Modern digital communications: a hands-on approach
Summary
This course complements the theoretical knowledge learned in PDC with more advanced topics such as OFDM, MIMO, fading channels, and GPS positioning. This knowledge is put into practice with hands-on exercises based on Matlab or Python (at choice) and on a software-defined radio platform.
Content
- Software radio : key concepts.
- Matlab/Python implementation of the signal processing chain to the level of detail taught in Principles of Digital Communications (PDC: COM-302).
- Channel modeling, estimation, equalization.
- Implementation of a basic wireless communication system using a software-defined radio testbed.
- Fading and diversity.
- OFDM and MIMO : theory and implementation.
- CDMA in the context of a GPS system.
- Decoding of a GPS signal and positioning.
Keywords
Wireless, OFDM, Diversity, Coding, GPS, CDMA, MMSE, Rayleigh fading, software-defined radio, channel estimation.
Learning Prerequisites
Required courses
COM-302 Principles of Digital Communications (PDC) or equivalent.
Important concepts to start the course
Solid understanding of linear algebra and probability as well as real and complex analysis.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, the student must be able to:
- Design and implement an advanced digital communication system (data rate, spectral bandwidth, energy requirements, error probability, implementation complexity).
- Model the physical properties of wired and wireless communication channels.
- Implement various parts of a "physical-layer" digital communication system.
- Understand what software-defined radio is all about.
Teaching methods
Ex cathedra lectures and small projects.
Expected student activities
Follow lectures; guided as well as independent work on projects.
Assessment methods
Written and practical midterm and final exam during the semester.
40% midterm exam, 60% final exam.
Supervision
| Office hours | Yes |
| Assistants | Yes |
| Forum | Yes |
In the programs
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: During the semester (winter session)
- Subject examined: Modern digital communications: a hands-on approach
- Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Labs: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: mandatory
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: During the semester (winter session)
- Subject examined: Modern digital communications: a hands-on approach
- Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Labs: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: mandatory
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: During the semester (winter session)
- Subject examined: Modern digital communications: a hands-on approach
- Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Labs: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: During the semester (winter session)
- Subject examined: Modern digital communications: a hands-on approach
- Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Labs: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: During the semester (winter session)
- Subject examined: Modern digital communications: a hands-on approach
- Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Labs: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: During the semester (winter session)
- Subject examined: Modern digital communications: a hands-on approach
- Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Labs: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: During the semester (winter session)
- Subject examined: Modern digital communications: a hands-on approach
- Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Labs: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional