Module: Digital Signal Processing

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Digital Signal Processing
Module Code	PHY1057 (ITS: PS403)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Physical Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

The overarching objective of the module is to develop in the participants practical time-invariant digital signal system design skills. The module focusses on prototypical linear time invariant systems and aims to be the stepping off point for more advanced modules in adaptive, non-linear and time varying systems.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the fundamental properties of linear time invariant systems
2. State, prove and apply Shannon's sampling theorem
3. Relate signal to noise ratio (SNR) to number of samples averaged in signal sampling and averaging systems
4. Compute the impulse response of DSP systems and combine it with convolution techniques to compute DSP system response for any arbitrary input (and vice versa).
5. Write down, state the properties of, and apply Fourier Transforms and Z-Transforms in DSP systems
6. Design, obtain the properties of and code basic window (or apodization) functions
7. Design basic finite impulse response (FIR) and infinite impulse response (IIR) filters

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	3 lectures per week (averaged over semester)
Tutorial	6	6 hours equivalent (tutorial/in-lecture) problem solving, in-class tests
Independent Study	95	Studying and learning lecture material, solving tutorial problems, background reading, revision, following up recommended WWW links
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20900	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	20%	Examination Weight	80%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC3	Best Mark	Y
Module Co-ordinator	John Costello	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
In Class Test	2 x Tests focused on numerical problem solving	20%	Week 6
Formal Examination	End-of-Semester Final Examination	80%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Indicative Syllabus
1. Signal Sampling: Shannon's theorem, Nyquist concepts, etc.,

2. Noise: Sources and Statistics,

3. Linear DSP systems:Scope, definitions and concepts,

4. Analysing DSP system in the time domain: responses, etc.,

5. Analysing DSP system in the frequency domain:Discrete Fourier Series (DFS) and Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT),

6. The Z-transform and its applications in DSP,

7. Non-recursive (Finite Impulse Response) and recursive (Infinite Impulse Responses) filter design,

8. The Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and its applications in DSP.

1. Signal Sampling
Shannon's theorem, Nyquist concepts, etc.,

2. Noise
Sources and statistics of noise

3. Linear systems
Linear DSP systems: Scope, definitions and concepts,

4. Time domain
Analysing DSP system in the time domain: responses, etc.,

5. Frequency domain
Analysing DSP system in the frequency domain:Discrete Fourier Series (DFS) and Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT),

6. Z-transform
The Z-transform and its applications in DSP,

7. Filter design
Non-recursive (Finite Impulse Response) and recursive (Infinite Impulse Responses) filter design,

8. FFT
The Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and its applications in DSP.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

P A Lynn and W Fuerst: 1994, Introductory Signal Processing with Computer Applications, 2nd, Wiley,
L. C. Ludeman: 1987, Fundamentals of DSP, Wiley,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None