Course description: Communication Electronics is dedicated to the introduction of general aspects of the communication systems -use of the electromagnetic spectrum, characteristics of the transmission channels, modulation, and access techniques and the architectures of the electronic systems for communications- and the study of circuits and basic electronic subsystems used in analog and digital communications. Various critical aspects related to the design of the physical layer and the appropriate solutions at system and circuit levels are addressed.



Context: Communication Electronics is an optional subject of the Electronic Engineering Degree that belongs to the minor “General Purpose Electronic Systems”. It is studied in the 2nd semester in the 4th year. To pursue this subject, the students must have a basic knowledge of circuits (amplifiers, oscillators, filters...). Communication Electronics is also related to the optional subject: High-Frequency Systems, (1st semester, 4th year) where the basic techniques of microwave engineering are studied.

LO1: Correctly identify the different architectures for analog and digital modulation and demodulation, distinguish their main functional blocks and recognize the fundamental characteristics of a communications system.



LO2: Analyze and calculate with precision the parameters and figures of merit (noise figure, gain, compression, OIP3) of a transmitter and/or receiver system.



LO3: Synthesize in a technical document the functional parameters and technical data of a communication circuit or sub-system as in a data sheet from device manufacturers.



LO4: From particular specifications, design, simulate, built and characterize a communication sub-system in the laboratory.



LO5: Extract the relevant information of the electronic components from the manufacturer's data sheets.

1. Introduction

Use of the electromagnetic spectrum. Transmission Channels. Modulation and access techniques. Bandwidth and Information Theory. Electronic communications systems



2- Analog communications

Amplitude modulation, frequency and phase modulation. AM transmitters and receivers. FM transmitters and receivers. Case Studies.



3- Digital communications

Binary modulation techniques ASK, FSK, PSK and DPSK. Modulation and demodulation schemes for binary modulation. M-ary modulation techniques: QPSK and QAM. Probability of error and error rate. IQ Modulator. Case studies.



4- Electronic communication systems

Main parameters of a communication system. Noise, linear and non-linear distortion, and intermodulation. Figures of merit. Types of transmitters and receivers.



5- Basic blocks of an electronic communication system

Main functional blocks of a communication transmitter / receiver system. Amplifiers, filters. Mixer circuits: Single diode mixer, balanced and double balanced mixers. Phase locked Loops (PLLs) and frequency synthesis. Modulation and demodulation with PLLs.

The subject is developed in lectures, labs and seminars. In the lectures the theoretical concepts related to the subject are explained. They are illustrated with simple examples. A list of questions and problems to solve are proposed in each chapter of problems. The problems will be corrected and discussed in the classroom, promoting the active participation of the students. Practical examples will be developed in the seminars.

The education is complemented by the design, assembly and verification of Phase Locked Loop in the electronic instrumentation laboratory.

Finally, a collaborative project is carried out in groups of two or three people. It consists in the design, assembly and measurement in the laboratory of a representative case study from the sub-systems studied in class.

In addition, the eGELA platform will be used for communication with students and for the dissemination of teaching material and resources.

• Final Assessment System
• Tools and qualification percentages:
  • Written test to be taken (%): 50
  • Collaborative project Nota: Estos porcentajes hacen referencia a la evaluación contínua. La evaluación final consta de un único examen con el 100% de la nota (%): 50

Continuous evaluation:



- Collaborative project: 50%

- Written test: 50%



At least 3.5 points out of 10 must be obtained in the written test to pass the course.



Final evaluation:



- Final exam: 100%

Final exam: 100%

eGELA platform

Basic bibliography

W. Tomasi, "Electronic Communications Systems". Prentice Hall, 2006.



David M. Pozar, "Microwave and RF Design of Wireless Systems", John Wiley & Sons, 2001

In-depth bibliography

D. O. Pederson, K. Mayaram, "Analog Integrated Circuits for Communication. Principles, Simulation and Design". Kluwer Academic Publishers

Journals

* IEEE Communications Magazine

Web addresses

https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/heo/scan/spectrum/txt_accordion3.html