To give the students the ability to understand, describe and analyse the fundamental principles and systems of radio communications.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
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Learning Outcome Description
LO1
Describe the principle and modes of electromagnetic propagation.
LO2
Explain the concept of modulation with respect to AM and FM systems.
LO3
Use computer-based engineering tools to design and evaluate electronic circuits and systems for communication systems.
LO4
Describe the underlying principle and operation of a superheterodyne radio receiver.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Additional Requisite Information
No Co Requisites listed
Indicative Content
Radio wave propagation:
List the frequency bands for HF, VHF UHF and SHF communication systems. Sketch the layers of the ionosphere. Describe ground wave, sky wave and space wave propagation.
Define general fading and selective fading.
Filter response
Define a decibel. Describe the operation of a bandpass filter. Explain the operation of a series resonant bandpass filter. Explain the operation of a parallel resonant bandpass filter. Describe the operation of a band stop filter. Explain the operation of a series resonant bandstop filter. Explain the operation of a parallel resonant bandstop filter. Calculate the bandwidth for each type of filter. Define selectivity. List applications where such filters may be used.
Amplitude Modulation
Describe the principles of amplitude modulation. Write an equation for a sinusoidally modulated wave. Given the instantaneous wave equations for the carrier and the modulating signal. Sketch a modulated wave in the time domain. Sketch a modulated wave in the frequency domain. Calculate the modulation index. Calculate the power in the carrier and side frequency components. Calculate the bandwidth. Contrast dsb, dsbsc and ssbsc. Describe the operation of a diode detector.
Frequency Modulation
Describe the principles of frequency modulation. Define frequency deviation. Define modulator sensitivity, modulation index and deviation ratio. Give the instantaneous wave equations for the carrier and the modulating signal. Sketch a modulated wave in the time domain. Sketch a modulated wave in the frequency domain. Calculate the modulation index. Calculate the power in the carrier and side frequencies (using Bessel tables). Calculate the bandwidth. Explain the relationship between the noise at the output of an FM system and the rated system deviation. Describe the principles of pre-emphasis and de-emphasis.
Superheterodyne radio receiver
Draw a block diagram of a superheterodyne radio receiver. Describe the function of each block. Describe ganging and tracking. Describe the purpose of automatic gain control. Explain why the LO frequency is higher than the IF frequency. Define selectivity, sensitivity and adjacent channel ratio.
Interference signals
Define the following interference signals: co-channel, image channel, adjacent channel and IF breakthrough. Describe where and how each of these interference signals can be minimised. Define image channel response ratio.
Analogue communication systems
Contrast AM and FM under the headings. Complexity. Spectrum efficiency. Fidelity of the received audio signal
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown
%
Continuous Assessment
20.00%
Practical
20.00%
End of Module Formal Examination
60.00%
Assessments
Full Time
Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type
Other
% of Total Mark
20
Timing
n/a
Learning Outcomes
1,2,4
Non-marked
No
Assessment Description Students will be assessed periodically to gauge their understanding and knowledge of the material.
No Project
Practical
Assessment Type
Practical/Skills Evaluation
% of Total Mark
20
Timing
n/a
Learning Outcomes
3
Non-marked
No
Assessment Description Students will complete a number of practical tasks and assignments during the module. Students will write a report or produce a portfolio of their work. Students may also complete a practical test during the module.
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type
Formal Exam
% of Total Mark
60
Timing
End-of-Semester
Learning Outcomes
1,2,3,4
Non-marked
No
Assessment Description The final written examination will evaluate the extent of the student’s knowledge of the learning outcomes
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.
SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment
Module Workload
Workload: Full Time
Workload Type
Workload Category
Contact Type
Workload Description
Frequency
Average Weekly Learner Workload
Hours
Lecture
Contact
Lecture
Every Week
2.00
2
Tutorial
Contact
Tutorial
Every Week
1.00
1
Practicals
Contact
Practical
Every Week
2.00
2
Independent Learning Time
Non Contact
Independent Learning
Every Week
2.00
2
Total Weekly Contact Hours
5.00
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
D. C. Green. (2000), Radio Communication, 2. Pitman, London, [ISBN: 10: 058236908].
Thomas L. Floyd. (2009), Principles of electric circuits, 9th. Prentice Hall, [London], [ISBN: 10: 013507309].
This module does not have any article/paper resources