Unit Outline

This unit introduces advance techniques to mitigate the impairments of modern communication systems. The topics covered include: (1) small-scale channel models, non-dispersive and dispersive fading models, intersymbol interference and multipath propagation. (2) Channel impulse response estimation and channel equalisation using decision feedback detection, MAP detection, Trellis diagrams, maximum likelihood sequence estimation and Viterbi algorithm. (3) Introduction to the noisy channel coding theorem, error coding and modular arithmetic, parity check codes, linear block codes, hamming codes, Cyclic Redundancy Check codes, convolutional codes, puncturing and interleaving codes, LDPC and turbo codes. (4) Multiple access schemes concepts: FDMA, TDMA, Spread spectrum communications, synchronous CDMA, asynchronous CDMA, rate diagrams, SIC. (5) Fourth and fifth generation modulation concepts: Orthogonality, circulant matrices, OFDM transmitter and receiver structure, impact of AWGN on OFDM signals, impact of multipath fading on OFDM signals, OFDM vs OFDMA. (6) Large-scale path loss: electromagnetic theory, reflection of EM radiation, two-ray reflection model, diffraction and scattering, and shadowing effects. (7) Mobile Communications concepts: introduction to cellular engineering, link budgets, interference and system capacity, trunking and queuing. (8) Introduction to satellite communications, orbital mechanics, types of orbits, atmospheric windows, space segments and earth segments.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1	Evaluate different channel equalisation methods to mitigate effects of small-scale fading channels.
2	Design link budgets for communication links, taking into account the effects of large-scale path loss.
3	Evaluate different channel coding algorithms to enhance the capacity of the communication channel.
4	Explain the trade-offs in mobile network planning when considering interference, capacity constraints, trunking and queuing of services.

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Pre-requisite	ENG308 Communications systems 1

Alterations as a result of student feedback

First delivery of unit

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Simulation project 1	Week 6	15 %	LO1
Assessment Task 2:	Mid-term test	Week 8	15 %	LO1
Assessment Task 3:	Simulation project 2	Week 9	15 %	LO3
Assessment Task 4:	Simulation project 3	Week 12	15 %	LO2, LO4
Assessment Task 5:	Exam	Exam Period	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Simulation project 1

Task Description:

The student is expected to create a baseband simulation program to emulate the effects small-scale fading has on communication systems. A performance comparison is made on dispersive and non-dispersive fading. Several channel equalisation methods will be evaluate and their performance improvements.
Generative AI use permitted and acknowledge.

Task Length:

5 page report

Due Date:

Week 6

Weight:

15 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Design a dispersive and non-dispersive fading communication systems to meet specifications.	LO1
2	Evaluate the performance of the the system through Monte Carlo simulation.	LO1
3	Discuss measured communication system performance	LO1

Assessment Task 2: Mid-term test

Task Description:

The student will write a 90-minute invigilated test. In this test student will answer questions to demonstrate their understanding of dispersive channel and equalisation methods.
Generative AI use not permitted.

Task Length:

90 minutes

Due Date:

Week 8

Weight:

15 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Mathematically express induced effects of frequency selective fading.	LO1
2	Equalise channel impulse responses induced by multipath faded channels.	LO1

Assessment Task 3: Simulation project 2

Task Description:

The student is expected to expand on their baseband simulation program to emulate the modulation and demodulation of OFDM symbols as used in modern generation cellular networks. Several channel coding algorithms will be evaluate and their performance improvements measured.
Generative AI use permitted and acknowledge.

Task Length:

5 page report

Due Date:

Week 9

Weight:

15 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Simulate channel coding algorithms to evaluate the effects on reliable communication transmission.	LO3
2	Evaluate the effects of the code rate on bandwidth utilisation.	LO3

Assessment Task 4: Simulation project 3

Task Description:

The student is expected to create a simulation program to emulate the effects of large-scale fading impacts has on cellular networks. The effects on quality of service of cellular systems will be investigated.
Generative AI use permitted and acknowledge.

Task Length:

5 page report

Due Date:

Week 12

Weight:

15 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Design a link budget for communication links using large scale fading models.	LO2
2	Calculate minimum required transmission power.	LO2
3	Evaluate and explain the effects on quality of service of cellular systems will be given the interference of the communication channel.	LO4

Assessment Task 5: Exam

Task Description:

In the exam the student will answer questions to demonstrate their ability to design communication links using link budgets to account for large-scale fading channel, while also using equalisation methods to invert the effects of multipath faded channels. The decoding of corrupted data stream using modern channel coding methods will be tested, with the use of syndrome checking.
Generative AI use not permitted.

Task Length:

3-hour written invigilated exam

Due Date:

Exam Period

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

To pass ILO1 your aggregate mark on the components of Exam, mid-term test, and Simulation project 1 assessing ILO1 weighted according to their contribution to the final mark, must be greater than or equal to 50%.

To pass ILO2 your aggregate mark on the components of Exam, and Simulation project 3 assessing ILO2 weighted according to their contribution to the final mark, must be greater than or equal to 50%.

To pass ILO3 your aggregate mark on the components of Exam, and Simulation project 2 assessing ILO3 weighted according to their contribution to the final mark, must be greater than or equal to 50%.

To pass ILO4 your aggregate mark on the components of Exam, and Simulation project 3 assessing ILO4 weighted according to their contribution to the final mark, must be greater than or equal to 50%.

Academic progress review

The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.