DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS

Prerequisites

This course requires knowledge of the basic concepts of mathematical analysis, probability theory and notions of the courses Analysis and Processing of Signals and Communication Systems.

Contents

1. Introduction to the Course
2. Elements of Information Theory (SlidesI, SlidesII)
a. Discrete sources without memory
b. Measurement of the amount of information
c. Entropy of the source alphabet
d. Coding of the source alphabet
e. Communication channels
f. Capacity of a discrete channel without memory
g. Equivocation and probability of error
h. Continuous information measurement
i. Capacity of the band limited Gaussian channel
3. Elements of Decision Theory (SlidesIII)
a. Excellent decision: a real signal + noise
b. Optimal decision: M real signals + noise
c. Optimal decision for complex signals
4. Transmission of waveforms on the Gaussian channel • Numerical Modulation Schemes (slidesIV, slidesV)
a. Modulation without memory and coherent demodulation
b. Band-pass modulation without incoherent demodulation memory
c. Modulation with memory and coherent demodulation
5. Numerical modulation schemes (slides-modulation-1, slidesV_2)
a. WFP
b. ASK
c. PSK
d. AM-PM (QAM)
e. FM
f. MSK
g. CPM
6. The mobile radio channel (channel slides)
a. The stationary Gaussian channel in the broad sense with uncorrelated scattering
b. Narrow-band characterization: envelope of the received signal
c. Numerical Transmissions on the wireless mobile channel
d. Diversity techniques in time varying channels
7. Adaptive receivers and channel equalization (Equalizz_Ricev_Adatt)
a. Notes on the wireless channel
b. Adaptive receiver: Channel identification
c. Adaptive receiver: Channel equalization
8. Channel coding (Slide_codifica1, Slide_codifica2)
a. Reliable transmission with coded waveforms
b. Block codes
c. Convolutional codes

Assessment methods

The evaluation of the level of preparation achieved by the student will be carried out, first of all, verifying the ability to translate the theoretical notions acquired into simple design examples. The exam will consist of an oral test, i.e. an interview, whose aim is be to verify the understanding of the concepts provided in the course and their organic classification. Particular importance will be given to the student’s ability to make connections between the various topics examined and to assess their impact in a real telecommunications system.
There are no intermediate checks other than those arising from the interaction daily during lessons and individual meetings between teacher and students. Based on the perceived level of preparation the teacher could calibrate, as much as possible, the contents of the course. An optional check will be made, for students who will request it, through the development of a research paper on a topic of the course. The evolution of this integrative study activity will give the teacher more individual elements of assessment, usable also for the final exam.
Grading standards/evaluation criteria
The exam consists of the oral test only. Registration for the exam must take place exclusively via the Internet, at segreteriavirtuale.univaq.it/Start.do