48785 Telecommunications Channels

Requisite(s): 48540 Signals and Systems OR 48541 Signal Theory
Recommended studies: knowledge of integral and differential calculus, differential equations, complex algebra, Fourier series and transforms, phasors, signals and systems and matrix techniques
Subject coordinator: Dr Ananda (Mohan) Sanagavarapu

The objective of this subject is to develop in students an appreciation of the diversity of high-frequency channels used for telecommunications. This includes introducing students to techniques for characterising various channels, developing specifications for terminal equipment and design criteria for reliable communications, and studying the channels based on both guided and unguided EM waves at microwave and optical frequencies. The characteristics of optical fibres, gratings, sources, etc., are also studied, and students are introduced to microwave circuit design using microstrip transmission lines such as filters, hybrids and couplers. The design of antennae for mobile and microwave communications is also discussed.

Topics covered include: introduction to wireless and wired channels; EM wave propagation concepts; waves in unbounded media; boundary conditions; radiation mechanisms; guided waves; steady-state analysis of transmission lines; and analysis and design techniques for transmission line resonators, power dividers, directional couplers, hybrids and transmission line filters. Dipole, monopole and microstrip antennas and arrays are examined. Low-noise amplifiers, detectors, mixers and phase shifters, and noise characterisation in receivers are also covered. In an introduction to optical communication systems, the topics of optical fibres, gratings, spatial filters, diffraction concepts, optical sources and detectors and optical communication links are covered. Use is made of MATLAB and associated software.

Assessment: Assessment consists of a design project (60 per cent) and a final exam (40 per cent).

Typical availability

Spring semester, City campus