This module takes you through the idea of transmitting information from one point to another in the presence of noise. The module will introduce you to both analogue and digital transmission, show how the two are connected, and explain the differences (e.g. signal-to-noise ratio vs. bit error rate). You will also be introduced to information theory, and the fundamental theoretical limits of compression and channel coding it identifies.

Upon successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

1. Model noise in wireless communication systems 2. Understand the performance measures for analog and digital communication systems, and compare the performance of different modulation techniques
3. Explain the fundamental limits information theory sets on the performance of communication systems;
4. Calculate the entropy of a random variable, and design the Huffman code for a given information source
5. Design, implement and characterise hardware/software implementation using the NI USRP software defined radio platform
6. Understand the role physical layer plays within larger communication networks

Modulation/demodulation. Interpretation and understanding of signals in different domains (time, frequency, spectrum …). Effects of noise in communication systems. Digital communication systems. Introduction to information theory. Introduction to codes for compression and error correction coding.