Module overview
To develop knowledge of the fundamentals of Signals and Systems.
To introduce the concepts of signal transforms, system convolution and linear operations.
To introduce the concepts of randomness in signals and systems.
To provide a comprehensive foundation for the Control and Communications modules and Level 6 and 7 signal and image processing,
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Use mathematical software for design and simulation
- Apply the mathematical tools covered in this module to a range of engineering problems.
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Apply time and frequency domain techniques for the system analysis.
- Extract electrical signals from noise.
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Filters for system analysis.
- Continuous and discrete time signals in time domain and frequency domain.
- The relationship between the time and frequency domains.
- Introduction to random signals concepts.
Syllabus
Signal and systems:
- Convolution, Fourier and Laplace transform, Transfer function
- Step and impulse response in continuous time
- Discrete Fourier and Z transform,
- Step and impulse response in discrete time
Random signals:
- Recall of probability concepts,
- random signals in continuous and discrete time,
- Correlation and power spectral density
Sampling and Quantisation:
- Sampling,
- Quantisation,
- Aliasing,
- Analogue-to-digital conversion,
- Digital-to-analogue conversion
Frequency domain analysis:
- Aliasing, windowing effect on spectrum
Filtering of signals:
- Filter design,
- low pass filter,
- high pass filter,
- bandpass filter
- Analog filter design
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
The content of this module is delivered through lectures, module website, directed reading and tutorials.
Students work on their understanding through a combination of independent study, preparation for timetabled activities and tutorials, along with formative assessments in the form of coursework assignments, and problem sheets.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 5 |
| Follow-up work | 18 |
| Revision | 18 |
| Wider reading or practice | 54 |
| Specialist Laboratory | 3 |
| Completion of assessment task | 10 |
| Tutorial | 6 |
| Lecture | 36 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
General Resources
Laboratory space and equipment required. CPLD and FPGA development kits
Software requirements. Modelsim, ispLever, Synplify, Altera Quartus
Textbooks
J F Wakerly (2006). Digital Design - Principles and Practices. Pearson Prentice Hall.
Zwolinski M (2004). Digital System Design with VHDL,. Pearson Prentice Hall.
M. Zwolinski (2010). Digital System Design with SystemVerilog. Pearson Prentice Hall.
M M Mano, M D Ciletti, Digital Design (2007). Digital Design. Pearson Prentice Hall.
I. Otung (2001). Communication Engineering Principles. Palgrave.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
This module is assessed by a combination of assessed laboratories and a final assessment in the form of a written examination.
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Specialist Laboratory | 10% |
| Examination | 90% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Examination | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Examination | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External