OVERVIEW

The aim of this course is to provide basic principles of spectral analysis of continuous and discrete signals and of their transformation by linear and nonlinear systems, of the probability theory, random variables, random processes, and of signal transmission techniques through noisy channels. Such topics are fundamental both for the comprehension of the content of other courses in the telecommunications field and in relation to methods and applications that make use of signals.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The purpose of this course is to provide the students with the necessary principles and notions to understand the operation of a telecommunication system and to be able, in further occasions, to examine it in depth. The introduction of the concepts of deterministic and random signal, filtering and frequency analysis, proves useful to reach such an objective.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The attendance and active participation in the proposed training activities (lectures and labs), as well as individual study, will enable the student to:

- know and be able to assess the properties of an analog signal (band, power, frequency, etc.);

- know and be able to use tools for projecting an analog signal on the frequency domain, observing its characteristics;

- know the characteristics and advantages of digital signals and be able to design analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters;

- know how to analyze noise and stochastic signal sources from a statistical and spectral point of view;

- be able to use frequency filtering and analog modulation techniques to analyze, process and transmit deterministic and stochastic signals;

- understand the functioning and block diagram of systems for transmitting signals over noisy channels, both baseband and band-pass;

- be able to assess the performance of a simple telecommunications system by means of appropriate models and calculations, and understand its study in more advanced and complex cases;

- be able to independently study topics related to signal processing, analog and digital transmission, characterization of signals and stochastic phenomena;

- acquire the correct technical terminology in the field of telecommunications and signal processing and be able to describe a system for the acquisition, transformation and transmission of a signal with an appropriate language.

PREREQUISITES

Mastery of the tools of mathematical analysis, as described in the first-year teaching modules, with particular reference to real and complex functions of a real variable, limits, derivatives and integrals.

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures (often with the support of slides provided to students in advance) and classroom exercises. Attendance at these activities is recommended. Laboratory practical activities are also offered to students; attendance is optional.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Linear time-invariant systems (and filters). Impulse response and convolution integral. Fourier transform. Characteristic functions and frequency responses of linear time-invariants systems. Low-pass, band-pass, and high-pass filtering. Signal power/energy and power/energy spectral density. Sampling theorem. Ideal and real sampling. . Digital coding of analog signals by PCM (A/D and D/A conversions). PAM digital transmission over broadband and narrowband channels. Time-division (TDM) and frequency-division (FDM) multiplexing.

Probability theory, conditional probability, independent events, joint experiments, repeated trials, law of large numbers. Random variables, probability distribution and density functions, functions of a random variable, expectation, variance, moments. Random variable pairs, joint distribution and density functions, covariance and correlation coefficient. Sample-mean and sample-variance. Random processes, stationary processes, autocorrelation function and power spectral density, ergodic processes. Telegraphic and random binary signals. White noise.

Bandpass transmission methods for continuous signals: linear (AM, DSB, SSB, VSB) and angular (FM, PM) analog modulations. Bandwidth requirements. Basic diagrams of modulation and demodulation systems. Computation of the destination S/N ratio in linear and angular modulation systems. Threshold effect. Pre-emphasized FM. Comparison among different techniques (performances, cost, use).

UN Goals

By laying the foundation for the study, conscious use and innovation of systems for digitalizing and transmitting information (widely used in industry and, more generally, throughout society), this teaching module contributes to achieving the following Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda:

4. Quality education - Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

8. Decent work and economic growth - Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.

9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure - Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Teaching material and reference textbooks

• Slides utilized during the lessons (available in Aulaweb).
• A.B. Carlson, P. B. Crilly, J. C. Rutledge, Communication Systems, Mc Graw-Hill, 2001 (4th edition).
• A. Papoulis, S. U. Pillai, Probability, Random Variables and Stochastic Processes, McGraw-Hill, 2002 (4th edition).

Further references

• R. Cusani, Teoria dei Segnali, Edizioni Ingegneria 2000, Roma, 1996.
• C. Prati, Segnali e sistemi per le telecomunicazioni, McGraw-Hill, Milano, 2003
• A. Papoulis, Fourier Integral and its Applications, Mc Graw-Hill, 1962.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

SEBASTIANO SERPICO (President)

SILVANA DELLEPIANE

GABRIELE MOSER

MARTINA PASTORINO

ANDREA TRUCCO (President Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

https://corsi.unige.it/9273/p/studenti-orario

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The examination includes, in this order, a written test (which can be replaced, at the student's choice, by two intermediate written tests, known as compitini) and an oral test. The evaluation of the written test (or the average of the evaluations of the two intermediate tests) is expressed in thirtieths and constitutes the basis for the oral test, which must be taken within two years from such an evaluation. Although, in principle, the final result of the examination depends on the oral test and may deviate without limit from the previous evaluation of the written test, usually the final mark is located in a range, several thirtieths wide, centered on the evaluation of the written test.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The written test will assess the student's ability to solve problems that require him/her to apply, by reasoning and calculation, the topics and tools presented along the module. Both the appropriateness of the student's applied procedure and the correctness of the final result will be assessed.

The oral test will assess the student's mastery and real understanding of the topics presented along the module, through questions of both theoretical and design nature. Correctness, completeness, clarity, confidence and appropriateness of technical language will be assessed in the answers. Particular importance is also devoted to the ability to make connections between different topics, synergistically using the tools learnt to answer questions.

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students with disabilities or with DSA can request compensatory/dispensatory measures for the exam. The methods will be defined on a case-by-case basis together with the Engineering Contact of the University Committee for the support to disabled students and students with DSA. Students who wish to request it are invited to contact the course teacher well in advance by copying the Engineering Contact (https://unige.it/commissioni/comitatoperlassociazionedeglistudenticondisabilita.html), without sending documents regarding their disability.