Abstract
This class approaches wireless communication from the perspective of digital signal processing (DSP). No background in digital communication is assumed, though it would be helpful.
In this class, we take an experimental approach to wireless digital communication. We will use a well-known software-defined radio (SDR) platform known as the Pluto SDR where the radio can be programmed in software instead of implemented using hardware. The focus will be on the design, implementation, evaluation, and iterative optimization of a digital wireless communication link.
Students will explore the mathematical foundations and practical applications of DSP in wireless communication, including signal representation, sampling, quantization, filtering, and modulation. Key topics include Fourier analysis, discrete-time signal processing, and spectral estimation techniques used in communication system design.
Teaching and Learning methods: Lectures, lab. sessions and projects.
Course Policies: Attendance to the lab. sessions are mandatory.
Bibliography
- This course is heavily based on the free online textbook PySDR: https://pysdr.org/
- Supplementary reading: "Introduction to Wireless Digital Communication: A Signal Processing Perspective" by Robert Heath Jr. from Person Publishing
Prerequisites
- Signal processing upgrade.
- Basic programming with Python3 and numpy
Description
Course Outline
- Bandlimited signals and sampling
- Baseband/passband
- Structure of a wireless transceiver
- Introduction to software defined radio (SDR)
- Baseband modulation and demodulation
- Synchronization, Frequency offset estimation, and correction
- Channel estimation and equalization
Lab projects
- Build a simple transmitter and receiver and carry out experiments with the SDR
- Build a simple spectrum analyzer for the SDR and carry out spectrum measurements
- Build a simple transmitter and receiver to send some real date over the wireless channel
- Build a receiver to decode the Radio Data System (RDS) signal, which is present in FM radio.
Learning Outcomes:
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You should be able to describe the design challenges associated with building a wireless digital communication link.
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You should know what the complex baseband representation of a signal is and how to convert from baseband to passband and vice versa.
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You should know the how to modulate binary data so it can be transmitted over a wireless channel.
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You should understand what bandlimited system is and how sampling works.
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You should be able to compute power spectra of bandlimited signals.
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You should be able to program a very basic transmitter and receiver in python.
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You should be able to use a software defined radio for transmitting and receiving samples.
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You should understand the various kinds of synchronization required and how to compensate for different sources of asynchronicity.
Nb hours: 21,00
Evaluation:
- Lab. reports (50% of the final grade) – Submitted through Moodle (one report per team, each team member submits the same report)
- Final Exam (50% of the final grade) – Submitted through Moodle, multiple-choice questionnaire, about 1 hour.
