessions Week Topic
    Lecture 1 1 Overview
    2 1 Introduction
    3 1 Frequency domain analysis 1
    4 2 Frequency domain analysis 2
    5 2 Analog modulation systems 1
    6 2 Analog modulation systems 2
    7 3 Random processes and linear systems 1
    8 3 Random processes and linear systems 2
    9 3 Random processes and linear systems 3
    10 4 Effect of noise on analog systems 1
    11 4 Effect of noise on analog systems 1
    12 4 Information theory 1
    13 5 Information theory 2
    14 5 Information theory 3
    15 5 Digital modulations systems 1
    16 6 Digital modulations systems 2
    17 6 Digital Transmission in Bandlimited Channels
    18 6 Channel capacity and coding 1
    19 7 Channel capacity and coding 2
    20 7 Introduction to optical communications
    21 7 Geometric and physical optics
    22 8 Lightwave fundamentals
    23 8 Resonant cavities
    24 8 Dielectric slab waveguides
    25 9 Dielectric slab waveguides
    26 9 Optical fibres
    27 9 Optical fibres
    28 10 Optical fibres
    29 10 Connectors and couplers
    30 10 Light emitting diodes
    31 11 Lasers
    32 11 Lasers
    33 11 Photodiodes
    34 12 Photodiodes
    35 12 Heterodyne receivers
    36 12 Signal-to-noise ratio of optical systems
    Tutorial 1 2 Fourier methods
    2 4 Analog modulation
    3 6 SNR and Huffman coding
    4 8 Digital modulation
    5 10 Detectors and fibres
    6 12 Sources and fibres
    Assignment 1 6 Matlab modelling of analog comms system
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task Weighting (%) Individual/ Group Formative/ Summative
    Due (week)*
    Hurdle criteria Learning outcomes
    Assignments 75 Group Fromative Weeks 6,9,12 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
    Quizzes 25 Individual Summative Weeks 6,12 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
    Total 100
    * The specific due date for each assessment task will be available on MyUni.
     
    This assessment breakdown is registered as an exemption to the University's Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy. The exemption is related to the Procedures clause(s): 1. b. 3.    1. c.   
     
    This course has a hurdle requirement. Meeting the specified hurdle criteria is a requirement for passing the course.
    Assessment Related Requirements
    The examination is a hurdle requirement. It is necessary to achieve at least 40% in the exam. If this is not achieved, the total course mark will be limited to a maximum of 49.

    A hurdle requirement is defined by the University's Assessment for Coursework Programs policy as "...an assessment task mandating a minimum level of performance as a condition of passing the course.
    If a student fails to meet a hurdle requirement (normally no less than 40%),and is assigned a total mark for the course in the range of 45-49, then the student is entitled to an offer of additional assessment of some type. The type of assessment is to be decided by the School Assessment Review Committee when determining final results. The student’s final total mark will be entered at no more than 49% and the offer of an additional assessment will be specified eg. US01. Once the additional assessment has been completed, this mark will be included in the calculation of the total mark for the course and the better of the two results will apply. Note however that the maximum final result for a course in which a student has sat an additional assessment will be a “50 Pass”.

    If a student is unable to meet a hurdle requirement related to an assessment piece (may be throughout semester or at semester’s end) due to medical or compassionate circumstances beyond their control, then the student is entitled to an offer of replacement assessment of some type. An interim result of RP will be entered for the student, and the student will be notified of the offer of a replacement assessment. Once the replacement assessment has been completed, the result of that assessment will be included in the calculation of the total mark for the course.
    Assessment Detail
    Details of the assessment task will be provided during Week 4 of the semester.
    Submission
    All written submissions to formative assessment activities are to be submitted to designated boxes within the School of Electrical & Electronic Engineering by 3:00pm by the specified dated and must be accompanied by a signed cover sheet. Copies of blank cover sheets are available from the School office, Room 3.26, Ingkarni Wardli.

    No late submissions will be accepted. The assessments will have a two-week turn-around time for provision of feedback to students.

    Full details can be found at the School policies website:
    http://www1.eleceng.adelaide.edu.au/students/policies/
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
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    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

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