Analogue and Digital Communication Systems covers the analogue and digital techniques for transmitting information. You will develop an understanding of the impact of noise on analogue modulated systems and the limitations of noise will be also applied to the digital equivalents of their analogue modulation counterparts.  A laboratory element runs through the semester, which gives a practical outlet to taught theory.  Through the laboratory you will become familiar with the National Instruments ELVIS II board and expand your understanding of its applicability to real-world problems.  The impact of digital enhancement on signal characteristics is also covered, providing students with a realistic view of modern communication systems where digital design concepts not only affect the signal processing domain but also the hardware domain in which they are utilised in. These concepts also provide additional knowledge and appreciation for hardware related modules taught at Cardiff University. 

LO1. Systematically understand the interplay between the main components of a modern analogue and digital communications system. 

LO2. Appreciate the complexity including the pros and cons of the various analogue and digital modulation schemes. 

LO3. Critique communications systems from an industrial perspective in a professional environment. 

LO4. Critically evaluate modulation schemes with a holistic perspective of the communications industry and stakeholders. 

LO5. Communicate your understanding of communications systems in group lab discussions. 

LO6. Apply knowledge in the design of communications system components for a range of scenarios. 

Techniques and background information are introduced through a blend of on-campus face-to-face classes (tutorials, feedback sessions), online teaching and learning material, guided study, and extensive notes for pre/post lecture reading. Laboratories are delivered face-to-face on campus in a group learning environment. 

Throughout this module, the skills developed and practised include:  

• Collaborate with peers in a group learning environment. 

• Communicate ideas and understanding of communications systems and relevant theory. 

• Think independently, being critical of modulation schemes and the way in which they are implemented in the UK. 

In addition, you will develop the following skills which are not assessed: 

• Being mindful of the climate emergency and how communications systems play their part in the UN’s sustainable development goals. 

• Being ethically and socially aware within the context of the communications industry and how taught content filters into products and services, and how those affect life. 

• Reflect on your studies, personal performance and consider how to improve, expand your ideas, and understand how taught content may aid your transition into industry within the communications sector. 

• Set goals for the course and plan your schedule of work to aid you in reaching those goals. 

Students on this 20-credit module are assessed via Laboratories that are worth 30% of the module (LO 3(p), 4, 5), Class Tests worth 10% of the module (LO 1(p), 2(p)), and by a formal two-hour examination at the end of the Autumn semester worth 60% of the module (LO 1(p), 2(p), 3(p), 6).  

Feedback for class tests will normally be delivered through a discussion of the test within the lecture following the submission deadline. A marked response, where you can review your test and answers, is posted after the in-class discussion.  Feedback in laboratories will be delivered through a mix of verbal, mark, and partner learning processes. 

The minimum pass mark of 40% must be achieved overall. 

Note (p) denotes partial coverage of LO. 

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

The opportunity for reassessment in this module will be set at component level. The remit of the reassessment will be set by the module leader mapped against the module learning outcomes.    

Opportunities for re-assessment is only permitted provided you have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by your programme.  If the amount of credit you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme.  You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period. 

All resit assessments will be held in the Resit Examination period, prior to the start of the following academic session. 

• Analogue modulation techniques 

• Digital modulation techniques 

• Noise and its various impacts on systems 

• PAPR hardware consideration 

• Imperfections of the telecommunications system 

• Analogue – Digital interface 

• Analogue-to-Digital convertor 

• Laboratory sessions covering analogue and digital modulations schemes’ theory and how they can be built in practice.