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Digital Communications Fundamentals

Learn the fundamentals of (Digital) Communications Engineering and prepare for a career in telecommunications, networking, or signal processing.

(DIGI-COMM.AP1) / ISBN : 978-1-64459-592-3
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About This Course

Enroll for this Digital Communications Fundamentals course to learn the fundamentals of modern-day communications engineering and emerging techniques. It equips you with the essential skills for navigating the ‘networking and communications’ side of today’s digital landscape. The comprehensive course is divided into 18 chapters covering key topics like Modulation, Demodulation, Multiplexing, Speed Spectrum Techniques, MIMO, Encryption, and Decryption. By the end of this course, you will have the skills and expertise required to manage digital communications systems and be well-prepared for a successful career in fields such as telecommunications, networking, wireless communications, and satellite communications.

Skills You’ll Get

  • Complete understanding of signal analysis - properties and characteristics of analog and digital signals
  • Using Fourier transforms and other techniques for interpreting the frequency of signals
  • Analyzing the behavior of signals passing through linear systems
  • Analog Modulation: amplitude, frequency, and phase modulation techniques
  • Knowledge of digital modulation schemes including QAM, PSK, and FSK
  • Demodulation: ability to recover the original signal from a modulated carrier
  • Correcting codes, like block codes and convolutional codes, to improve transmission
  • Error-detecting codes to identify issues in received data
  • Understanding of Channel capacity or theoretical limits of data transmission
  • Techniques for extracting timing information from received signals
  • Aligning the phase of the received signal with the transmitted signal
  • Time-division multiple access (TDMA) techniques for sharing a channel among multiple users
  • Frequency-division multiple access (FDMA) techniques for allocating different frequency bands to different users
  • Code-division multiple access (CDMA) techniques for spreading the signal across a wide bandwidth
  • Understanding of broad spectrum techniques for spreading the signal using a pseudo-random sequence
  • Reducing the amount of data required to represent information with Data compression
  • Converting analog signals into digital signals with Quantization
  • Understanding of channel modeling and mitigation techniques 
  • Orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) for parallel transmission over multiple subcarriers
  • Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) techniques for improving capacity and reliability
  • Understanding of cryptographic algorithms and techniques for securing data

Download Course Outline

1

Introduction

  • Organization of the Course
  • Additional Course Resources
2

Signals and Spectra

  • Digital Communication Signal Processing
  • Classification of Signals
  • Spectral Density
  • Autocorrelation
  • Random Signals
  • Signal Transmission Through Linear Systems
  • Bandwidth of Digital Data
  • Conclusion
  • References
  • Problems
  • Questions
3

Formatting and Baseband Modulation

  • Baseband Systems
  • Formatting Textual Data (Character Coding)
  • Messages, Characters, and Symbols
  • Formatting Analog Information
  • Sources of Corruption
  • Pulse Code Modulation
  • Uniform and Nonuniform Quantization
  • Baseband Transmission
  • Correlative Coding
  • Conclusion
  • References
  • Problems
  • Questions
4

Baseband Demodulation/Detection

  • Signals and Noise
  • Detection of Binary Signals in Gaussian Noise
  • Intersymbol Interference
  • Equalization
  • Conclusion
  • References
  • Problems
  • Questions
5

Bandpass Modulation and Demodulation/Detection

  • Why Modulate?
  • Digital Bandpass Modulation Techniques
  • Detection of Signals in Gaussian Noise
  • Coherent Detection
  • Noncoherent Detection
  • Complex Envelope
  • Error Performance for Binary Systems
  • M-ary Signaling and Performance
  • Symbol Error Performance for M-ary Systems (M > 2)
  • Conclusion
  • References
  • Problems
  • Questions
6

Communications Link Analysis

  • What the System Link Budget Tells the System Engineer
  • The Channel
  • Received Signal Power and Noise Power
  • Link Budget Analysis
  • Noise Figure, Noise Temperature, and System Temperature
  • Sample Link Analysis
  • Satellite Repeaters
  • System Trade-Offs
  • Conclusion
  • References
  • Problems
  • Questions
7

Channel Coding: Waveform Codes and Block Codes

  • Waveform Coding and Structured Sequences
  • Types of Error Control
  • Structured Sequences
  • Linear Block Codes
  • Error-Detecting and Error-Correcting Capability
  • Usefulness of the Standard Array
  • Cyclic Codes
  • Well-Known Block Codes
  • Conclusion
  • References
  • Problems
  • Questions
8

Channel Coding: Convolutional Codes and Reed–Solomon Codes

  • Convolutional Encoding
  • Convolutional Encoder Representation
  • Formulation of the Convolutional Decoding Problem
  • Properties of Convolutional Codes
  • Other Convolutional Decoding Algorithms
  • Reed–Solomon Codes
  • Interleaving and Concatenated Codes
  • Coding and Interleaving Applied to the Compact Disc Digital Audio System
  • Conclusion
  • References
  • Problems
  • Questions
9

Channel Coding: Turbo Codes and Low-Density Parity Check (LDPC) Codes

  • Turbo Codes
  • Low-Density Parity Check (LDPC) Codes
  • Appendix 8A: The Sum of Log-Likelihood Ratios
  • Appendix 8B: Using Bayes’ Theorem to Simplify the Bit Conditional Probability
  • Appendix 8C: Probability that a Binary Sequence Contains an Even Number of Ones
  • Appendix 8D: Simplified Expression for the Hyper...e Natural Log of a Ratio of Binary Probabilities
  • Appendix 8E: Proof that 𝛟(x) = 𝛟–1(x)
  • Appendix 8F: Bit Probability Initialization
  • References
  • Problems
  • Questions
10

Modulation and Coding Trade-Offs

  • Goals of the Communication System Designer
  • Error-Probability Plane
  • Nyquist Minimum Bandwidth
  • Shannon–Hartley Capacity Theorem
  • Bandwidth-Efficiency Plane
  • Modulation and Coding Trade-Offs
  • Defining, Designing, and Evaluating Digital Communication Systems
  • Bandwidth-Efficient Modulation
  • Trellis-Coded Modulation
  • Conclusion
  • References
  • Problems
  • Questions
11

Synchronization

  • Receiver Synchronization
  • Synchronous Demodulation
  • Loop Filters, Control Circuits, and Acquisition
  • Phase-Locked Loop Timing Recovery
  • Frequency Recovery Using a Frequency-Locked Loop (FLL)
  • Effects of Phase and Frequency Offsets
  • Conclusion
  • References
  • Problems
  • Questions
12

Multiplexing and Multiple Access

  • Allocation of the Communications Resource
  • Multiple-Access Communications System and Architecture
  • Access Algorithms
  • Multiple-Access Techniques Employed with INTELSAT
  • Multiple-Access Techniques for Local Area Networks
  • Conclusion
  • References
  • Problems
  • Questions
13

Spread-Spectrum Techniques

  • Spread-Spectrum Overview
  • Pseudonoise Sequences
  • Direct-Sequence Spread-Spectrum Systems
  • Frequency-Hopping Systems
  • Synchronization
  • Jamming Considerations
  • Commercial Applications
  • Cellular Systems
  • Conclusion
  • References
  • Problems
  • Questions
14

Source Coding

  • Sources
  • Amplitude Quantizing
  • Pulse Code Modulation
  • Adaptive Prediction
  • Block Coding
  • Transform Coding
  • Source Coding for Digital Data
  • Examples of Source Coding
  • Conclusion
  • References
  • Problems
  • Questions
15

Fading Channels

  • The Challenge of Communicating over Fading Channels
  • Characterizing Mobile-Radio Propagation
  • Signal Time Spreading
  • Time Variance of the Channel Caused by Motion
  • Mitigating the Degradation Effects of Fading
  • Summary of the Key Parameters Characterizing Fading Channels
  • Applications: Mitigating the Effects of Frequency-Selective Fading
  • Conclusion
  • References
  • Problems
  • Questions
16

The ABCs of OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing)

  • What Is OFDM?
  • Why OFDM?
  • Getting Started with OFDM
  • Our Wish List (Preference for Flat Fading and Slow Fading)
  • Conventional Multi-Channel FDM versus Multi-Channel OFDM
  • The History of the Cyclic Prefix (CP)
  • OFDM System Block Diagram
  • Zooming in on the IDFT
  • An Example of OFDM Waveform Synthesis
  • Summarizing OFDM Waveform Synthesis
  • Data Constellation Points Distributed over the Subcarrier Indexes
  • Hermitian Symmetry
  • How Many Subcarriers Are Needed?
  • The Importance of the Cyclic Prefix (CP) in OFDM
  • An Early OFDM Application: Wi-Fi Standard 802.11a
  • Cyclic Prefix (CP) and Tone Spacing
  • Long-Term Evolution (LTE) Use of OFDM
  • Drawbacks of OFDM
  • Single-Carrier OFDM (SC-OFDM) for Improved PAPR Over Standard OFDM
  • Conclusion
  • References
  • Problems
  • Questions
17

The Magic of MIMO (Multiple Input/Multiple Output)

  • What is MIMO?
  • Various Benefits of Multiple Antennas
  • Spatial Multiplexing
  • Capacity Performance
  • Transmitter Channel-State Information (CSI)
  • Space-Time Coding
  • MIMO Trade-Offs
  • Multi-User MIMO (MU-MIMO)
  • Conclusion
  • References
  • Problems
  • Questions
18

Encryption and Decryption

  • Models, Goals, and Early Cipher Systems
  • The Secrecy of a Cipher System
  • Practical Security
  • Stream Encryption
  • Public Key Cryptosystems
  • Pretty Good Privacy
  • Conclusion
  • References
  • Problems
  • Questions
A

Appendix A: A Review of Fourier Techniques

  • Signals, Spectra, and Linear Systems
  • Fourier Techniques for Linear System Analysis
  • Fourier Transform Properties
  • Useful Functions
  • Convolution
  • Tables of Fourier Transforms and Operations
  • sampled data fourier transform
B

Appendix B: Fundamentals of Statistical Decision Theory

  • Bayes’ Theorem
  • Decision Theory
  • Signal Detection Example
C

Appendix C: Response of Correlators to White Noise

D

Appendix D: Often-Used Identities

E

Appendix E: s-Domain, z-Domain, and Digital Filtering

  • The Laplace Transform
  • The z-transform
  • Digital Filtering
  • Finite Impulse Response Filter Design
  • Infinite Impulse Response Filter Design
F

Appendix F: OFDM Symbol Formation with an N-Point Inverse Discrete Fourier Transform (IDFT)

G

Appendix G: List of Symbols

Any questions?
Check out the FAQs

Have you been wondering whether you should do this course or not? Read this section and find out more.

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This course is ideal for all those wanting to understand digital communication & networking principles and its practical applications. It is most suitable for:

  • Students pursuing electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, telecommunications, or related fields 
  • Electrical engineers, computer engineers, and telecommunications engineers wanting to deepen their knowledge
  • Researchers exploring digital communication, signal processing, information theory, and networking

It is not an entry-level course and you must possess the following expertise:

  • Knowledge of Calculus for understanding concepts in digital communication 
  • Linear Algebra for understanding signal processing and system analysis
  • Probability theory and statistical concepts for analyzing random signals and noise
  • Circuit analysis concepts like Kirchhoff's laws and equivalent circuits

This course focuses on theoretical concepts such as signal processing, modulation, demodulation, channel coding, and synchronization. You can gain relevant practical skills by conducting laboratory experiments with digital communication equipment and techniques.

No, having a background in telecommunication is not compulsory. However, having this background will provide a deeper understanding for the practical applications of digital communication systems.

You’ll have access to the interactive course content that also includes AI-tutors (on demand).

Doing this course will provide you with specialized in-depth knowledge of digital communications systems and techniques, this will aid in enhanced job opportunities, higher income potential, strong problem-solving skills, and analytical thinking. After doing this course, you'll be able to choose from diverse career paths in telecommunications, information technology, electronics & electrical engineering, broadcasting, satellite communication, research scientists and university professors, and Government or military roles in signal intelligence and electronic warfare.

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