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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2022 - 2023

Module Title
Module Code
School

Online Module Resources

NFQ level 9 Credit Rating 7.5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description

This module aims to develop a fundamental understanding of techniques which make possible reliable digital communications over wireless fading channels. Building on the analysis of simple digital modulation schemes over noisy non-fading channels it then introduces the concept of fading, along with its key physical characterisations (fast, slow, flat and frequency selective). These are derived in terms of the underpinning propagation phenomena and quantified in terms of key channel statistical metrics such as coherence bandwidth and coherence time. The module then examines the use of diversity techniques to improve the performance of digital modulation in fading channels. These include time, frequency and space diversity. In particular we shall examine the use of multiple antenna (MIMO) technology and space time coding. Emerging channel modelling techniques such as ray tracing will be introduced.

Learning Outcomes

1. �������� ��� ���Evaluate the performance of digital modulation schemes for noisy AWGN channels and band-limited channels.
2. Describe the physical processes that generate fading as well as the simple metrics used to characterize channels such as coherence bandwith and coherence time.
3. Describe the wireless channel as a linear time varying system and derive a discrete-time baseband model
4. Analyse the performance of signalling techniques in a variety of fading channels.
5. Describe and analyse the effectiveness of time, frequency and space diversity techniques
6. Analyse the use of CDMA and OFDM to allow multiple access and manage interference.
7. Extend statistical channel models to the MIMO case and derive simple beamforming and spatial multiplexing techniques.
8. Numerically model selected topics in digital wireless communications using Matlab.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture36Classroom lectures
Assignment Completion36Assignments and homeworks
Independent Study116Independent study and exam preparation
Total Workload: 188

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

Review of required mathematics:
Fourier analysis, probability and random processes, systems.

Introduction to digital communications and wireless communications
source coding, digital modulation, propagation, channel coding, fundamental constraints, capacity, radiowave propagation, cellular systems and networks,

Baseband digital communications:
binary bandwidth limited signals and inter-symbol interference, noise and bit errors, adaptive equalization. Band pass digital systems: Binary PSK and QPSK.

The wireless channel:
physical modelling for wireless channels, reflections, the effect of mobility, the channel as a linear time varying system, Doppler spread and coherence time, delay spread and coherence bandwidth, statistical channel models, Rayleigh and Ricean fading,

Coherent detection in Rayleigh fading channels.
Time diversity – repetition coding, frequency diversity: ISI equalization, direct sequence spread spectrum, orthogonal frequency division multiplexing. Channel estimation and non coherent detection.

Modelling of MIMO fading channels:
channel matrix, statistical modelling in angular domain, degrees of freedom and diversity. Deterministic channel modelling and ray tracing.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment% Examination Weight%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable
Indicative Reading List

  • David Tse and Pramod Viswanath: 0, Fundamentals of Wireless Communication, Cambridge University Press, 978-052184527
  • Andrea Goldsmith: 0, Wireless Communications, Cambridge University Press, 978-052183716
  • Andreas F Molisch: 0, Wireless Communications, Wiley-IEEE, 978-047074186
  • Simon Haykin: 2013, Digital Communication Systems, Wiley, 9780471647355
  • John Proakis: 0, Digital Communications, McGraw Hill, 978007295716
Other Resources

None
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