Module Details

Module Code: TRON C3603
Module Title: Software Defined Radio
Title: Software Defined Radio
Module Level:: 7
Credits:: 5
Module Coordinator: Cathal Nolan
Module Author:: Mark Norton
Domains:  
Module Description: To give students the specialised knowledge, technical competencies and conceptual skills to:
(a) Evaluate the effects of transceiver specifications on radio link performance.
(b) Implement and analyse a variety of wireless modulation and coding standards.
(c) Analyse and design typical SDR transceiver architectures.
(d) Select and design basic antennas for commonly used frequency bands.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Evaluate the effects of transceiver specifications on radio link performance.
LO2 Implement and analyse a variety of wireless modulation and coding standards.
LO3 Analyse and design typical SDR transceiver architectures.
LO4 Select and design basic antennas for commonly used frequency bands.
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
Software Radio Transceiver Performance:
Noise & Link Budgets; Non-Linear Elements; Sensitivity & Dynamic Range; FFT; IQ Sampling & Multirate Sampling.
Wireless Communication Concepts:
Analogue/Digital Modulation; Channel Coding; Pulse-Shaping; Wireless Standards; Synchronisation.
SDR Transceiver Architectures:
Receivers – Heterodyne, Direct-Conversion, Image Reject and Low-IF. Transmitters – Direct-Conversion, Heterodyne and other architectures.
Antennas & Propagation:
Antenna Parameters & Radiation Patterns; HF, VHF & Satellite Antennas; Fading and Propagation Fundamentals.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment20.00%
Project40.00%
End of Module Formal Examination40.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 20
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Students will be required to submit a set of reports on selected SDR topics.
Project
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 40
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Each student will complete a set of mini-projects, for which a maximum total mark of 40% will be awarded. Each project will test the ability of the student to apply the module theory to a practical task.
No Practical
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 40
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
A final written examination will test the student's ability to demonstrate 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 Lectures Every Week 3.00 3
Practicals Contact Practical Projects Every Week 3.00 3
Independent Learning Non Contact No Description Every Week 2.00 2
Total Weekly Contact Hours 6.00
 
Module Resources
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Paul Clark, David Clark. (2016), Field Expedient SDR: Introduction to Software Defined Radio: (Volume 1), 2nd. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, p.210, [ISBN: 978-153681476].
  • Paul Clark. David Clark. (2016), Field Expedient SDR: Basic Analog Radio: (Volume 2), 1st. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, p.212, [ISBN: 978-153700252].
  • Paul Clark, David Clark. (2016), Field Expedient SDR: Basic Digital Communications: (Volume 3), 1st. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, p.300, [ISBN: 978-153732449].
  • Qasim Chaudhari. (2018), Wireless Communications from the Ground Up: An SDR Perspective, 1st. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, p.828, [ISBN: 978-172973223].
  • Joseph Carr, George Hippisley. (2011), Practical Antenna Handbook, 5th. McGraw-Hill/Tab Electronics, p.784, [ISBN: 978-007163958].
  • ARRL. (2019), The ARRL Antenna Book for Radio Communications, 24th. American Radio Relay League, p.1024, [ISBN: 978-162595111].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
Discussion Note: