EEE2009 : Signals and Communications
EEE2009 : Signals and Communications
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Martin Johnston
- Owning School: Engineering
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Code | Title |
---|---|
ENG1001 | Engineering Mathematics I |
ENG1002 | Sustainable Design, Creativity, and Professionalism |
ENG1003 | Electrical and Magnetic Systems |
ENG1004 | Electronics and Sensors |
Pre Requisite Comment
To understand and calculate transforms, it is necessary for the students to take the Engineering Mathematics module during their first year. In addition, fundamental knowledge electrical and electronic engineering covered in ENG1002, ENG1003 and ENG1004 is essential to apply signal processing techniques to circuits and systems.
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
To provide students with the knowledge to apply fundamental signal processing techniques to electronic engineering problems and introduce the basic concepts of analogue and digital communications. This will be achieved through lectures, tutorials, lab sessions and independent study. The skills obtained in this module are prerequisite for many other modules taught later in the degree programme and valuable for engineering careers in areas such as communications, bioelectronics, signal processing and machine learning, and automation and control.
Outline Of Syllabus
This module introduces the important subject of signal processing and different mathematical transforms that can be used to solve a variety of different engineering problems. The focus will be on the well-known Fourier, Laplace, and Z transforms, which are commonly used mathematical tools in engineering.
Additionally, analogue and digital communications will be introduced, beginning with the older but historically important amplitude modulation and frequency modulation through to more modern digital modulation techniques. A lab session will provide the opportunity for students to investigate a real frequency modulator and demodulator circuits, applying different signals and observing waveforms and frequency spectra on the oscilloscope. Students will also learn how to write a technical report on the results and findings from the lab session.
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
The mapping of certain AHEPv4 learning outcomes to each intended knowledge outcome is indicated in each point. By the end of the module a student will be able to:
1. Define time and frequency domain representations of continuous and discrete signals. Explain the concept of sampling analogue signals and the importance of the Nyquist theorem that limits the minimum rate at which as signal can be sampled. (M1 and M2)
2. Describe Laplace transforms and Z-transforms and use them to solve differential and difference equations respectively. (M1)
3. Describe Fourier transforms and examine how the signal power is spread over the different frequencies. (M2)
4. Define analogue and digital modulation and demodulation concepts and compare them in terms of their performance and limitations. (M2)
5. Recognise uncertainties due to the stochastic behaviour of noise on a communication channel. Define fundamental information-theoretic measurements and use them to examine the limits on the maximum rate at which information can be sent on a noisy channel, and the minimum average codeword lengths of a binary code that represents an information source. (M2 and M3)
Intended Skill Outcomes
The mapping of certain AHEPv4 learning outcomes to each intended skill outcome is indicated in each point. By the end of the module, it is expected students will be able to:
1. Use the different transforms to examine LCR circuits, linear-time invariant systems, and frequency spectra. (M1)
2. Describe and design the different blocks that comprise a basic digital communication system. (M6)
3. Calculate the information content of a discrete memoryless source and compare this before and after being observed to examine the amount of information transferred across a communication channel (M2 and M3)
4. Use lab instruments to evaluate signals and communication systems in the time and frequency domains. (C16, M12)
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 24 | 1:00 | 24:00 | Revision for final exam and completion of final exam |
Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 8 | 2:00 | 16:00 | Formatively assessed tutorial sheets on all topics covered (approximately 2 hours per tutorial sheet). |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 37 | 1:00 | 37:00 | In-person lectures, |
Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 5:00 | 5:00 | Writing of summatively assessed lab report |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 1 | 3:00 | 3:00 | 1 x 3hr practical lab session on Frequency Modulation. |
Structured Guided Learning | Structured research and reading activities | 11 | 2:00 | 22:00 | Reading activity to supplement knowledge of material taught in each week. |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 8 | 1:00 | 8:00 | One-hour online synchronous tutorial session after the completion of each set of lecture notes. |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 11 | 1:00 | 11:00 | One timetabled optional synchronous session for students to attend if they have any queries. |
Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 74:00 | 74:00 | Reviewing lecture notes; general reading |
Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures provide the core material and give students the opportunity to engage with set questions and query material covered in the lecture.
Problem solving is introduced through tutorial sheets and recordings will help students’ understanding of each topic. Weekly one-hour drop-in sessions on Zoom are scheduled should students wish further support from the lecturer.
Laboratory sessions provide an opportunity to gain practical experience with a variety of instruments and validate the theory introduced in lectures.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Written Examination | 120 | 1 | A | 85 | 2-hour In-Person Closed-Book Exam |
Other Assessment
Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|
Practical/lab report | 1 | M | 15 | Lab Report with a maximum of 2000 words. |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
---|---|---|---|
Prob solv exercises | 1 | M | After each topic, students will be given a question sheet. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The examination allows students to demonstrate their ability to solve engineering problems focused on signal processing and communication, assessing knowledge outcomes 1 – 5 and skill outcomes 1 – 3.
The laboratory report assesses skill outcome 4
The formatively assessed tutorial sheets will be released throughout the semester after each topic is completed. A recording of the worked solution to the questions in the tutorial sheet is released a week later. This encourages students to study each topic after it is completed and prepare them for the summatively assessed exam.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- EEE2009's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- EEE2009's past Exam Papers
General Notes
Original Handbook text:
Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue
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The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.