ECE 401L Communication Systems Laboratory
Required Course
Course Description (2009 Bulletin)
Design, fabrication and laboratory investigation of modulators, detectors, filters, and associated
communication components and systems (1 sem. Hr.)
Prerequisite: ECE 304. Corequisite: ECE 401.
Class Schedule: 110-minute lab session once per week (Winter 2009)
Textbook
Lab handouts
References
B. P. Lathi, Modern Digital and Analog Communictaion Systems, 3rd Edition, Oxford University
Press, 1998.
Ferrel G. Stremler, Introduction to Communication Systems, Addison Wesley, 1992. ISBN 0201-18498-2.
Engineering Tools
MATLAB, Simulink, Electronics Workbench, laboratory test and measurement equipment for
communications
Class Website
(Fall 2006) http://homepages.udayton.edu/~hardierc/ECE401/ECE401L.htm
Goal
This laboratory course accompanies ECE 401 and provides students an opportunity to develop
practical skills in the design, fabrication, and testing of communication systems and components.
Prerequisites by Topic
1. Fourier analysis
2. Knowledge of general laboratory instrumentation, skills and safety
3. Electronic circuit design and assembly
Topics
1. Introduction to communication laboratory specific equipment and safety (1 week)
2. AM transmission using chopper modulation (2 weeks)
3. Amplitude modulation and demodulation (2 weeks)
4. Oscillators and frequency mulitpliers (2 weeks)
5. Frequency modulation and detection (2 weeks)
6. Baseband PCM (2 classes)
7. Digital modulation (2 weeks)
8. Lab practical exam (1 week)
Assessment
10% Pre-lab preparation (10%), lab exercises and reports (70%), lab practical exam (20%)
(Winter 2009)
Relevant ABET Program Outcomes
a
b
c
e
g
i
j
k
ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science and engineering.
ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret
data.
ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs.
ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems.
ability to communicate effectively.
recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning.
knowledge of contemporary issues
able to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools
Course Learning Outcomes
1. Students are able to apply knowledge of electronics and ECE-401 lecture course material to
the design of analog and digital communication system components (a, c, e).
2. Students are able to clearly communicate the results of their designs and experimental results
in the form of lab reports (g).
3. Students are able to design and conduct experiments for testing communication systems, as
well as to analyze and interpret data relevant to communications systems (b).
4. Students will use MATLAB and Electronics Workbench software tools to model components
of communication systems (k).
5. Students will use modern laboratory test and measurement equipment appropriate for
communication systems (k).
6. Students will have knowledge of contemporary issues in communications and an
appreciation for the advancing technology in this area (i, j).
Prepared by: R. C. Hardie, Professor
Date: 13 November 2009