Course Title: EE 174: Intro to Communication Systems
4 credits
Class Information: Spring 2010
Lecture time: 0935-1025 M W F + (on weeks without labs) 1250-1340 F
Class location: 361 Votey
Lab time: TBA
Lab location: 328 Votey
Instructor Information: Dr. Jeff Frolik
357 Votey
Phone: 802.656.0732
jfrolik@uvm.edu
http://www.cems.uvm.edu/~jfrolik/
Office Hours: I have an open door policy and am around most the time; otherwise email for an appointment
Prerequisite: EE 171: Signals and Systems
and either:
STAT 143: Statistics for Engineers
or
STAT 151: Applied Probability
Text: B. P. Lathi, Modern Digital and Analog Communication Systems, Third Edition, Oxford University Press, 1998.
Course Goal: To provide the theoretical foundation necessary to understand modern communication systems and to introduce several modes of communications.
Topics and Tentative Schedule: Introduction to Communication Systems (CH 1 & Instructor notes - ~ 2 weeks )
Amplitude Modulation (CH 4 - ~ 2 weeks)
Exponential Modulation (CH 5 - ~ 2 weeks)
Antennas and Link Budgets (Instructor Notes- ~ 1 week)
Sampling, Quantization and PCM (CH 6 - ~ 3 weeks)
Error Correction Codes (CH 16 - ~ 2 weeks)
Digital Data Transmission (CH 7 - ~ 2 weeks)
Emerging Technologies (Instructor Notes- ~ 1 week)
Course Objectives: 1. Students will be able to create a block diagram of a modern communication system in terms of its fundamental components.
2. Students will be able to understand the constraints to be considered when sampling signals and reconstructing sampled signals.
3. Students will be able to analyze the quantization error in PCM systems (requires use of probability).
4. Students will be able to determine bandwidth, power and spectral characteristics for linear and exponential modulation techniques.
5. Students will be able to determine the expected performance of parabolic antennas and will use these results to create basic link budgets for wireless systems.
6. Students will be able to implement block channel coding.
7. Students will be able to determine the bit error rates for different line codes employed in an additive white Gaussian noise environment (requires use of probability).
8. Students will be able to construct and analyze eye diagram and constellation representations for M-ary signaling methods.
9. Students will demonstrate competency in using analog and digital communication test equipment as related to concepts covered in the course.

Grading: Exam I: 15%
Exam II: 20%
Exam III: 25%
Quizzes: 15%
Laboratory Assignments: 25%
Grade Scale: A [90, 100]
B [80, 90]
C [70, 80]
D [60, 70]
F [0, 60]
breaks within above ranges are used to set +/-

General: The instructor posts all assignments, solutions, and additional material at the BlackBoard site for this class. This can be found at: http://bb.uvm.edu/

Homework problems will either be assigned from the text or provided by the instructor. Homework will not be graded and the solutions will be available on Bb. Each week there will be a short quiz covering the previous week's materials. Students are encourage to work the homework problems in preparation for these quizzes. On all quizzes you will be allowed to use one sheet of notes. You may use both sides of the paper and you may put anything you want on it. No additional notes or text may be used unless specifically noted.

Expect the first two exams to be given around the end of February and March. At least one weeks notice will be given. Each exam will be a take home. Students will sign an honor pledge indicating that they 'neither gave nor received assistance during the exam.' Failure to follow this statement will be considered an act of plagiarism and will be dealt with accordingly (see Academic Integrity below). The final exam will also be a take home that will be due at the beginning of the final exam period. All exams will have a comprehensive component.

Throughout the semester, the instructor will give students feedback on how they are progressing the course.

During the semester, classes may be cancelled due to scheduled travel by the instructor. These classes WILL be made up with online content provided by the instructor. Students are responsible for viewing this material in a timely fashion. The instructor will contact the students through their UVM email account in advance of the relevant dates.
Lab Assignments: Working in teams of two or three, students will perform eight (8) labs throughout the semester to complement the material covered in class. These assignments will familiarize students with communication test equipment such as RF signal generators and spectrum analyzers. Students will investigate both analog and digital communication techniques.
3-credit EE 195 course: Students taking the course for 3 credits will only conduct four (4) labs. Labs will count only 15% of their final grade and quizzes will count as 25%. Exam percentages will remain at 15%, 20% and 25%.
Calculators: There is no restriction on the type of calculator one may use. Note, however, that the instructor will emphasize concepts and techniques on the exams. Therefore, just having the correct answer will not guarantee you full credit if no work has been shown. Calculators may not be allowed on some exams.
Attendance: Class attendance will not be checked; however, attendance is expected and students will be responsible for all assignments and materials covered in class.

University Policy on Religious Holidays: Students have the right to practice the religion of their choice. Each semester students should submit in writing to their instructors by the end of the second full week of classes their documented religious holiday schedule for the semester. Faculty must permit students who miss work for the purpose of religious observance to make up this work.

Academic Integrity: Any students found giving and/or receiving assistance on Exams or Quizzes will receive a XF grade for the course. That being said, students are encouraged to work together and to exchange ideas when working on their labs. Students must be sure to reference their work properly, including all web sources. UVM's policy on academic integrity is clearly defined and can be found at http://www.uvm.edu/~uvmppg/ppg/student/acadintegrity.pdf
ADA: Students with disabilities should contact the instructor as soon as possible regarding necessary accommodations.
ABET Matrix:

0 – no contribution
1 – very low level
5 - very high level

  • Outcome #1: an ability to apply knowledge of mathmematics, science, and engineering to the analysis of electrical engineering problems; Contribution: 5
  • Outcome #2: an ability to design and conduct scientific and engineering experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data; Contribution: 4
  • Outcome #3: an ability to plan, specify, design, implement, and operate a system, component, or process to meet desired needs; Contribution: 0
  • Outcome #4: an ability to function on multidisciplinary teams; Contribution: 1
  • Outcome #5: an ability to identify, formulate, and solve electrical engineering problems; Contribution: 4
  • Outcome #6: an understanding of professional, legal, and ethical responsibility; Contribution: 2
  • Outcome #7: an ability to convey technical material through formal written work products which satisfy accepted standards for writing style; Contribution: 3
  • Outcome #8: an ability to convey technical material through oral presentation and interaction with an audience; Contribution: 3
  • Outcome #9: broad education and knowledge of contemporary issues necessary to understand the impact of electrical engineering solutions in a global and societal context; Contribution: 1
  • Outcome #10: a recognition and appreciation of the need for, and ability to engage in life-long learning and critical thinking; Contribution: 1
  • Outcome #11: an ability to use modern engineering techniques, skills, and tools, including computer-based tools, necessary for analysis and design; Contribution: 4