Form 20
Version 3.0 (2007/2008)
Heriot-Watt University - Module Descriptor Template (RAY)
Module Title
Principles of Mobile Communications
School
EPS
Module
Co-ordinator
EECE teaching group convener
SCQF
Level
11
1. Pre-requisites
Module
Code
B31SI
Semester
On or OffCampusCr
editpoints
Credits
2
On
15
Basic knowledge of signal processing and probability theory and / or communications theory from a graduate in a related field.
2. Linked Modules
(specify if synoptic)
3. Excluded Modules
4. Replacement Module
Code:
Date Of Replacement:
5.
Availability as an
Elective
Yes
No

6. Degrees for which this
is a core module
7. Aims





To provide students with a core knowledge of the workings of cellular mobile systems including GSM and 3G
To study in detail the characterisation and modelling of mobile radio channels
To study error coding schemes associated with mobile communications
To critically analyse BER performance in association with probability of error theory
To look at selected key technologies used in cellular mobile
8. Syllabus
The evolution of cellular mobile. Line transmission: (PDH and SDH), Signalling (SS7). The GSM radio access network, core network and its capabilities. The air-interface
and core network (including ATM) for 3G. The General Packet Radio Services (GPRS) network. Speech compression for mobile.
Probability and random processes; Characterisation and Modelling of Mobile Radio Channels; Digital carrier modulation; Digital modulation schemes; Bit error rate
performance of digital modulation schemes in mobile fading channels; Error control coding, block codes, convolutional codes, Viterbi decoding; Diversity techniques.
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Form 20
Version 3.0 (2007/2008)
Heriot-Watt University - Module Descriptor Template (RAY)
Module Title
Principles of Mobile Communications
School
EPS
Module
Co-ordinator
EECE teaching group convener
SCQF
Level
11
Module
Code
B31SI
Semester
2
On or OffCampusCr
editpoints
Credits
On
15
9. Learning Outcomes (HWU Core Skills: Employability and Professional Career Readiness)
Subject Mastery
Understanding, Knowledge and Cognitive Skills



Personal Abilities
Scholarship, Enquiry and Research (Research-Informed Learning)
Have a detailed knowledge of the infrastructure and core technologies used in cellular mobile systems
Have a detailed knowledge of radio channel modelling techniques, modulation types and signal analysis and error control coding
To have a rigorous mathematical background in stochastic processes for mobile communications
Industrial, Commercial & Professional Practice
Autonomy, Accountability & Working with Others
Communication, Numeracy & ICT




Ability to understand the language and specifications of land and cellular radio systems
To be able to converse with experts in the mobile / land communication industry
To have advanced specialised numerical skills in order to be able to evaluate communication system performance
To be able to tackle complex design tasks and produce innovative solutions
10. Assessment Methods
11. Re-assessment Methods
Method
Duration of Exam
Weighting (%)
Synoptic modules?
Method
Duration of Exam
(if applicable)
Examination
Coursework
2
(if applicable)
60
40
Examination
2
12. Date and Version
Date of Proposal
30 November 2007
Date of Approval by
School Committee
Date of
Implementation
Version
Number
1.0
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