Module Specification
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Communication Systems
Code ELEC202
Coordinator Dr W Al-Nuaimy
Electrical Engineering and Electronics
Wax@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2021-22 Level 5 FHEQ Second Semester 7.5

Aims

To present the concepts involved with signals and communication systems. Namely: Basic communications theory; analogue modulation: amplitude modulation; analogue modulation:angle modulation; sampling and quantisation; digital (data) and analogue systems; pulse modulation; digital modulation and multiplexing.

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):
MATH191 MATHEMATICS I FOR ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS; MATH192 MATHEMATICS II FOR ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS 

Co-requisite modules:
ELEC270 SIGNALS AND SYSTEMS 

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) On successful completion of this module the student should be able to understand basics of modern analogue and digital communication systems and modulation techniques, their historical development and societal context in terms of contributing to quality of life.

(LO2) On successful completion of this module the student should be able to use various signal analysis tools to analyse communication systems, such as spectrum analysis, frequency domain representations, sampling theory and quantisation.

(LO3) On successful completion of this module the student should be able to  describe the effect of noise on communication systems.

(LO4) On successful completion of this module the student should be able to describe, use and compare various analogue modulation/demodulation techniques. Understand relevant concepts such as amplitude modulation, suppressed carrier, large carrier, double sideband, single sideband, vestigial sideband, angle modulation frequency modulation, phase modulation, envelop detector, coherent demodulator, modulation index, power efficiency, bandwidth, etc.

(LO5) On successful completion of this module the student should be able to  describe, use and compare various digital modulation/demodulation techniques.Understand relevant concepts, such as pulse code modulation, pulse widthmodulation, pulse position modulation, pulse amplitude modulation, amplitudeshift keying, phase shift keying, frequency shift keying, baseband system,passband system, etc.

(LO6) On successful completion of this module the student should be able to describe, use and compare various multiplexing techniques, such as frequency division multiplexing and time division multiplexing.

(S1) Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical analysis

(S2) Numeracy/computational skills - Problem solving

(S3) Commercial awareness - Ability to analyse/balance risk and reward

Syllabus
 

Basic Knowledge:
Communication systems; analogue and digital systems; signal bandwidth; signal to noise ratio; channel capacity; trade-offs in communication system design and modulation.

Amplitude Modulation:
General idea of AM modulation; DSB-LC, DSB-SC, SSB and VSB modulations; modulation index; bandwidth and spectrum; AM demodulation; comparison of different AM systems in terms of power efficiency and bandwidth.

Angle Modulation :
Frequency modulation (FM) and phase modulation (PM);  narrow-band FM and PM; Carson's rule; modulation index;  bandwidth and spectrum; generation and demodulation of FM signals.

Sampling:
Sampling theorem; signal reconstruction and aliasing.

Pulse Modulation:
Quantising, encoding and line coding; pulse code modulation (PCM);  PAM, PWM and PPM and comparison of different pulse modulation methods.

Digital Modulation:
Digital data transmissio n; BASK, BFSK and BPSK and comparison of different digital modulation methods.

Multiplexing:
Frequency division multiplexers (FDM); Time division multiplexers (TDM).

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Due to Covid-19, one or more of the following delivery methods will be implemented based on the current local conditions and safety guidelines.

(a) Hybrid delivery, with social distancing on Campus

Teaching Method 1 - On-line asynchronous lectures
Description: Lectures to explain the material
Attendance Recorded: No
Notes: On average one per week

Teaching Method 2 - Synchronous face to face tutorials
Description: Tutorials and Problem Classes
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: On average one per week

(b) Fully online delivery and assessment

Teaching Method 1 - On-line asynchronous lectures
Description: Lectures to explain the material
Attendance Recorded: No
Notes: On average one per week

Teaching Method 2 - On-line synchronous tutorials
Description: Tutorials and Problem Classes
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: On average one per we ek

(c) Standard on-campus delivery with minimal social distancing

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Lectures to explain the material
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: On average one per week

Teaching Method 2 - Tutorial
Description: Tutorials on the Assignments and Problem Sheets
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: On average one per week

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 12

         6

3

2

 23
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 52
TOTAL HOURS 75

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
(202) Assessment 2 There is a resit opportunity. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Semester 2 examination period  0    70       
(202.1) Class Test 2 There is a resit opportunity. Non-standard penalty applies for late submission - Hard online deadline. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :As sche  1    15       
(202.2) Class Test 1 There is a resit opportunity. Non-standard penalty applies for late submission - Hard online deadline. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :As sche  0    15       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
             

Reading List
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.