This course presents the principles and techniques fundamental to the analysis and design of digital communication systems. It focuses on the basic building blocks of a digital communication system (source encoder/decoder, channel encoder/decoder, digital modulator/demodulator and channel characteristics). The emphasis is on mathematical underpinnings of communications theory along with practical applications and emerging machine learning tools. Specific topics include:
• Review of Probability and Random Processes and Modelling of Gaussian noise process.
• Digital Modulation Techniques: Signal space analysis, BPSK, QPSK, QAM.
• Digital Demodulation & Detection Techniques: Correlator-demodulator, Maximum likelihood detection (MLD) in additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN), bit error rate (BER) performance.
• Channel Encoder/Decoder: Linear block codes, Cyclic codes, Convolutional codes, Viterbi algorithm.
• Information Theory and Source Coding: Source Entropy, Huffman Coding, Channel Capacity.
Matlab and/or Python-based programming environment is used in the analysis and design.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Model digital communication signals and systems using appropriate mathematical techniques (e.g., probability, random process, signal-space analysis, constellation diagram, trellis diagram).
- Analyse the performance of digital modulation schemes over AWGN channels and select and construct appropriate modulation schemes according to design criteria.
- Characterise error-control codes and apply the encoding and decoding processes.
- Compute source entropy and channel capacity and apply the Huffman coding technique.
- Provide sound evaluation of practical digital communication systems in terms of their performance and complexity.
- Simulate digital communication systems in a proficient and confident manner.
- Apply engineering design practice in laboratory and project settings, individually or in a small team, and communicate the results effectively.
Indicative Assessment
- Assignments (13) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6]
- Labs (15) [LO 1,2,3,5,6,7]
- Project (15) [LO 2,6,7]
- Mid-term quiz (12) [LO 1,2,5]
- Final exam (45) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
10 hours per week is expected. Approximately 33 hours of lecture content, six computer and project-based labs (each 2.5 hours), six tutorials (each 1.5 hours), plus adequate self-study, drop-in discussions, assignments, reports and exam preparation.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Not applicable
Preliminary Reading
Recommended reading:
- Proakis, J.G. & Salehi, M., Communications Systems Engineering, 2nd edition, Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2002
- H. Nguyen and E. Shwedyk, A first course in digital communications, Cambridge University press, 2009
Minors
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $4980 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $6360 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2258 | 19 Feb 2024 | 26 Feb 2024 | 05 Apr 2024 | 24 May 2024 | In Person | View |
