Checking date: 17/01/2025


Course: 2024/2025

Digital Communications
(15385)
Bachelor in Telecommunication Technologies Engineering (Plan: 445 - Estudio: 252)


Coordinating teacher: RAMIREZ GARCIA, DAVID

Department assigned to the subject: Signal and Communications Theory Department

Type: Compulsory
ECTS Credits: 6.0 ECTS

Course:
Semester:




Requirements (Subjects that are assumed to be known)
Linear Systems (Second year, first semester) Communication Theory (Second year, second semester)
Objectives
Knowledge and management of the different techniques of digital communications (linear and non-linear, multi-carrier and spread spectrum), the structure of receivers and the basic techniques for protection against errors in digital communications. Therefore, the objectives of this course are: - Acquisition of the knowledge of mathematics and statistics that will be used as a tool to solve engineering problems in the context of digital communication systems. - Design of a communication system with realistic constraints given by critical parameters such as cost, consume of power, bandwidth, transmission rate, and complexity.
Skills and learning outcomes
CB1: Students have demonstrated possession and understanding of knowledge in an area of study that builds on the foundation of general secondary education, and is usually at a level that, while relying on advanced textbooks, also includes some aspects that involve knowledge from the cutting edge of their field of study CB2: Students are able to apply their knowledge to their work or vocation in a professional manner and possess the competences usually demonstrated through the development and defence of arguments and problem solving within their field of study. CG3: Knowledge of basic and technological subject areas which enable acquisition of new methods and technologies, as well as endowing the technical engineer with the versatility necessary to adapt to any new situation. ECRT5: Ability to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of different alternative technologies for development and implementation of communication systems, from the point of view of signal space, perturbations and noise, and analog and digital modulation systems. ETEGITT3: Ability to analyze, codify, process and transmit multimedia information using analog and digital signal processing techniques. RA1: Knowledge and understanding of the general fundamentals of engineering, scientific and mathematical principles, as well as those of their branch or specialty, including some knowledge at the forefront of their field. RA2:  Analysis. Graduates will be able to solve engineering problems through an analysis process, identifying the problem, recognising specifications, establishing different methods of resolution, selecting the most appropriate one and implementing it correctly. They must be able to use various methods and recognize the importance of social constraints, human health, safety, the environment, as well as commercial constraints. RA3: Design. Graduates will have the ability to make engineering designs according to their level of knowledge and understanding, working as a team. Design encompasses devices, processes, methods and objects, and specifications that are broader than strictly technical, including social awareness, health and safety, environmental and commercial considerations RA5: Applications. Graduates will have the ability to apply their knowledge and understanding to solve problems, conduct research, and design engineering devices or processes. These skills include knowledge, use and limitations of materials, computer models, process engineering, equipment, practical work, technical literature and information sources. They must be aware  of all the implications of engineering practice: ethical, environmental, commercial and industrial.
Description of contents: programme
1. Linear modulations: 1.1 Baseband and bandpass PAM modulations 1.2 Required bandwidth and analysis of noise in these modulations. 2. Receivers for digital communications 2.1 The problem of inter-symbol interference 2.2 Optimal receivers 2.3 Structures for channel equalizers 3. Phase and frequency modulations 3.1 Non-linear phase modulations 3.2 Frequency modulations and continuous phase modulations 4. Multi-pulse modulations 4.1 Multi-carrier modulations: required bandwidth and analysis of noise in these modulations 4.2 Spread spectrum modulations: required bandwidth and analysis of noise in these modulations 5. Techniques for protection against errors 5.1 Block codes 5.2 Convolutional codes
Learning activities and methodology
Three teaching activities are proposed: Theoretical classes, exercise classes and laboratory exercises. The ECTS credits include in all cases the personal work and group work to be carried out by the student. THEORETICAL CLASS AND EXAMPLES (3 ECTS) The theoretical class will be given in the blackboard, with slides or by any other means to illustrate the concepts learnt. In these classes the explanation will be completed with examples. In these sessions the student will acquire the basic concepts of the course. It is important to highlight that these classes require the initiative and the personal and group involvement of the students (there will be concepts that the student himself should develop). CLASS EXERCISES (2 ECTS) Before the exercise class, the student will have available the exercise list. The student should solve the exercises proposed in order to assimilate the concepts obtained in the theoretical class in a more complex environment and to self-evaluate his knowledge. LABORATORY EXERCISES (1 ECTS) Basic concepts learnt during the course are applied by means of simulation. The student should participate actively on the exercise implementation; the level of the student involvement in this work grows from the first exercise to the last one where the student will be encouraged to propose and solve the problem.
Assessment System
  • % end-of-term-examination 60
  • % of continuous assessment (assigments, laboratory, practicals...) 40

Calendar of Continuous assessment


Extraordinary call: regulations
Basic Bibliography
  • A. Artés, F. Pérez, J. Cid, R. López, C. Mosquera, F. Pérez.. Comunicaciones Digitales. Pearson Educación. 2007
  • B. Sklar. Digital Communications. Prentice Hall. 1988
  • J.G. Proakis. Digital Communications. McGraw-Hill. 2001

The course syllabus may change due academic events or other reasons.