Analogue and Digital Communications (H6107)
Analogue and Digital Communications
Module H6107
Module details for 2027/28.
15 credits
FHEQ Level 5
Full Module Description
Using a combination of theory, design and practice, and drawing on the latest research and industry standards, this module provides a comprehensive introduction to modern communication systems, covering the fundamental principles that underpin the transmission of information from transmitter to receiver across a range of media. Students explore electromagnetic wave propagation, transmission lines, antennas, and wireless channels, before examining the impact of noise and key system performance metrics such as signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and link budgets. The module then develops core concepts in sampling, quantisation, multiplexing, and digital communication, including coding, capacity limits, and bit error rate performance. Both analogue and digital modulation techniques are studied, alongside the architectures of practical transmitters and receivers. Throughout, MATLAB-based simulations and laboratory sessions support the analysis, design, and evaluation of communication systems, enabling students to link theoretical concepts with real-world engineering applications.
Covered topics:
1. Communication System Fundamentals (Week 1)
System blocks (TX–channel–RX)
2. Electromagnetic Waves and Transmission Lines (Week 2-3)
(required for Radio to Optical Frequency Engineering module)
EM waves and propagation basics
Transmission lines, impedance, reflections, standing waves
MATLAB-based simulation of electromagnetic wave propagation and transmission line behaviour
3. Antennas, Propagation, and Link Budgets (Week 4-5)
Antenna fundamentals (radiation, gain, directivity)
Antenna types and characteristics
Wireless propagation and channel impairments (mobile and satellite links)
Link budgets and received power calculations
MATLAB-based simulation and evaluation of antenna types and key performance metrics, such as gain and directivity
4. Noise and System Performance (Week 6)
Thermal noise and noise sources
Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and noise figure
Impact of noise on communication signals
5. Digital Communication Foundations (Week 7- 8)
Sampling and quantisation principles
Pulse Amplitude Modulation (PAM) and Pulse Code Modulation (PCM)
Multiplexing techniques: TDM and FDM
Source and channel coding
Shannon capacity and limits
BER vs SNR and performance trade-offs
MATLAB design task: system design to meet BER specifications
6. Modulation Techniques (Week 9-10)
Analog: AM, FM, PM
Digital: ASK, PSK, QAM
Comparing power efficiency, bandwidth efficiency, and noise resilience
7. Transmitters and Receivers (Week 11)
Communication transmitter and receiver architectures
Analog transmitters and receivers (e.g., superheterodyne, PLL-based systems)
Digital transmitters and receivers (baseband processing, matched filters, detection)
Baseband and bandpass system implementation
MATLAB-based modelling and evaluation of transmitter and receiver performance
AHEP4 Learning outcomes: C1, C2, C6, C12, M1, M2, M6, M12
Module learning outcomes
Apply fundamental knowledge of communication systems, including analogue and digital modulation, propagation, and noise, to analyse and design communication links.
Analyse and evaluate signal propagation, antenna systems, and communication link performance including SNR and link budgets for wireless communication systems.
Design and evaluate analogue and digital communication systems, including modulation schemes and receiver structures, under noise and bandwidth constraints.
Use appropriate software tools to model, simulate, and design communication systems, including electromagnetic wave propagation, antenna behaviour, and digital communication systems meeting specified performance requirements (e.g. BER).
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Unseen Examination | Semester 2 Assessment | 75.00% |
| Coursework | 25.00% | |
| Coursework components. Weighted as shown below. | ||
| Problem Set | T2 Week 8 | 40.00% |
| Report | T2 Week 11 | 60.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Semester | Laboratory | 2 hours | 000101000100 |
| Spring Semester | Lecture | 3 hours | 111111111110 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
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