module specification

This module examines the technology underlying current and future mobile wireless systems. It provides the essential theoretical principles and concepts encountered in the design of typical modern communications systems. Various analogue and digital modulation schemes essential for information transmission are examined, including the detrimental effect of noise in limiting system performance.

Propagation of EM waves through free space and the atmosphere. Free space propagation model, reflection, diffraction, scattering, link budget design. Fading and multipath effects, techniques of space and frequency diversity. Doppler effect. Noise as a fundamental parameter in communication systems. Sources and characteristics of internal and external noise.

Antennas. Launching and radiation of EM waves into free space near and far field, directivity, radiation pattern and radiation resistance, concepts of antenna gain, beam-width and effective aperture.
Multiplexing, triple play service, FDM/TDM, T1 System, PDH, Asynchronous/Synchronous Transmission techniques and Networks.

Introduction to existing and emerging technologies, e.g. WiFi (802.11), Bluetooth, Zigbee, UWB (ultra wideband), Wireless USB, and IR Wireless.

Circuit Switched/Packet Switched and Message Switching Networks. Broadband Transmission over telephone network, ADSL Broadband, POTs Splitter and Micro-filters.

Cellular concepts and system design fundamentals. Introduction to wireless communication: Evolution of mobile communications, mobile radio systems- Examples, trends in cellular radio and personal communications. Cellular System Design and relevant issues: Fading, Sectoring, Signal Power Loss analysis and calculation using plane wave propagation approach, Coherence Bandwidth of Mobile Systems under different mobile environments,Frequency reuse, channel assignment, hand off, Interference and system capacity, tracking and grade of service, Improving Coverage and capacity in Cellular systems. Modulation techniques for mobile radio - analogue and digital. Multiple Access Techniques: FDMA, TDMA and CDMA.

The theoretical components of this module are delivered through a series of lectures supported by problem classes, tutorials, directed independent learning, and e-learning/blended learning. The practical aspects are covered in a laboratory programme which runs throughout the year, provides an opportunity for the student to investigate the properties and characteristics of signals and waveforms using appropriate simulation tools. Students maintain a record of their work in a logbook. Extra questions at the end of the laboratory exercises are used to link the practical work with lecture material. The module is supported by a detailed web home page.

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

LO1. Explain the fundamentals of cellular systems, and demonstrate knowledge of mobile systems, their transmission characteristics and discuss the principles and techniques associated with the operation of mobile transmission and reception;
LO2.  Explain the concepts of radio transmission to the extent that they impact on mobile wireless system design;
LO3. Explain the principles and characteristics of launching EM waves in free space, various modulation/demodulation techniques and factors that affect radio wave propagation;
LO4. Determine the frequency spectra of modulated and pulsed signals used in communication circuits or networks;
LO5. Describe noise types and sources and their effect upon signals in communication systems;
LO6. Explain and distinguish between various transmissiontechniques and networks.
LO7 DescribeBroadband Transmission over Telephone Network and associated techniques
LO8. Learn about existing and emerging technologies
LO9.  Able to critically analyse and evaluate the performance of mobile communication systems (including Fading, Sectoring, Signal Power Loss analysis and calculation using plane wave propagation approach, Coherence Bandwidth of Mobile Systems under different mobile environments) ;
LO10. Critically evaluate and reflect on their learning, development and achievements within the context of electronic communications technology.

Assessment strategy
Problem sheets (formative and summative):
Learning is promoted through formative and summative assessment (20%) based on problem sheets related to the lecture material; these are reviewed in tutorial classes (provides learning of LO1 to LO9).
Laboratory work and end of the year report (formative and summative 30%). Students maintain a record of their work in a logbook, and formative assessment is provided through inspection and feedback of the logbook and tutorial questions attempted as course work.

More Detail on the CW : The course workis of TWO elements; the first of these will be submitted at the end of first term in W16 and it consists of various design, analysis and calculations questions and is submitted on line for marking & feedback. This component of the CW is 20%.The laboratory work culminates in a detailed 1500 words technical report as the final course work (30%) and it is submitted at the end of second term in week 25[LO1, LO5, LO8,LO9,LO10).

Closed-book end of module examination (summative) (50%):
The 2-Hour Unseen Examination paper is the major summative assessment instrument which ensures assessment of all learning outcomes (LO1 to LO9).

Learning Manager Meetings: in order to pass this module, students must attend at least two meetings with their Learning Manager (one in Autumn and one in Spring) in order to reflect upon, discuss and plan their approach to learning and organisation of their study.

1. Molisch A. F., Second Edition (2011), “Wireless Communications”, ISBN 978 0470741870
2. Dodd A., (2005), “Essential Guide to Telecommunications”,  ISBN 978 0131487253
3. Olenewa J.L., 3rd Edition (2013), “ Guide to Wireless Communications”,  ISBN: 978-1111307318
4. Green D. C., (2000), “Radio Communication”, ISBN 0582369088
5. Rappaport T., (2002), “Wireless Communications - Principles and Practice”, ISBN 978 0130422323
6. Glover I.A and Grant P.M., Second Edition (2004) “ Digital Communications”, ISBN 0130893994.