Module: Communications Device Theory & Design

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

All Module information is indicative, and this portal is an interim interface pending the full upgrade of Coursebuilder and subsequent integration to the new DCU Student Information System (DCU Key).

As such, this is a point in time view of data which will be refreshed periodically. Some fields/data may not yet be available pending the completion of the full Coursebuilder upgrade and integration project. We will post status updates as they become available. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Communications Device Theory & Design
Module Code	CT2 (ITS) / ICT1012 (Banner)
Faculty	Engineering & Computing	School	Electronic Engineering
Module Co-ordinator	Richard Bolger
Module Teachers	Ciaran Motherway, Derek Molloy
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	15
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

Repeat examination
Array

Description

This module introduces concepts in the operational principles of modern communication systems and networks. Topics in the science of electronics are also presented. An electronics kit is used by each student and instructional online videos are made available to enable off-campus circuit building and experimentation.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the behaviour of Resistive, Capacitive and Inductive components in AC circuits.
2. Describe the characteristic and operation of stabilised DC power supplies.
3. Build and debug electronic circuits.
4. Build a simple DC voltage regulator circuit.
5. Configure and calculate component values of bipolar transistor amplifiers, field effect transistors amplifiers and operational amplifiers.
6. Describe the operation of sequential and combinational logic circuits, microprocessors and microcontrollers.
7. Describe the role and operation of timing circuits in digital electronics.
8. Demonstrate the relationships between bandwidth, noise and capacity.
9. Describe the signal conditioning and encoding processes necessary for telecommunications systems operation.
10. Describe Pulse Code Modulation and Quantisation Techniques
11. Contrast primary electro-optical devices as used in telecommunications systems.
12. Differentiate between transmission media and interfaces.
13. Illustrate basic network concepts and issues.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Tutorial	21	Face-to-face tutorials are held in DCU on Saturdays and Virtual Classroom tutorials on weekday evenings according to the timetable
Online activity	16	Interaction with tutor and fellow students
Independent Study	338	Reading, study, research and problem solving
Total Workload: 375

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Communications Systems
Signal Spectra, Filtering and Transmission Noise in Communications Systems Information Theory, Channels and Modulation Pulse Code Modulation

Communication Science
Diodes and Transistors Amplifiers Electronics in Action: DC Power Supplies

Communication Networks
Communications Networks - Standardisation Optics The Telephone Network Transmission Media and Signals Data Communication Techniques

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	25%	Examination Weight	75%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Assignment	Assignment comprised of two elements: One comprising a written assignment and the second a practical element where students build electrical circuit(s) using an electronics kit.	7%	Week 9
Assignment	Assignment comprised of two elements: One comprising a written assignment and the second a practical element where students build electrical circuit(s) using an electronics kit.	9%	Week 20
Assignment	Assignment comprised of two elements: One comprising a written assignment and the second a practical element where students build electrical circuit(s) using an electronics kit.	9%	Week 27

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Other Resources

65260, Electronics Kit, 0, Electronics kit,