James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2024

EE3700 - Communications Systems Principles

Subject Description

This subject aims to present the basic principles that underlie the analysis and design principle of modern 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, Modulation Schemes, Optimum Receiver for AWGN Channels, An Introduction to Information Theory, Error Control Coding, Multiple Access Techniques, and Multiple Antenna Systems. The Software-Defined Radio will also be introduced. After the study of this course, the students should be able to apply advanced mathematic tools and analysis methodologies in modern communications systems, 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 modern communications systems
• design and evaluate the performance of various digital modulations and optimum receivers for signal transmission over a communication channel
• analyse the fundamental limits on digital communications from an information theory perspective
• implement error control coding in digital communication to achieve reliable transmission through a noisy channel
• design and integrate the building blocks of modern communications systems using high-level programming tools with software-defined radio

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 that 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.

Availabilities