CC3910 - Digital Communication Technologies

This subject aims to present the basic principles that underlie the analysis and design of digital communication systems. This subject involves the transmission of information in digital form from a source that generates the information to one or more destinations. In this subject, we cover the following topics: Probability and Stochastic Processes, Digital Modulation Schemes, Optimum Receiver for AWGN Channels, An Introduction to Information Theory, Error Control Coding, and Digital Communication Through Band-Limited Channels. After the study of this course, the students should be able to apply advanced mathematic tools and analysis methodologies in digital communications, to design and evaluate the performance of optimum receivers for various modulation methods when the channel corrupts the transmitted signal by the addition of white Gaussian noise, and analyse the fundamental limits on digital communications from information theory perspective etc.

Learning Outcomes

• Apply the mathematic tools and models in the digital communications;
• Evaluate the performance of various digital modulations for signal transmission over a communication channel;
• Design and evaluate the performance of optimum receivers for various modulation methods when the channel corrupts the transmitted signal by the addition of white Gaussian noise;
• Analyse the fundamental limits on digital communications from information theory perspective;
• Apply error control coding in digital communication to achieve reliable information transmission through a noisy channel;
• Evaluate the performance of channel coded communication systems;
• Design signals for band-limited channel;
• Evaluate the functionality and performance of each building block of the digital communication systems;
• Implement simulation programs to realize the function of each building block of digital communications system, and evaluate their performance.

Subject Assessment

• Written > Examination (centrally administered) - (60%) - Individual
• Written > Test/Quiz 1 - (20%) - Individual
• Performance/Practice/Product > Practical assessment/practical skills demonstration - (20%) - Individual.

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.