OVERVIEW

Digital communication systems convey information, in form of discrete symbols, from a source to a destination through a noisy channel. Reliable transmission over unreliable channels is possible by protecting the information by means of channel coding: the relevant techniques and constraints are presented in the course, as well as their theoretical foundations.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course will provide the bases of digital techniques for transmitting analog signals and for protecting data in digital communications (i.e. channel codes). Specifically, after a review of fundamentals of information theory, linear block codes and convolutional codes will be covered, as well as basics of Pulse Code Modulation. The aim is to furnish an adequate knowledge to understand the main components to be used to improve the reliability of modern digital telecommunication systems.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Attendance, active participation to lectures, and individual study will allow students to

- understand the basics of information theory
- appreciate its practical applications in channel coding
- learn the most used channel codes within digital communication systems
- learn to compare different codes and the relevant parameters affecting their performances
- learn the most used techniques to digitally transmit analog signals.

PREREQUISITES

Students are expected to have an adequate background in signal theory, probability theory, random processes, digital modulations: tools, concepts and techniques used or acquired in the course Digital Communications I.

TEACHING METHODS

Traditional lectures (50 hours) in attendance
Further information will be available on the AulaWeb page devoted to the course.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

• Basic concepts of Information Theory and source coding

  Channel coding: basic concepts, parity check codes, convolutional codes

  Digital transmission of analog signals: Pulse code modulation (PCM and DPCM), Delta modulation (DM)

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

A. B. Carlson, P. B. Crilly, J. C. Rutledge, “Communication Systems”, 4th edition, Mac Graw Hill, 2002

Handouts by the teacher, i.e. notes specifically devoted to all the topics covered during the course, including relevant comments, examples, basic exercises.

People who cannot attend the lectures will fruitfully use the handouts and the textbook.

Students with disabilities or learning disorders: see FURTHER INFORMATION

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

CARLO ANDREA BRACCINI (President)

ALDO GRATTAROLA

SANDRO ZAPPATORE (President Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

https://corsi.unige.it/10378/p/studenti-orario

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Written + oral

Students with learning disorders will be allowed to use specific modalities and supports that will be determined on a case-by-case basis in agreement with the delegate of the Engineering courses in the Committee for the Inclusion of Students with Disabilities.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The written exam is aimed at assessing the knowledge of basic concepts and applications of channel coding techniques and of PCM.

During the oral exam the level of comprehension of the various topics is evaluated.

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students with disabilities or learning disorders can use specific modalities and supports that will be determined on a case-by-case basis in agreement with the Delegate of the Engineering courses in the Committee for the Inclusion of Students with Disabilities. Students are invited to contact the teacher of this course and copy the Delegate (https://unige.it/commissioni/comitatoperlinclusionedeglistudenticondisabilita.html)