Analogue Communication and Propagation (H6107)
Note to prospective students: this content is drawn from our database of current courses and modules. The detail does vary from year to year as our courses are constantly under review and continuously improving, but this information should give you a real flavour of what it is like to study at Sussex.
We’re currently reviewing teaching and assessment of our modules in light of the COVID-19 situation. We’ll publish the latest information as soon as possible.
Analogue Communication and Propagation
Module H6107
Module details for 2024/25.
15 credits
FHEQ Level 5
Pre-Requisite
Electronic Circuit & Systems Design
Engineering Mathematics 2
Engineering Maths 1A
Engineering Maths 1B
Module Outline
Using a combination of theory, design and practice, and drawing on latest research and industry standards, this module provides an in-depth exposure to principles and practice of anlogue communications, propagation and antenna design , covering all relevant frequency ranges, including the conventional low and microwave frequencies up to terahertz. The module provides highly illustrative approach to fundamental theory combined with analysis, design and operation for an array of practical applications. The following topics are covered:
Your studies in this module cover:
• Maxwell's equations, the electromagnetic wave equation, the Poynting vector
• plane waves, phase and group velocity, skin depth
• propagation along transmission lines, attenuation and distortion, characteristic impedance, reflections and standing waves
• electromagnetic propagation in free space, line of sight communications and design using Fresnel zone, power budget in satellite links, tropospheric and ionospheric propagation
• introduction to antennas and aerials (including dipole, Yagi-Ueda, arrays, dish, planar, patch, antennas for CP) radiation pattern, reciprocity theorem, antenna gain
• analogue communication systems, modulation and demodulation systems (AM/FM/pulse), phase lock loops
• physical sources and statistical properties of electrical noise, signal-to-noise ratio, noise figure, noise temperature
• spectrum management and EMC, radio transmitter and receiver architecture.
AHEP4 Learning outcomes: C1, C2, C6, C12, M1, M2, M6, M12
Library
Kraus, J.D. and Fleisch Electromagnetics with applications 5th ed, McGraw-Hill, 007289969-7
Ulaby, FT. Fundamentals of Applied Electromagnetics 5th Ed, Prentice-Hall 2006, 013241326-4
Roddy, D. and Coolen, J. Electronic Communications 4th ed., Prentice-Hall 1995, ISBN-10: 013312083X ISBN-13: 978-0133120837
Module learning outcomes
Apply fundamental knowledge and principles of analogue communication, propagation, and antennas to design appropriate solutions to communication engineering design problems in transmission line and radio communication systems.
Analyse and evaluate antenna design and link-budgets for mobile and satellite communication networks.
Design transmission line and antenna systems using fundamental principles and appropriate ma models.
Use software laboratory and appropriate programming language to design and evaluate transmission lines and antenna systems.
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 25.00% | |
| Coursework components. Weighted as shown below. | ||
| Problem Set | T2 Week 10 | 20.00% |
| Problem Set | T2 Week 6 | 20.00% |
| Report | T2 Week 11 | 60.00% |
| Unseen Examination | Semester 2 Assessment | 75.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Semester | Laboratory | 2 hours | 00101001000 |
| Spring Semester | Lecture | 2 hours | 11111111111 |
| Spring Semester | Lecture | 1 hour | 11111111111 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Dr Reza Mohammadkhani
Assess convenor
/profiles/558516
Please note that the University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver courses and modules in accordance with the descriptions set out here. However, the University keeps its courses and modules under review with the aim of enhancing quality. Some changes may therefore be made to the form or content of courses or modules shown as part of the normal process of curriculum management.
The University reserves the right to make changes to the contents or methods of delivery of, or to discontinue, merge or combine modules, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the University. If there are not sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the University reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the University withdraws or discontinues a module, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative module.