Advanced Communication Systems - 2021 entry

The Internet of Things, or IoT, is the network of Internet-based smart devices, or “Things”, that integrate embedded processors, sensors and communication hardware to collect and exchange data.  The applications of IoT cover a wide range of sectors such as energy, transportation, healthcare, agriculture and home automation. In this module you will focus on two of the key enabling technologies for IoT, advanced wireless communication and autonomous sensing.  You will be introduced to some mainstream communication technologies used in IoT such as Zigbee, BLE, RFID and NB-IoT. In addition, you will also learn the state-of-the-art autonomous sensing technologies. Your learning will be enhanced by a number of case studies in both enabling technologies covered in this module.

This module introduces you to the fundamental principles of advanced communications, from both theoretical and practical viewpoints. The aim is to allow you to understand the requirements, methods and limitations of current communication methods and systems, and to design and simulated/implement communications systems in the laboratory.

ILO #1: Understand the operating principles of wireless communications networks and optical fibre systems

ILO #2: Appreciate alternative approaches to the practical implementation of such systems

ILO #3: Appreciate the requirements and potential application for the Internet-of-Things

ILO #4: Illustrate specific practical laboratory skills in the area of the modulation,          transmission and detection of communication signals

ILO #5: Exhibit sufficient knowledge of communication theory to enable the design of
simple communication networks

ILO #6: Recognise the application areas and implementation routes for advanced            communication systems

ILO #7: Demonstrate enhanced problem solving skills

ILO #8: Show enhanced independent study skills

ILO #9: Develop enhanced individual and group-working skills
 

1: Introduction to wireless communication systems:

2: Wireless channels:

3: Advanced modulation techniques:

4: Transmitter and receiver requirements and design (antennas):

5: Noise, power budget and SNR considerations: 6: Wi-fi and wireless local area networks (WLAN):

7: Bluetooth and Zigbee signalling and systems: 8: Mobile communications systems: from GSM to 5G:

9: Optical fibre communication systems: 10: Devices and systems for the Internet-of-Things (IoT):

11: Network security:

12: Future developments:

As the module is assessed by the examination and coursework, the ref/def assessment will be by examination. The candidates will be awarded the ref/def examination mark combined with the original coursework mark.

Reading list for this module: