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 (channel encoder/decoder, digital modulator/demodulator and channel characteristics). The emphasis is on mathematical underpinnings of communications theory along with practical applications. Specific topics include:

• Probability and Random Processes: Probability distributions, Random variables, Random processes, Statistical averages, Correlation.

• Digital Modulation Techniques: Signal space analysis, BPSK, QPSK, QAM, bit error rates.

• Digital Demodulation & Detection Techniques: Correlator, Maximum a posteriori detection (MAP), Maximum likelihood detection (MLSD).

• Channel Encoder/Decoder: Linear block codes, Cyclic codes, Convolutional codes, Viterbi algorithm.

• Channel Characteristics: Wireline vs. wireless channels, Mathematical models for communication cannels, Characterization of multipath channels.

• Digital Communication Systems: Multiple Access techniques, TDMA vs. CDMA communication systems.

Simulink/Matlab is used extensively in the analysis and design.

Knowledge Base
Having successfully completed this course, students should be able to:-

1. Describe a random process in terms of its mean and correlation functions and characterize special Gaussian and Rayleigh distributions.
2. Identify methods of digital modulation and compare their performance using signal-space analysis.
3. Explain receiver techniques for detection of a signal in AWGN channel.
4. Characterize error-control coding techniques and explain the working of Viterbi algorithm.
5. Explain the mechanism of signal propagation in wireless communication and classify characteristics of multipath propagation channels.

Engineering Ability
Having successfully completed this course, students should be able to:-

1. Explain in simple words the working principles of basic building blocks of a digital communication system.
2. Model digital communication systems using appropriate mathematical techniques (probability distributions, signal-space analysis, constellation diagrams, trellis graphs, impulse response).
3. Develop an intuitive grasp of random variables and notion of random process and their characteristics.

Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this course, students should be able to:-

1. Simulate digital communication applications using Simulink.
2. Calculate results using Matlab in a knowledgeable and confident manner.
3. Typset mathematical reports in Latex.

Textbook:

• Proakis, J.G. & Salehi, M., Communications Systems Engineering, 2nd  edition, Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2002

Recommended reading:

• Proakis, John G., Digital Communications, 4th ed, McGraw Hill, 2001
• Sklar, Bernard, Digital Communications: Fundamentals and Applications, 2nd edition, Prentice Hall
• Rappaport, Theodore S. Wireless Communications Principles & Practice, 2nd edition, Prentice Hall, 2002.
• Haykin, Simon, Communication Systems, 4th edition, John Wiley, 2001.
• Goldsmith, Andrea Wireless Communications, Cambridge University Press, 2005.