525.616.8VL - Communication Systems Engineering

Expanded Course Description

Introduce the communication channel (transmitter, propagation medium and receiver) to evaluate the performance of analog and digital systems using Fourier and statistical analyses. Analytical and modeling tools are developed to compare the performance of ideal communication systems to that of non-ideal modern communication systems in noisy and interference environments.

Course Structure

All course materials are found on Canvas and are divided into sub-modules for each class. Each module has several files including overview, content, examples, exercises, discussions and assignments. Each student is encouraged to preview all sub-module sections before the start of each class. (please check regularly the calendar & weekly emails for assignment due dates).

Course Topics

Fourier spectral & time signal analysis, Channel transmission & propagation effects, Amplitude & phase modulation of analog & digital systems, Analog to digital conversion (sampling, quantization & encoding), Probability & random processes of practical communication signals & systems, Optimal and sub-optimal communication filters, Metric performance of analog & digital communications in noise & interference, Effects of fading channels in cellular communications, and Spread spectrum concepts.

Course Goals

To understand the concepts of Communication Systems. Apply the mathematical tools used throughout the course in solving the performance limitations of Analog & Digital Systems in a modern practical environment.

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

• Understand the concepts of analog & digital communications at both the system & sub-system levels.
• Develop analytical metric concepts and models that evaluate the design & performance of communication systems in a practical environment.
• Utilize and apply these analytical and metric evaluation concepts to advanced level engineering courses.

Textbooks

Modern Digital and Analog Communication Systems by Lathi & Ding (5th edition) - Oxford University Press

Other Materials & Online Resources

None

Required Software

Although MATLAB is not required to do the homework and pass the exams, MATLAB exercises for each topic will be provided and covered in each class (including source code) to gain an insight of the performance of communication systems in practical environments. 

Student Coursework Requirements

Student coursework requirements and assessments include a midterm exam (40%), a final exam (40%) and homework (20%)

Grading Policy

My grading policies include taking and passing the midterm exam and final exam. Students will turn in their homework (HW) on a weekly basis and their homework will be graded & returned. Final Grades will be based on the midterm & final exams and the HW. My letter grades after scaling will be A+(100-96), A (95-91), A-(90-86), B+(85-81), B (80-76). B-(75-71), C+(70-66), C (65-61), C-(60-55), D (<55).

Course Evaluation

The course evaluation is based on understanding the concepts of Communication Systems.

Academic Policies

Deadlines for Adding, Dropping and Withdrawing from Courses

Students may add a course up to one week after the start of the term for that particular course. Students may drop courses according to the drop deadlines outlined in the EP academic calendar (https://ep.jhu.edu/student-services/academic-calendar/). Between the 6th week of the class and prior to the final withdrawal deadline, a student may withdraw from a course with a W on their academic record. A record of the course will remain on the academic record with a W appearing in the grade column to indicate that the student registered and withdrew from the course.

Academic Misconduct Policy

All students are required to read, know, and comply with the Johns Hopkins University Krieger School of Arts and Sciences (KSAS) / Whiting School of Engineering (WSE) Procedures for Handling Allegations of Misconduct by Full-Time and Part-Time Graduate Students.

This policy prohibits academic misconduct, including but not limited to the following: cheating or facilitating cheating; plagiarism; reuse of assignments; unauthorized collaboration; alteration of graded assignments; and unfair competition. Course materials (old assignments, texts, or examinations, etc.) should not be shared unless authorized by the course instructor. Any questions related to this policy should be directed to EP’s academic integrity officer at ep-academic-integrity@jhu.edu.

Students with Disabilities - Accommodations and Accessibility

Johns Hopkins University values diversity and inclusion. We are committed to providing welcoming, equitable, and accessible educational experiences for all students. Students with disabilities (including those with psychological conditions, medical conditions and temporary disabilities) can request accommodations for this course by providing an Accommodation Letter issued by Student Disability Services (SDS). Please request accommodations for this course as early as possible to provide time for effective communication and arrangements.

For further information or to start the process of requesting accommodations, please contact Student Disability Services at Engineering for Professionals, ep-disability-svcs@jhu.edu.

Student Conduct Code

The fundamental purpose of the JHU regulation of student conduct is to promote and to protect the health, safety, welfare, property, and rights of all members of the University community as well as to promote the orderly operation of the University and to safeguard its property and facilities. As members of the University community, students accept certain responsibilities which support the educational mission and create an environment in which all students are afforded the same opportunity to succeed academically. 

For a full description of the code please visit the following website: https://studentaffairs.jhu.edu/policies-guidelines/student-code/

Classroom Climate

JHU is committed to creating a classroom environment that values the diversity of experiences and perspectives that all students bring. Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Fostering an inclusive climate is important. Research and experience show that students who interact with peers who are different from themselves learn new things and experience tangible educational outcomes. At no time in this learning process should someone be singled out or treated unequally on the basis of any seen or unseen part of their identity. 
 
If you have concerns in this course about harassment, discrimination, or any unequal treatment, or if you seek accommodations or resources, please reach out to the course instructor directly. Reporting will never impact your course grade. You may also share concerns with your program chair, the Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion, or the Office of Institutional Equity. In handling reports, people will protect your privacy as much as possible, but faculty and staff are required to officially report information for some cases (e.g. sexual harassment).

Course Auditing

When a student enrolls in an EP course with “audit” status, the student must reach an understanding with the instructor as to what is required to earn the “audit.” If the student does not meet those expectations, the instructor must notify the EP Registration Team [EP-Registration@exchange.johnshopkins.edu] in order for the student to be retroactively dropped or withdrawn from the course (depending on when the "audit" was requested and in accordance with EP registration deadlines). All lecture content will remain accessible to auditing students, but access to all other course material is left to the discretion of the instructor.