Course Syllabus
ECE 460 - Introduction to Communications Systems
Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering
1. Course Number and Name:
2. Credit Units/Contact Hours:
3. Course Coordinator:
ECE 460 - Introduction to Communications Systems
3/3
Nagwa Bekir
4. Text, References & Software
Recommended Text:
Recommended Text: "Communications Systems, An Introduction to Signals and Noise in
Electrical Communication", Carlson and Crilly, 5th Edition, McGraw-Hill, 2009.
Additional References:
Proakis, Salahi, Fundamentals of Communications Systems, Prentice-Hall, 2005.
Software:
Matlab
5. Specific Course Information
a. Course Description
Introduction to information transmission. Analog communication systems. AM. DSB, SSB, VSB,
FM, and PM. Frequency–division multiplexing techniques. Superheterodyne receiver. Three
hours lecture; one three-hour lab per week.
b. Prerequisite by Topic
Students should have senior or graduate standing in electrical engineering and be well-versed in linear
system theory, continuous and discrete. Spectrum analysis techniques (Fourier Transform, Fourier
Series, Discrete Fourier Transform) and the techniques of Laplace Transform are required.
c. Elective Course
6. Specific Goals for the Course
a. Specific Outcomes of Instructions – After completing this course the students should be able to:
1. Apply tradeoffs involving power, bandwidth, and complexity in selecting an analog modulation
technique from the choices of amplitude modulation, double-sideband, single-sideband, vestigial
sideband, phase modulation, and frequency modulation.
2. Explain FM stereo
3. Compare the multiplexing, techniques of frequency-division and time-division.
4. Perform system designs for receivers based on the modulation methods listed above.
b. Relationship to Student Outcomes
This supports the achievement of the following student outcomes:
a. An ability to apply knowledge of math, science, and engineering to the analysis of electrical
engineering problems.
b. An ability to design and conduct scientific and engineering experiments, as well as to analyze
and interpret data.
c. An ability to design systems which include hardware and/or software components within
realistic constraints such as cost, manufacturability, safety and environmental concerns.
e. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve electrical engineering problems.
g. An ability to communicate effectively through written reports and oral presentations.
k. An ability to use modern engineering techniques for analysis and design.
n. Knowledge of math including differential equations, linear algebra, complex variables and
discrete math.
7. Topics Covered/Course Outline
1. Overview of Communication Systems
2. Review of Signals and Spectra
3. Signal Transmission and Filtering
4. Linear CW Modulation(AM, DSB, SSB, VSB): definitions, bandwidths, modulators
demodulators, tradeoffs, and comparisons.
5. Exponential CW Modulation (PM, FM): definitions, bandwidths, modulators,
demodulators, tradeoffs, and comparisons
6. Analog Communication Systems.
7. Introduction to Digital Communications(Time Permitting Only)
Prepared by:
Nagwa Bekir, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, November 2011
Ali Amini, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, March 2013