Digital Communications (H6106)
Digital Communications
Module H6106
Module details for 2025/26.
15 credits
FHEQ Level 6
Module Outline
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 aim of the module is to provide the student with fundamental knowledge and skills important in the design and analysis of digital communication systems. The module starts with an introduction to communication systems, followed by major topics on digital baseband and digital bandpass communication principles and techniques used in wired and wireless communication systems. It finishes with higher level topics including performance analysis, multiplexing methods, and information theory concepts. The module is delivered by a series of lectures and laboratory-based project work using MATLAB/Simulink software tools.
Topics include:
-Introduction, 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.
AHEP4 Learning Outcomes: C1, C2, C3, C3, C4, C12, C13, M1, M2, M3, M4, M12, M13.
Library
B. Sklar, Digital Communications Fundamentals and Applications, 2nd Ed., Pearson, 2013.
S. Haykin, Digital Communication Systems, Wiley, 4th Ed., 2014.
I.A. Glover and P.M. Grant, Digital Communications, 3rd Ed., Pearson , 2009.
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.
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 100.00% | |
| Coursework components. Weighted as shown below. | ||
| Report | A2 Week 1 | 80.00% |
| Presentation | T2 Week 10 (10 minutes) | 20.00% |
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 | 01111111110 |
| Spring Semester | Lecture | 2 hours | 11111111111 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Prof Falah Ali
Assess convenor
/profiles/8055
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