Communications and Control - ELE00092H

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Module summary

This module is a transition module incorporating material from two previous ten-credit modules. These are outlined separately below and in later sections of this form.

Control component:
This module provides an introduction to feedback control of linear systems, and how it can be used to provide stability or to obtain a particular response characteristic from a system. The techniques covered have a wide range of applications, including to mechanical systems such as robots, and to electronic systems such as audio amplifiers.

Communications component:
The Communication Systems module provides you with a detailed understanding of how wireless communication systems work, from theoretical concepts through to the design of practical radio systems and networks. Topics include: information theory; wireless link design; signals, radio modulation and demodulation; networks and protocols.

Related modules

All aspects of Control component teaching are shared with the two other Control+ transition year modules.

Module will run

Occurrence	Teaching period
A	Semester 1 2024-25

Module aims

Control component

Subject content aims:

• To provide a fundamental introduction to the analysis and design of simple analogue controllers for linear, time-invariant, continuous dynamic systems

• To extend basic control concepts and apply them to more complex problems, with a view to industrial and real-world applications

Graduate skills aims:

• To develop skills in the selection and application of appropriate numeric and algebraic techniques

 

Communications component

Subject content aims:

• To introduce the basic knowledge necessary for transmitting and receiving information using today's communication technologies

• To introduce the coding of information onto a carrier (modulation) which is then transmitted, received and demodulated

• To introduce analogue and digital communication systems emphasizing the transition from analogue to predominantly digital transmission

Graduate skills aims:

• To develop skills in the selection and application of appropriate numeric and algebraic techniques

Module learning outcomes

Control component

Subject content learning outcomes

After successful completion of this module, students will:

• Know how to apply the Laplace transform in the development of transfer functions for a range of simple dynamic systems

• Describe the problems of control system implementation in a real-world context

• Be able to analyse transfer functions and present the properties of the systems they represent in terms of control objectives

• Be able to design simple control systems to achieve a set of desired control objectives

• Be able to use software tools, based upon the MATLAB environment to support control system analysis and design

• Be able to design active control components such as compensators and PID controllers to achieve desirable control objectives

Graduate skills learning outcomes

After successful completion of this module, students will:

• Be able to explain and evaluate advanced technical concepts concisely and accurately

• Be able to select, adapt and apply a range of mathematical techniques to solve advanced problems

• Have developed skills in problem solving, critical analysis and applied mathematics

 

Communications Component

Subject content learning outcomes

After successful completion of this module, students will:

• Be able to represent information as time-domain or frequency-domain functions with an understanding of the equivalence between these domains

• Understand the operation of analogue and digital communication systems in the time-domain and the frequency-domain

• Describe the basic theory and operation of analogue communication systems, e.g. AM and FM modulation

• Discuss the fundamentals of digital communication systems, especially baseband signalling, digital modulation

• Be able to analyse and design simple analogue/digital communications systems

Graduate skills learning outcomes

After successful completion of this module, students will:

• Be able to explain and evaluate advanced technical concepts concisely and accurately

• Be able to select, adapt and apply a range of mathematical techniques to solve advanced problems

• Have developed skills in problem solving, critical analysis and applied mathematics

Indicative assessment

Task	% of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled)	50.0
Essay/coursework	50.0

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task	% of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled)	50.0
Essay/coursework	50.0

Module feedback

'Feedback’ at a university level can be understood as any part of the learning process which is designed to guide your progress through your degree programme. We aim to help you reflect on your own learning and help you feel more clear about your progress through clarifying what is expected of you in both formative and summative assessments. A comprehensive guide to feedback and to forms of feedback is available in the Guide to Assessment Standards, Marking and Feedback.

The School of PET aims to provide some form of feedback on all formative and summative assessments that are carried out during the degree programme. In general, feedback on any written work/assignments undertaken will be sufficient so as to indicate the nature of the changes needed in order to improve the work. The School will endeavour to return all exam feedback within the timescale set out in the University's Policy on Assessment Feedback Turnaround Time. The School would normally expect to adhere to the times given, however, it is possible that exceptional circumstances may delay feedback. The School will endeavour to keep such delays to a minimum. Please note that any marks released are subject to ratification by the Board of Examiners and Senate. Meetings at the start/end of each term provide you with an opportunity to discuss and reflect with your supervisor on your overall performance to date.

Statement of Feedback

Formative Feedback

• Homework problem sheets will be provided and marked in workshops.

• Lab sessions will provide the opportunity to ask questions and receive verbal help and feedback about your progress in developing practical skills.

• Practice exercises for the continuous assessments will be provided, allowing you to check your progress throughout the module.

• Questions can be asked at any time, and will be answered as soon as possible.

Summative Feedback

For marked continuous assessments, marks and the correct answers will be provided.

Indicative reading

For the control component, notes and readings will be provided in class.

Communications component:

Digital and Analog Communication Systems by Leon W. Couch, Eighth Edition. Pearson Education ( 2012)

Communication Systems by Simon Haykin, Fifth Edition. Wiley (2009)

Modern Digital and Analog Communications System by B. Lathi, Zhi Ding. OUP (2009)

Fundamentals of Communication Systems by John G. Proakis , Masoud Salehi. Pearson Education (2014)