Pre-requisites

Basic notions in solid-state physics and semiconductors (structure of crystalline and amorphous materials, particle/wave duality, dispersion of electrons in a crystal, energy band structure, charge densities and distribution, continuity equations, charge transport mechanisms in crystalline solids). Basics of light/matter interactions (absorption, emission, etc).

Mathematical methods for physics and engineering (e.g. integrals, complex variables…).

Module Aims

To provide students with a basic understanding of organic and hybrid semiconductors and their applications in optoelectronics and printed electronics. To become familiar with printing technologies, their specific features and bottlenecks.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module, a student will be able to understand the general context of printed electronics.

• Understand the main properties of organic and hybrid semiconductors and their potentialities for optoelectronics.

• Understand the main technologies for thin film deposition, including printing technologies.

• Understand the basic operation of photovoltaic cells and light-emitting diodes and the corresponding characterization methods.

• Understand the role of interfacial layers in optoelectronic devices.

Indicative Content

• Printed electronics and organic solar cells 

• general context of printed electronics,

• main applications,

• physical (electronic and optical) characteristics and parameters of organic materials,

• deposition processes,

• application to organic photovoltaics,

• application to photo-detection.

• Printable Light-emitting devices based on hybrid perovskites

• Basics of semiconductor properties (electronic and optical) for light emission physical,

• charge carrier distribution,

• injection mechanisms,

• basics on hybrid perovskite (specific electronic and optical properties),

• perovskite devices (solar cells, lasers, etc),

• focus on perovskite LED,

• Application to visible light communications.

Suggested Bibliography

• Kittel, C., McEuen, P., & McEuen, P. (1996). Introduction to solid state physics (Vol. 8, pp. 323-324). New York: Wiley.

• Sapoval, B., & Hermann, C. (2003). Physics of semiconductors. Springer Science & Business Media.

• Moliton, A. (2010). Optoelectronics of molecules and polymers (Vol. 104). Springer.

• Moliton, A. (2009). Solid-state physics for electronics. Wiley-ISTE ISBN: 978-1848210622

• Krebs, F. C. (Ed.). (2010). Polymeric solar cells: materials, design, manufacture. DEStech Publications, Inc. 

• Schubert, E. F. (2018). Light-emitting diodes. E. Fred Schubert. ISBN : 978-0986382666

• Sum T.-C., Mathews N. (2019). Halide Perovskites: Photovoltaics, Light Emitting Devices, and Beyond. John Wiley & Sons. ISBN: 978-3527341115

• Kao, K.C. (2004). Dielectric phenomena in solids (With Emphasis on Physical Concepts of Electronic Processes). Elsevier acad. Press. ISBN 0-12-396561-6 

Methods of Delivery

Learning Hours (H)

• Part I: Lectures & Tutorial

• Part II: Lecture & Tutorial

Methods of Assessment and Weighting

Exam ( lecture & tutorials)

• Duration: 1.5 Hours

• Weight: 100%

Examination period in December/January.

Resit in January and June.

Credit Units (ECTS): 3

Pre-requisites

• Basics of nonlinear modelling of microwave transistors,

• Basics of linear/nonlinear active microwave circuits,

• Architectures of power amplifiers,

• High-frequency measurements of linear/nonlinear components,

• Basics of ADS software applied to linear circuits,

• Basics of design methods for linear/nonlinear circuits of RF front ends,

• Basics of sampling theory,

• Basics of nonlinear modelling Volterra Series.

Module Aims

To provide students with an advanced insight into signal processing and adaptive linear/nonlinear microwave circuits to face high-frequency front-end requirements.

Learning Outcomes

• Deep insight into the nonlinear modelling of thermal and trapping effects in microwave transistors to assess their impact on modulated signals

• Advanced understanding of adaptive power amplifiers in high-frequency front-end illustrated by payload and radar applications

• Design methods of Doherty, switching-mode and envelope tracking HPAs

• Advanced understanding of band-pass sampling in a receiver for the satellite ground-based station

• Advanced understanding of limitations of Software Defined Radio (quantification noise, phase jitter, non-linear effects, SFDR, THD).

 Indicative Content 

• Nonlinear circuits

• Specific nonlinear modelling methods of GaN HEMTs,

• nonlinear modelling of thermal and trapping effects,

• EVM/ACPR/NPR linearity criteria of HF modulated signals,

• principles of linearization techniques,

• system trade-offs between efficiency and linearity in payload satellites and radar systems,

• statistics of complex modulated signals with variable envelope,

• adaptive control of high power amplifiers, switching-mode power amplifiiers (F, inverse F, VMCD, CMCD),

• Doherty technique,

• EER Envelope Elimination and Restoration,

• Discrete and continuous envelope tracking systems,

• calculation of boost and buck DC-DC converters,

• Envelope detector,

• PWM modulation,

• LINC and CHIREIX techniques.

• Low noise amplifier design

• Noise analysis for linear RF circuits (sources of noise in electronic circuits, noise power vs signal power, noise figure and equivalent noise temperature, noise figure for passive quadripole, Friss formula, noise parameters for linear quadripole, modelling noise in linear quadripole, characterization techniques, noise figure measurement),

• design and synthesis of low noise amplifier (specifications and modelling process).

• Digital processing systems

• digital modulation formats,

• signal processing (IQ formalism, complex envelope, IQ modulation and demodulation, example of M-QAM modulation format, mathematical description of sampling, Nyquist-Shannon theorem),

• particular case of wireless systems (multiplexing techniques (FD/TDMA),

• TDD and FDD duplexing with Downlink and Uplink, constraints on RF receivers),

• receivers architectures, pros and cons (heterodyne vs homodyne, digital IF receiver, receiver with bandpass sampling, receiver with discrete sampling, limitation of analog-digital conversion, THD, SFDR, phase jitter).

• Particular case of Track Hold Amplifier (THA) RF sampler

• architecture of THA and non-linear phenomenological model of THA,

• limitation of THA (bandwidth, SFDR, THD),

• example of THA 1321 Inphi datasheet and its use for band-pass sampling with DDC (Digital Down Converter) processing for complex envelope extraction.

Guest Lecturers (indicative)

• Design requirements of low noise and power amplifiers for microwave front ends dedicated to radio/satellite communications and radar systems.

• Design requirements of Software Defined Radio for ground-based satellite receivers.

Suggested Bibliography

• Steve Cripps , RF Power amplifiers for wireless communications –Artech House, ISBN  0-89006-989-1.

• Stephen A Mass , Nonlinear microwave and RF circuits – Artech House ISBN  1-58053-484-8.

• Jonathan C. Jensen , Ultra-high speed data converter building blocks in Si/SiGe HBT process, PhD thesis, 2005, University of California San Diego.

• Richard Chi His Li, RF Circuit Design Wiley Online Library Second Edition, ISBN 20120928.

 Methods of Delivery

Learning Hours: Lectures

Methods of Assessment and Weighting

Exam (Lecture)

• Duration: 3 Hours

• Weight: 100%

Examination period in December/January.

Resit in January and June.

Credit Units (ECTS): 6

Pre-requisites

• Electromagnetic theory and basic microwave components

• measurement microwave technics.

Module Aims

To provide students with an understanding of passive components for spatial and IoT telecommunications.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module a student will be able to:

• Understand the electromagnetic and electric theory basis for microwave component design.

• Know the methodologies for the advanced synthesis of microwave passive components and the potential of tunability of these components.

• Design tunable components (MEMS switch, Phase Change Material, varactors …)  for active and passive planar circuits.

Indicative Content 

• Propagation:

• industrial and R&D context for passive microwave circuits,

• propagation in cylindrical metallic waveguide,

• EM analysis and modelling of heterogeneous microwave resonators,

• theory of coupling between microwave resonators.

• Microwave filter synthesis,

• EM CAD for microwave sub-systems (components, packaging),

• Current research activities on passive microwave components including their integration.

• Integrated Passives for RFICs and MMWICs:

• industrial and R&D context for RFICs, Low Power RF electronics,

• parameters and characteristics for passive circuits and matching networks on CMOS RFICs,

• integrated L-C networks,

• design of layout-efficient matching networks in Silicon ICs,

• Coupling EM simulations to circuit simulations,

• tunable capacitors for adaptative front ends components, 

• emerging IC integrated technologies: RF MEMS, PCM switches,

• Application example.

Guest Lecturers (indicative)

• smallsats, CubeSats, Nano and Picosatellites constellation for new  internet operators (GAFA),

• MEMS and Phase Change Materials for 5G communications,

• additive technologies to manufacture microwave components.

Suggested Bibliography

• D. M. Pozar, Microwave Engineering, 4th edition, John Wiley and Sons, 2012.

• Peter Rizzi,  Microwave Engineering: Passive Circuits, PHI Learning, 1987.

• R. J. Cameron, C. M. Kudsia, R.R. Mansour, Microwave Filters for Communications Systems, Fundamentals, Design and Applications, Wiley, 2018.

 Methods of Delivery

• Part I: Lecture & Tutorial 

• Part II: Lecture & Tutorial

Methods of Assessment and Weighting

Exam ( lecture & tutorials)

• Duration: 2 Hours

• Weight: 100%

Examination period in December/January.

Resit in January and June.

Credit Units (ECTS): 6

Pre-requisites

The basic tools of digital communications: Inter Symbol Interference, Binary Error Rate on an AWGN ideal channel, erf and erfc functions, digital filtering, Nyquist filtering, channel time and frequency selectivity…

Module Aims

The goal is to give the required basis to the students to understand the physical layer of modern high rate wireless transmission systems. The capacity of wireless links has dramatically increased in the last decade and this module gives to the students the main reasons why.

Learning Outcomes

After the module the students will be able to dimension a digital transmission system using performing transmit techniques such as the orthogonal frequency division multiplexing.

Indicative Content 

Characterization of propagation channels for high bit rate wireless digital communications, single-carrier systems (AWGN), filters at emitter and receiver sides, Nyquist criterion, equalization for single-carrier systems, shortcomings for 4G systems, introduction of multi-carriers modulations, description of Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), synchronization, some examples (UMTS, LTE, WIFI-WIMAX).

Suggested Bibliography

JG Proakis Massoud Salehi, Digital Communications, fifth edition, Wiley.

Methods of Delivery

Lectures and Tutorials

Methods of Assessment and Weighting

Exam ( lecture & tutorials)

Duration: 2 Hours
Weight: 100%
Examination period in December/January.

Credit Units (ECTS): 1.5

Pre-requisites

Understanding linear propagation in optical fibers (including role of chromatic dispersion in pulsed regime). Principles of laser emission in condensed matter. Construction of laser resonators. Knowledge of non-linear (cubic) interactions in optical fibers.

Module Aims

• To present various kinds of coherent (or partially coherent) light sources;

• To explain how to detect light and how to characterize such light sources;

• To explain how to tailor the relevant parameters of light sources;

• To explain how the interplay between linear and non-linear effects in optical waveguides affects light propagation;

• To explain how to tailor the relevant parameters of optical fibres.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the module the student will be able to design a coherent (or partially coherent) light-emitting system based on optical fibres, taking linear and non-linear interactions into account in order to tailor the emitted beam according to some specific application.

Indicative Content

• Basic skills: Detection (field modelling, space-time behaviour, how to measure phase, field and intensity correlation, relation between spatial and temporal behaviours), propagation (dispersion – diffraction, similarities for a 2nd order description, Gaussian beams and Gaussian pulses, space-time analogy ; temporal solitons and spatial solitons), focus on light sources (relevant parameters for light source description, spatial and temporal modes, examples).

• Advanced sources:

1. How to manage the relevant parameters of a coherent source? Parameters for full space-time characterization of the laser radiation, M² parameter, autocorrelation trace, Fourier-limited pulses, diffraction-limited beams, tailoring a coherent radiation (spatial and frequency filtering, space-time analogy, space-time profiling), active and passive control over space-time characteristics.

2. Spatial behaviour: guided wave optics – optical fibre (geometrical vs wave approach, techniques for controlling modal properties), index-guiding microstructured fibres (architecture, analogy with conventional fibres, modified total internal reflection, fabrication, properties), applications to high power sources.

3. Temporal behaviour: third-order nonlinearities and their impact on the pulse, management of third order nonlinearities for guided waves: microstructured fibres (index and bandgap guiding) vs conventional fibres, control over the propagation constant), single-frequency laser (gas laser, DBR, a few applications to LIDAR, LIGO-VIRGO), partially coherent radiation (evaluation of the mutual degree of coherence, incoherent supercontinuum and application to infrared spectromicroscopy), mode-locked lasers (principles, operation regimes (soliton, dispersion-managed, all-normal, chirped pulse), Raman solitons → application to multiphoton microscopy), frequency combs: coherent supercontinuum for metrology.

4.  Labs: numerical design of complex, micro-structured, optical fibers with COMSOL multiphysics. Numerical modelling of pulse propagation in optical fibers with tailored nonlinearity and chromatic dispersion with Matlab.

Suggested Bibliography

• Optics background

Eugene Hecht, Optics, fifth edition, Pearson (2016), ISBN 1292096934, 9781292096933, 728 pages

• Fiber optics

– A. Ghatak, K. Thyagarajan, An Introduction to Fiber Optics, Cambridge University Press (1998), 565 pages
– G. Agrawal, Nonlinear Fiber Optics, 6th Edition, Academic Press (2019), 728 pages

Methods of Delivery

Lecture & Lab Sessions (CAD Matlab and Comsol Multiphysics) 

Methods of Assessment and Weighting

Exam ( lecture & tutorials)

Duration: 3 Hours
Weight: 75%
Examination period in December/January.

Exam ( Lab sessions)

Duration: 1 Hours
Weight: 25%
Examination period in December/January.

Credit Units (ECTS): 7.5

Pre-requisites

•  Maxwell’s equations, planes waves.

• Equations of propagation

• Resolution of linear systems

• Antennas Parameters (Radiation and electrical characteristics, S parameters, Transmission Equation)

• Antenna array analysis

• Wire antennas, patch antennas, radiating apertures

Module Aims

• EMC : Introduction to the Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) – How to solve EMC problems using analytic approaches based on physical phenomena or using numerical tools.

• Antennas : Overview of antennas and array architectures for terrestrial and space communications and radar detection. Study of pattern synthesis techniques and tools. Antenna array and associated circuit design guidelines for beamforming. Analysis of the properties and design rules of radiating apertures and reflector antennas

Learning Outcomes

 On successful completion of this module a student will be able to:

• Understand the different ways of parasitic electromagnetic coupling

• Evaluate the perturbation level in simple cases at the electronic systems level

• Design an antenna array according to a given pattern specification

• Design and to analyze the performances of most common radiating apertures and reflector antennas

 Indicative Content

• EM compatibility

– Typical examples of EMC problem

– Introduction to diffraction problems, resolution using numerical tools

– Principle of an analytical approach based on circuit representation of physical phenomena

– Sources of electromagnetic interferences

– Coupling phenomena, particular case of transmission lines,

– Electromagnetic shielding and nonlinear protections

• Antennas:

– Introduction on analog and digital beamforming architectures

– Linear and Planar Array Factor Synthesis (Fourier, Chebyshev, Numerical synthesis).

– Array beamforming networks

– Radiating apertures (horn antennas, slotted waveguide)

– Reflector antennas: properties and design.
 

Suggested Bibliography

• “Analysis of multiconductor transmission lines”  Clayton R. Paul, IEEE Press, Wiley-Interscience A. John Wiley & sons, Inc, Publication. ISBN 978-0-470-13154-1

• “La Compatibilité Électromagnétique des systèmes complexes » Olivier Maurice – Hermes-Lavoisier.

• Randy L. Haupt – Antenna Arrays_ A Computational Approach (2010, Wiley-IEEE Press)

• Constantine A. Balanis, ANTENNA THEORY ANALYSIS AND DESIGN, THIRD EDITION, A JOHN WILEY & SONS, INC., PUBLICATION.

• Mailloux, Robert J, Phased Array Antenna Handbook, Third Edition,Artech House, 2017

Methods of Delivery

• EMC : Lecture (10h)

• Antennas : Lecture (15h) Tutorial (5h)

Methods of Assessment and Weighting

Exam( lecture & tutorials)

Duration: 2 Hours

Weight: 100%

Credit Units (ECTS): 7.5

Pre-requisites

• Fourier transform,

• basic Concepts of Probability and Random Variables,

• basic concepts of linear algebra.

Module Aims

The aim of this course is the analysis of the principal error control coding techniques and digital modulation techniques used in the modern communication systems (WiFi, WiMax, Digital Power Lines, Terrestrial Digital Video Broadcasting, etc.).

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module a student will be able to understand the fundamentals of modulation systems and coding techniques.

Indicative Content

• Introduction.

• Modulation and demodulation for the AWGN channel

• Characterization of signals and noise waveforms.

• Modulation and demodulation for the Additive White Gaussian Noise channel (AWGN).

• The optimal receiver for the AWGN channel.

• Performance estimation. The Union bound. Examples.

• Digital Modulation Systems (OFDM, CPM, DSSS)

• Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM).

• Transmitter and receiver.

• Channel equalization in the frequency domain.

• Effects of non-linearities.

• Examples of applications of OFDM.

• Continuos Phase Modulation techniques (CPM).

• Full and partial respone CPM.

• Optimal and symplified receivers.

• Power spectrum estimation. Practical examples (GMSK, TFM, …).

• Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) Modulation and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) techniques.

• Block and Convolutional Linear Codes

• Linear block codes.

• The generation matrix and the parity check matrix. Cyclic codes. Hard and soft decision decoding. Performance evaluation. Burst error correction. Examples.

• Convolutional codes.

• Definition. Optimum decoding. The Viterbi algorithm. Performance evaluation. Classic concatenated codes. Examples.

• Recent trends in channel coding

• Turbo codes.

• Low Density Parity Check codes. Examples.

• Examples of modern communications systems

• GSM, UMTS, LTE, xDSL, DPL, DAB, DVB, WiMax, WiFi, Software Radio, Cognitive Radio, MIMO Systems, UWB, RFID, Domotic Applications, Wireless communications in the Smart Cities, etc.

Suggested Bibliography

• Simon Haykin, Communication Systems, 4th ed., Wiley, 2001.

• J. G. Proakis, Digital Communications, McGraw-Hill.

• S. Benedetto, E. Biglieri, Principles of Digital Transmission, Kluwer Academic-Plenum Publishers.

Methods of Delivery

Lessons and examples (60H)

Methods of Assessment and Weighting

Written examination. Discussion of a project.

Credit Value (ECTS): 6

Pre-requisites

Knowledge of digital and analog electronics fundamentals is useful.

Module Aims

Learning design of (digital) embedded systems is a fundamental necessity for a telecommunication engineer. This course provides necessary instruments to achieve that goal.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module, a student will be able to understand the fundamentals of digital systems and embedded systems programming.

Indicative Content

• embedded systems introduction,

• digital systems (combinatorial and sequential logic, finite state machine: HW and SW implementation). CMOS technology,

• numerical representation. Fixed and floating point. Fractional numbers,

• microprocessors, microcontrollers and DSPs,

• memory devices. Cache memories,

• embedded systems programming: assembler and C. Memory mapped I/O and Programmed I/O. Polling loop and interrupt handling,

• local and remote model of I/O devices. Network topologies. RS232. SPI,

• programming and debugging tools. Logic state,

• PLD technologies and devices,

• il VHDL – basic concepts,

• il VHDL – FSM,

• laboratory: the Microchip dsPIC33F and the ALtera FPGA Cyclone III with their IDEs.

Suggested Bibliography

• Embedded Systems: A Contemporary Design Tool, J.K. Peckol, Wiley, ISBN: 978-0-471-72180-2.

• The Scientist and Engineer’s Guide to Digital Signal Processing, S.W. Smith.

• Mixed-Signal and DSP Design Techniques, edited by Walt Kester (Newnes, 2003).

• Digital Logic and Microprocessor Design with VHDL, E.O. Hwang (Nelson, 2006).

Methods of Delivery

In the classroom lectures, the student will learn more about the hardware architecture aspects of GPP, ASIP and PLD, their internal building blocks, operation principles, interfacing with other digital systems etc. In the laboratory sessions, the student will learn more about the (low level) language programming of these devices, and how use them for actual implementing complex digital systems (e.g. Microchip dsPIC33F, Altera Cyclone III.). (60H)

Methods of Assessment and Weighting

Course grading is based on a written test about the course topics (accounting for 70% of the final grade) and a lab test or creative lab project reporting and discussion (accounting for 30% of the final grade).

Credit Value (ECTS): 6

Pre-requisites

• fundamentals of measurement theory,

• circuit theory,

• fundamental of electronics.

Module Aims

The course presents the fundamentals of methods, techniques, and instruments used both in the installation and for the maintenance of the telecommunication apparatuses.

Learning Outcomes

Introduction to techniques and instruments for characterization, testing and monitoring of telecommunication installations. The unit provides the student with the know-how which is required to correctly select and apply the right measurements techniques as well as to use the corresponding instruments indispensable to correctly operate a modern complex telecommunication installation. The techniques required by copper and fiber channels are introduced.

Indicative Content

• Systems for the acquisition of measurements

• What, when and why do we measure in telecommunications.

• The measuring chain. Analog and digital signal processing in a measuring chain.

• Signal and systems characterization.

• Time-domain versus frequency-domain measurements.

• The decibel scales.

• Measurements in the frequency domain

• the bank-of-filters spectrum analyzer,

• FFT spectrum analyzer,

• swept spectrum analyzer,

• real-time bandwidth spectrum analyzers,

• distortion measurements,

• electronic noise measurements.

• Measurements of optical quantities,

• optical power measurements,

• thermoelectrical power meters,

• PIN photo-detectors,

• electronic optical power meters,

• insertion loss measurements on optical devices,

• the optical spectrum analyzer,

• the optical time-domain reflectometer.

Suggested Bibliography

• Robert A. Witte, Spectrum & Network Measurement, Noble.

• Dennis Derickson, Fiber Optic Test and Measurement, Prentice Hall.

• Robert A. Witte, Electronic test instruments: Analog and Digital measurements, Prentice Hall.

Methods of Delivery

The course is organized as theory lessons and laboratory sessions. (30H).

Methods of Assessment and Weighting

Oral Exam.

Credit Value (ECTS): 3

Pre-requisites

Students should be confident in working with new concepts and ideas, besides mastering “basic” techniques developed in the previous three years of their engineering curriculum.

Module Aims

The course aims at teaching the fundamentals of quantum mechanics and nano-engineering.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module a student will be able to understand the fundamentals of quantum mechanics and of its applications in electronics and telecommunications.

Indicative Content

Nano-engineering: Basic principles.

• The emergence of the nano-world: from “classical” to “quantum” mechanics.

• the electron,

• discrete energy levels,

• wave function,

• quantum observables,

• quantum probabilities,

• uncertainty relations,

• the Schrödinger equation,

• quantum superposition principle,

• entanglement and non-locality (basics),

• the photon,

• quantum states of the electromagnetic field (basics),

• quantum coherence & photon-atom interactions (basics),

• quantum interference,

• the spin,

• the electron orbital & intrinsic (spin) angular momentum,

• the proton spin,

• manipulating the spin (basics),

• Some Applications: Nanoelectronics, Spintronics and Nanophotonics.

• low-dimensional Semiconductor Structures (basics.),

• quantum wells,

• nano-wires and quantum dots (basics),

• single electron devices and electron tunneling devices,

• photonic Band-Gap Materials,

• light propagation at the nanoscale (basics),

• nano-resonators,

• photon confinement (basics),

• tunable photonic band-gap mechanisms (basics),

• taming the “quantum” to process information: “spin qubits” and “flying quibits”.

Suggested Bibliography

University Physics [Volume II Paperback] by Philip R. Kesten and David L. Tauck.

Methods of Delivery

Lectures, seminars and class discussion. (60H)

Methods of Assessment and Weighting

Written and/or oral examinations.

Credit Value (ECTS): 6

Pre-requisites

Basic knowledge of optics and electromagnetics.

Module Aims

The course aims at teaching the physical fundamentals of optical and microwave remote sensing systems.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module a student will be able to understand the fundamentals of visible/NIR and microwave remote sensing tools.

Indicative Content

• Radiometric quantities and thermal radiation:

• regions of the electromagnetic spectrum,

• diffraction,

• radiometric quantities (radiance, irradiance, radiant exitance),

• black body radiation, solar radiation,

• interaction of electromagnetic radiation with matter and atmosphere.

• Visible and near infrared (NIR) remote sensing:

• aerial photographic systems and their resolution,

• scale of the formed image,

• electro-optical systems (step-stare and push-broom imaging),

• laser profiling.

• Microwave remote sensing:

• thermal noise,

• radiometers and their applications,

• radars and radar altimeters.

• Platforms for remote sensing:

• gravitational force and satellites,

• orbits and ground-tracks,

• geostationary and geosynchronous orbits.

Suggested Bibliography

Rees; Physical principles of remote sensing; Cambridge University Press; ISBN: 9781107004733.

Methods of Delivery

Lessons and tutorials (30H)

Methods of Assessment and Weighting

Mandatory written examination comprising theoretical questions and exercises. After passing the written examination, the students can ask for an additional optional oral examination.

Credit Value (ECTS):3

Pre-requisites

No prerequisite, it is, however, preferable to have passed an exam of Digital Image Processing.

Module Aims

Students with a background in image processing will have the opportunity to deal with new types of visual data (multi- and hyperspectral data and 3D scanning datasets) and to learn, other than technologies which are specific for the remote sensing domain, also topics of current and more general relevance such as techniques for unsupervised and supervised classification of images or handling and processing of 3D data such as point clouds. Students with background and interests related to the elective application domains (environmental monitoring, terrain analysis…) will find accessible content and opportunity to enrich technical competence and awareness of the use of modern technologies for the analysis of data and images acquired by remote sensing equipment.

Learning Outcomes

This module introduces to a modern technological framework for processing and analysis of visual data from remotely sensed digital data.

Addressed topics include radiometric correction, geometric correction, atmospheric and ground effects, multispectral transforms, with a special focus of the course on machine learning and deep learning solutions for the classification and interpretation of multicomponent and hyperspectral image interpretation. Interdisciplinary applications in earth resource quantification and application of the acquired concepts to other imaging domains (e.g. biomedical).

Indicative Content

• course Introduction,

• image data error sources and correction,

• sources of Radiometric Distortion and their Correction,

• sources of Geometric Distortion and their Correction,

• remote sensing image registration.

• Multispectral Transforms for Image Data:

• the principal components transform

• other multispectral transformations.

• Machine Learning:

• the interpretation of remotely sensed images,

• human assisted and machine learning approaches,

• statistical (parametric) supervised image classification,

• geometric (non-parametric) supervised image classification,

• clustering and unsupervised classification,

• introduction to Deep Learning and Convolutional Neural Networks for multicomponent image analysis.

• Hyperspectral image analysis and interpretation. Laboratory of remote sensing 3D image acquisition and analysis.

Suggested Bibliography

• Remote Sensing Digital Image Analysis: An Introduction, John A. Richards Springer, 4th or 5th edition (2013).

• Image Analysis, Classification, and Change Detection in Remote Sensing: With Algorithms for ENVI/IDL, Morton J. Canty, CRC Press, 2nd edition (2009)

• Essential Image Processing and GIS for Remote Sensing, Jian Guo Liu, Philippa Mason, Wiley, 1st edition (2009).

Methods of Delivery

Lectures, laboratory exercises, visits to production companies, practical assignment to be done independently. (60H)

Methods of Assessment and Weighting

Written exam, facultative oral exam and practical assignment assessment.

Credit Value (ECTS): 6

Learning Outcomes

Control engineering covers the analysis and change of the dynamics of different kind of systems. In this course, different control techniques are described, going from simple to complex systems, including the control of distributed systems. So, the course gives a big picture of control field, including concepts as feedback control, systems stabilization, systems monitoring, network based control. The application examples proposed are oriented to RF systems. The monitoring and control of distributed systems is working using an open source tool, the EPICS control systems, which is extensively used in large scientific facilities.

Indicative content

• introduction to feedback control systems,

• advanced control in RF applications: Stability and linearization of power amplifiers; LLRF control systems,

• distributed control systems: Main characteristics of distributed systems, architectures for DCS systems, real-time, monitoring and supervision systems, SCADA,

• introduction to EPICS: Main characteristics of EPICS, distributed control system oriented to large scientific and industrial facilities: IOC controller, Channel Access and Database. Application Examples.

Suggested Bibliography

• Gero Mühl, Ludger Fiege, Peter Pietzuch, Distributed event-based systems,Springer-Verlag, 2006.

• Andrew S. Tanenbaum, Maarten van Steen, Distributed systems: principles and paradigms, Pearson Prentice Hall, 2007. 

•  Fei-Yue Wang, Derong Liu , Networked Control Systems: Theory and Applications, Springer, 2008. 

• Marty Kraimer et al, EPICS Application Developer’s Guide. 

• Jeffrey O. Hill, Ralph Lange , EPICS R3.14 Channel Access Reference Manual. 

Methods of Delivery

• Lectures (H): 18
• Practical Works (H): 12

Methods of Assessment and Weighting

Classroom activities: 30%

Laboratory activities and reports: 70%

Credit Value (ECTS): 3

Learning Outcomes

To understand the fundamentals of instrumentation and control systems as applied in RF/microwave scientific and industrial facilities.

Indicative content

• introduction to RF/microwave industrial and scientific facilities,

• case study: Microwave ion sources fundamentals,

• RF particle accelerators instrumentation and control,

• RF-based sensing and diagnostics.

Suggested Bibliography

• Wilson, E. (2001) An introduction to particle accelerators. Oxford University Press.

• Wangler, T. (2008) RF linear accelerators. Wiley-VCH.

• Brandt, D. (Ed.) (2009) CAS Beam Diagnostics. CERN-2009-005.

• Brown, I. G. (Ed.) (2004) The Physics and Technology of Ion Sources 2nd Ed. Wiley-VCH.

Methods of Delivery

• Lectures (H): 22

• Tutorials (H): 4

• Practical Works (H): 4

Credit Value (ECTS): 3

Learning Outcomes

To present methods and tools for digital system design using current programmable logic technology (CPLD and FPGA devices), and to develop application specific systems for digital signal processing.

Indicative content

• PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC: Internal architecture of current CPLD and FPGA devices. Programming Technologies: floating gate transistors, SRAM cells, anti-fuse elements, etc.

• VHDL HARDWARE DESCRIPTION LANGUAGE

• An introduction to hardware description languages: VHDL and Verilog.

• VHDL for synthesis: concurrent and sequential sentences. Components and systems.

•  CAD DEVELOPMENT TOOLS

• system description, simulation, synthesis, implementation, and device configuration.

• Development of practical applications.

• HARDWARE/SOFTWARE (HW/SW) SYSTEM DESIGN

• heterogeneous HW/SW architectures,

• system-on-chip (SOC) and embedded processors: hard-cores.

• INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY (IP) MO0DULES

• IP modules design and in-system integration for real-time applications,

• development of a case study.

Methods of Delivery

• Lectures (H): 10

• Tutorials(H): 5

• Practical Works (H): 15

Credit Value (ECTS): 3

Learning Outcomes

Introduction to problem statement and design of experiments, project definition and funding and, finally, basics of intellectual property issues.

Indicative content

• problem statement and Design of Experiments,

• project definition and funding,

• intellectual property,

Suggested Bibliography

• Douglas C. Montgomery, “Design and Analysis of Experiments”, Wiley.

• Mario Biagioli, Peter Galison, “Scientific Authorship: Credit and Intellectual Property in Science “, Taylor & Francis.

Methods of Delivery

• Lectures (H): 18

• Practical Works (H): 12

Methods of Assessment and Weighting

• Classroom activities: 50%

• Practice work and reports: 50%

Credit Value (ECTS): 3

Pre-requisites

• some programming skills,

• basics of probability and statistics,

• basics of linear algebra and calculus.

Learning Outcomes

This short course (3 ECTS) aims to give the students a meaningful introduction and hands-on experience of what data science is, to teach them how to continue to learn data science, and to give them the desire and skills needed to do so. The provided materials will perform as an index. For each topic, the aim is to give a cursory overview and a simple demonstration of what the topic under investigation is, and guide the students to bigger and better resources to really dive into it.

Indicative content

• overview,

• computing with Python,

• data collection, transformation, exploration and visualization,

• machine learning for data modeling.

Suggested Bibliography

Data Science in Python

• Davy Cielen, Arno D. B. Meysman, Mohamed Ali. « Introducing Data Science. Big data, machine learning and more using Python tools ». Manning, 2016.

• Wes McKinney. « Python for Data Analysis. Data Wrangling with Pandas, NumPy, and IPython (2nd Edition) ». O’Reilly, 2017.

• J. Van der Plas. « Python Data Science Handbook: Essential tools for working with data ». O’Reilly, 2016.

• Cathy O’Neil, Rachel Schutt. « Doing Data Science ». O’Reilly, 2014.

• Joel Grus. « Data Science from Scratch ». O’Reilly, 2015.

• Ani Adhikari, John DeNero (with contributions by David Wagner and Henry Milner). « Computational and Inferential Thinking ». Textbook for the Foundations of Data Science class at UC Berkeley: https://www.inferentialthinking.com/chapters/intro

• Sam Lau, Deb Nolan, Joey Gonzalez. « Principles and Techniques of Data Science ». Textbook for Data 100, the Principles and Techniques of Data Science course at UC Berkeley: https://www.textbook.ds100.org/.

Machine Learning

• C.M. Bishop. « Pattern Recognition and Machine Learning ». Springer, 2006.

• K.P. Murphy. « Machine Learning. A Probabilistic Perspective ». The MIT Press, 2012.

• I. Goodfellow, Y. Bengio, A. Courville. « Deep Learning ». The MIT Press, 2016.

• S. Raschka, V. Mirjalili. « Python Machine Learning. Machine Learning and Deep Learning with Python, scikit-learn and TensorFlow (Second Edition) ». Packt Publishing, 2017.

• F. Chollet. « Deep Learning with Python ». Manning Publications, 2018.

Data Mining

• Jure Leskovec, Anand Rajaraman, and Jeff Ullman. « Mining of Massive Datasets ». Cambridge University Press, 2012.

• Jiawei Han, Micheline Kamber, Jian Pei. « Data Mining: Concepts and Techniques (Third Edition) ». Morgan Kaufmann Publishers, 2012.

• M.J. Zaki, W. Meira. « Data Mining and Analysis: Fundamental Concepts and Algorithms ». Cambridge University Press, 2014.

Methods of Delivery

• Lectures (H): 18

• Practical Works (H): 12

Methods of Assessment and Weighting

• 3 homework assignments: 60%

• final Machine Learning project: 40%

Credit Value (ECTS): 3

Learning Outcomes

To understand the basics of electronic noise and interference and its harmful effects in RF and microwave circuits and systems. The topics covered include sources of noise, noise in linear and nonlinear circuits, figures of merit commonly employed for noise characterization and associated measurement techniques, noise-reduction techniques and an introduction to electromagnetic interferences.

Indicative content

• electronic noise,

• AM and PM noise,

• noise figure and noise parameters,

• electronic noise in instrumentation,

• interferences.

Suggested Bibliography

• B. Schiek, I. Rolfes, H.J. Siweris. Noise in High-Frequency Circuits and Oscillators. Wiley, 2006.

• C.D. Motchenbacher, J.A. Connelly Low-Noise electronic System Design. Wiley, 1993.

• V. Teppati, A. Ferrero, M. Sayed, Modern RF and Microwave Measurement Techniques, Cambridge University Press, 2013

• Fundamentals of RF and Microwave Noise Figure Measurements, AN 57-1, Agilent Technologies.

• Noise Figure Measurement Accuracy – The Y-Factor Method, Agilent Application Note 57-2

• Clayton R. Paul. Introduction to Electromagnetic Compatibility, Ed. John Wiley & Sons, 2nd edition, New Jersey, 2006.

• Reynaldo Pérez. Handbook of Electromagnetic Compatibility, Ed. Academic Press, 1995

• P.A. Chatterton and M.A. Houlden. EMC: Electromagnetic theory to Practical design, , John Wiley & Sons, 1992.

Method of delivery

• Lectures (H): 21

• Practical Works (H): 9

Credit Value (ECTS): 3

Learning Outcomes

To understand the basics of RF and microwave measurement techniques and systems. The topics covered include network and spectrum analysis, time-domain techniques and modular microwave instrumentation. Comprehensive examples of linear and non-linear characterization techniques of microwave devices are given along the course, including techniques for instrumentation control.

Indicative content

• vector network analysis,

• spectrum analyzers,

• high-frequency time domain characterization techniques,

• modular microwave instrumentation.

Suggested Bibliography

•  R.J. Collier and A.D. Skinner (Ed.), Microwave Measurements, IET, 2007, London.

• N. Borges, D. Schereurs, Microwave and Wireless Measurement Techniques, Cambridge University Press, 2013.

• V. Teppati, A. Ferrero, M. Sayed, Modern RF and Microwave Measurement Techniques, Cambridge University Press, 2013.

• Understanding the Fundamental Principles of Vector Network Analysis, AN 1287-1, Agilent Technologies.

• Exploring the Architectures of VNAs, Agilent Application Note 1287-2.

• Applying Error Correction to Network Analyzer Measurements, Agilent Application Note 1287-3.

• Understanding VNA Calibration, Anritsu Application Note.

• Application Note 1287-3- Spectrum Analysis Basics, Application Note 150, Agilent Technologies.

• C.F. Coombs, Electronics Instrument Handbook, Mc Graw-Hill, 1999.

Methods of Delivery

• Lectures (H): 15

• Practical Works (H): 15

Credit Value (ECTS): 3

Learning Outcomes

To understand the basics of electronic devices, circuits and systems for power applications in RF and microwaves. The topics covered include architecture of RF and microwave power transceivers, passive components employed to handling of power signals, tube and solid-state amplification devices, as well as analysis, design and characterization techniques for solid-state power amplifiers.

Indicative content

• RF and microwave power systems,

• passive components,

• amplification Tubes,

• solid-state power amplifiers.

Suggested Bibliography

• R. E. Collin. Foundations for Microwave Engineering. IEEE Press, 2001.

• J. C. Whitaker. The RF Transmission Systems Handbook. CRC Press, 2002.

• I. A. Glover et al. Microwave devices, circuits and subsystems. Wiley, 2005.

• John L. B. Walker. Handbook of RF and Microwave Power Amplifiers. Cambridge University Press., 2012.

• Radio Frequency Engineering. CERN Accelerator School, CERN-2005-003.

• V. Teppati, A. Ferrero, M. Sayed, Modern RF and Microwave Measurement Techniques, Cambridge University Press, RF and Microwave Engineering Series, 2013.

• J. Byrd et al. Microwave Measurements Laboratory for Accelerators. USPAS, June 2003.

Methods of Delivery

• Lectures (H): 20

• Practical Works (H): 10

Credit Value (ECTS): 3

Learning Outcomes

Introduction to the science and technology of sensors and sensors as part of measurement systems. The emphasis is on sensor physical principles and phenomena, measuring systems, sensor technologies, and applications.

Indicative content

• physical principles of sensors: Resistive sensors, inductive and capacitive sensors, piezoelectric sensors, optical sensors, sensors based on semiconductors, magnetic sensors, etc.

• scaling laws for micro-sensors,

• wireless Sensors,

• sensor Networks and Internet of Things (IoT).

Suggested Bibliography

• J. Fraden, Handbook of Modern Sensors: Physics, Designs, and Applications. Springer 2010.

• G. C. M. Meijer, Smart Sensor Systems. Wiley 2008.

• W. Dargie, C. Poellabauer.  Fundamentals of Wireless Sensor Networks. Theory and Practice. Editorial Willey. 2010.

Methods of Delivery

• Lectures (H): 18

• Practical Works (H): 12

Methods of Assessment and Weighting

• Classroom activities: 50%

• Practice work and reports: 50%

Credit Value (ECTS): 3

Learning Outcomes

Software tools are today a key element for the analysis, simulation and design of any kind of systems, including RF and microwave or optics systems. In this course, the Matlab/Simulink and LabVIEW platforms are introduced. Matlab/Simulink are valid for the design and simulation of systems and for the analysis of obtained data. Indeed they include several specialized libraries/toolboxes that allow to speed up the process. On the other hand, LabVIEW platform is a very valuable tool for rapid prototyping, test and experimental validations of systems. It uses a graphical programming language that is tightly connected to the hardware. This allows fast experimental developments.

Indicative content

• introduction to the model-based design. Case study: simulation and analysis of an ECR ion source system, using Matlab/Simulink,

• virtual instruments. Test, monitoring and control using LabVIEW. Rapid prototyping using virtual instruments,

• application examples. Examples of analysis and design using Matlab/Simulink. Examples of experimental test and monitoring systems using LabVIEW.

Suggested Bibliography

• K. J. Aström, R. M. Murray, Feedback Systems: An Introduction for Scientists and Engineers, 2009.

• J. Essick, Hands-On Introduction to LabVIEW for Scientists and Engineers, Oxford Univ. Press, 2013.

• Mathworks, Matlab Primer, http://www.mathworks.com/help/releases/R2014b/pdf_doc/matlab/getstart.pdf. 

• G. F. Franklin, J. D. Powell, A. Emami-Naeini , Feedback Control of Dynamic Systems , Pearson, 2013. 

• National Instruments, LabVIEW, Control Design User Manual, http://www.ni.com/pdf/ manuals/371057f.pdf 
Web links of interest: 
- Matlab/Simulnk, http://www.mathworks.com – LabVIEW, http://www.ni.com. 

Methods of Delivery

• Lectures (H): 15

• Practical Works (H): 15

Mehods of Assessment and Weighting

• Classroom activities: 30%

• Laboratory activities and reports: 70%

Credit Value (ECTS): 3

Module Aims

The aims of this module are to introduce the basic principles of digital communications and information theory, and to provide the students with the knowledge and skills required in the design and performance analysis of digital communication systems.

Module Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students will:

• LO1: Be able to explain the underlying principles and basic working of transmission, detection, and coding of digital signals.

• LO2: Be able to describe the need and main purpose for the basic building blocks in a digital communication system (e.g. source coding, error control coding/decoding and modulation/demodulation).

• LO3: Have developed skills in communications performance evaluation and digital transmission system design.

• LO4: Be able to analyse/solve simple design problems/numerical problems related to the building blocks and performance of digital communication systems.

Module Content

• Introduction to Source Coding – Types of sources (discrete and waveform sources), Why source coding? Basic concepts (uncertainty, information, entropy, and redundancy).- 

• Digital Transmission – Digital baseband transmission, sampling, quantisation (linear and non-linear), PCM/DPCM, data transmission fundamentals, line coding, binary and multilevel signalling, multiplexing.

• Source Coding for Digital Data – Source coding theorem, lossless data compression, Shannon-Fano / Huffman coding.

• Digital Modulation and Optimal Reception – Detection of digital signals, noise in communication systems, inter-symbol interference, decision theory and optimum detection over the discrete memory-less channel. Signal space theory (optimum receiver design, probability of error).

• Digital modulation techniques (BPSK, QPSK, MPSK, FSK, PAM, QAM, OFDM).

• Channel Coding – Channel capacity, channel coding theorem, capacity of a Gaussian channel.  Error control coding. Linear block codes, convolutional codes and Viterbi decoding, appreciation of advanced codes (low-density parity-check codes, Turbo codes).

• Coding versus Modulation Trade-off – Bandwidth and power trade‑off plane, bandwidth efficient and power efficient design, Trellis coded modulation, Bit interleaved coded modulation, System design in communications standards.

Methods of Delivery (Learning Hours)

Lecture: 30

Tutorial: 10

Computing lab session: 09

Independent Study:101

Methods of Assessment and Weighting

Exam: Closed book. 75%

Coursework: Individual assignment: 25%

ECTS Credits: 3 

UK credits: 15

Module Aims

To enable an extension of knowledge in fundamental data communications to radio communications and networks widely adopted in modern telecommunications systems. To provide understanding of radio wave utilisation, channel loss properties, mobile communication technologies and network protocol architecture applied to practical wireless systems.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module a student will be able to:

• Explain and discuss technologies used in the physical layer of modern radio communication systems and in wireless broadband networks.

• Understand how to build a reliable and efficient radio communication link under channel constraints, and the limitation on achievable system performance.

• Collect and analyse data through measurements and wireless site survey.

• Solve problems presented in analytical and practical tasks.

Module Content

• Overview: Briefly introduce the evolution of modern telecommunications technologies, topics that highlight the significance of radio communications and networks and their roles in supplying the needs of modern telecommunications.

• Antennas and Propagation: Examine the types and functions of antennas and propagation models, including antenna gain, path loss, propagation mechanisms, line-of-sight and indoor data transmission, noise and multipath fading.

• Mobile Communications Technologies: Explore fundamental telecommunications technologies used for wireless mobile environments, covering modulation, equalization, channel coding, diversity (MIMO) and spread spectrum techniques (frequency hopping and CDMA).

• Communication Networks: Develop an insight into a communication network that supports data transmission for multi-users. Define the protocol architecture that explains how vertical and horizontal communications between protocol layers take place in a network, and how the protocols are implemented. Study some protocol standards such as OSI and TCP/IP and principles of traffic theory in wireless networks.

• Radio Communications Systems: Introduce practical radio communications systems such as satellite and mobile communications systems.

Methods of Delivery (Learning Hours)

Lecture: 21
Tutorial: 6
Lab Session: 9
Oral Presentation: 6
Seminar: 6
Independent Study:102

Methods of Assessment and Weighting

Exam: Closed book. 75%
Lab report: Individual report+oral team presentation: 25%

ECTS Credits: 3.75 

UK credits: 15

It will be updated soon

Module Aims

To explore the theory of project management and its application to real-life situations. The tools and ideas will be explained and the advantages and disadvantages will be discussed. The theory will be considered through the study of real-life situations, short case studies and a short project to be performed in small groups. Overall the content will have both a theoretical construct and a high practical application targeting the Engineering Manager.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the module the student will be able to:

• Apply the theory underpinning engineering project management and its application in organisations.

• Critically reflect upon both good and bad practice, analyse it and consider how to develop good practice and then apply it to specific scenarios, especially considering teams, leadership, decision making and project control.

• Apply the skill set of an effective engineering project manager to practice.

Indicative Module Content

Key themes include; projects, leadership, managing complexity and conflict, organisational project management systems and finally, global and future issues.

Methods of Delivery (Learning Hours)

Lecture: 35
Tutorial: 10
Formative assessment: 15
Independent Study: 90

Methods of Assessment and Weighting

Exam: 50%
Assignment 1.500 words: Individual assignment: 50%

ECTS Credits: 3.75 

UK credits: 15

It will be updated soon

Module Aims

The aim of the module is to provide a detailed overview of state of the art optical communications systems, components and devices. The main focuses is on high speed optical fibre communications but free space optical comms is also included.

After covering the key concepts and background, advanced topics and current research and development areas in optical communication are covered.

The regulations and risk assessments required for the safe use of lasers in comms systems are also covered.

Practical lab work is used to provide experience using optical fibre devices, components and test and measurement equipment.

Module Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module a student will have demonstrated knowledge of the following items:

• advanced concepts used in modern optical communications,

• the design of optical communications systems.

On successful completion of this module a student will have demonstrated the ability to:

• Analyse complex multidisciplinary problems associated with optical communication systems and identify realistic and systematic approaches to the solution.

• Conduct measurements of optical components and systems using appropriate techniques and equipment and formally report the results.

• Conduct a laser risk assessment of an optical communications system.

Module Content

• introduction to Opt Communications,

• free Space Communications,

• optical fibres and waveguiding,

• loss in optical fibres,

• optical amplifiers,

• dispersive effects and dispersion management,

• optical transmitters and receivers,

• optical data modulation,

• optical signal multiplexing,

• nonlinear effects,

• coherent detection and coherent systems,

• laser safety regulations and risk assessment.

Methods of Delivery (Learning Hours)

• Lecture: 24

• Tutorial: 3

• Lab Sessions: 9

• Independent Study: 114

• Total Learning Hours: 150

Methods of Assessment and Weighting

• Exam: Closed book. 50%

• Coursework: Individual assignment: 50%

ECTS Credits: 3

UK credits: 15

Module Aims

To provide students with the knowledge of the current state of wireless data networks, so that a framework for understanding future advances in wireless technologies and services for mobile networks can be built.

Module Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module a student will be able to:

• Explain and discuss technologies for voice and data applications in wireless mobile networks.

• Understand how to ensure efficient and robust data exchange across different layers of a network.

• Collect and analyse data through measurements.

• Solve problems presented in practical tasks through completing a mini project in coursework.

Module Content

• Overview: Introduction to different types of wireless networks. Summary of important standards and organisations. Structure of the module.

• Air-Interface Design: Characteristics of the wireless medium. Physical layer techniques for wireless networks. Wireless medium access techniques.

• Wireless Network Operation: Network planning. Cell fundamentals. Mobility management. Radio resources and power management. Security in wireless networks.

• Wireless WANs: GSM and TDMA technology. Mechanisms to support a mobile environment. CDMA technology. Mobile data networks. Mobile application protocols.

• Local Broadband and Ad Hoc Networks: Wireless LANs. Wireless home networking. Wireless ATM and HIPERLAN. Ad hoc networking and WPAN. Wireless Geo-location systems.

Methods of Delivery (Learning Hours)

• Lecture: 23

• Tutorial: 10

• Seminar: 12

• Independent Study:105

Methods of Assessment and Weighting

• Exam: Closed book. 75%

• Coursework: Individual assignment: 25%

ECTS Credits: 3 

Module Aims

To provide students with specialised and detailed information and develop students’ understanding relating to the enabling technologies and systems for broadband wireless networks. The module will cover relevant areas of technology and architectures for broadband wireless networks, with a special focus on Long-term evolution cellular networks, WiMAX, Wireless LAN and cognitive radio networks.

Module Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module a student will be able to:

On completion of the module students will:

• i. have an appreciation and understanding of the fundamental concepts and principles of broadband wireless networks;

• ii. ability to analyse complex problems associated with broadband wireless network systems and identify systematic approaches to the solution;

• iii. knowledge of the techniques / methodologies applicable to the problems of broadband wireless network planning and design and conduct relevant performance evaluation;

• iv. have developed their transferable skills, specifically: written and oral communication; teamwork and independent learning ability; awareness of the commercial, social and environmental impact of broadband wireless networks engineering.

Module Content

– Enabling technologies for broadband wireless networks:

• OFDMA, MIMO, Ultra wideband, medium access control, radio resource management (scheduling and admission control), interference and mobility management, quality of services provisioning.Systems for broadband wireless networksLong-term evolution cellular networks: standard, architecture, medium

– Systems for broadband wireless networks:

• Long-term evolution cellular networks: standard, architecture, medium access control, radio resource management, QoS, performance evaluation

• WiMAX: overview, physical layer and MAC layer, QoS.

• Wireless LAN: network architectures, physical layer and MAC layer, 802.11n and 802.11vht.

• Cognitive radio networks: IEEE 802.22 system and architectures.

• Interworking of broadband wireless networks.

Methods of Delivery (Learning Hours)

Lecture: 22
Tutorial: 12
Lab session: 10
Independent Study:52

Methods of Assessment and Weighting

Exam: Closed book. 50%
Coursework: Individual assignment: 50%

ECTS Credits: 3 

UK credits: 15

Module Aims

To provide students with an understanding of Internet connected technologies and the ability to develop embedded (microcontroller) applications based on such technologies.

Module Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students will have developed the skills to

• Specify and design systems that use networking technologies (such as wireless sensor nodes).

• Explain and discuss enabling technologies and protocols for networked devices.

• Implement IoT systems, including microcontroller firmware.

• Evaluate the societal, privacy and commercial impact of IoT technologies.

Module Content

• Overview of current IoT products and applications (environmental monitoring, security, infrastructure management, manufacturing, power/utility management (smart grid), smart cities, healthcare).
• IoT architecture, technologies (Cloud computing, Microcontrollers, identification – RFID, WiFi, ZigBee, LPWAN), and protocols (UDP, TCP/IP, HTTP, UPnP (or similar), MQTT).
• Big Data.
• Energy harvesting, power efficiency, environmental impact and sustainability.
• IoT entrepreneurism – case studies presented in lectures.
• Practical work: Wireless sensor networks & Embedded software

 Methods of Delivery (Learning Hours)

Lecture: 11
Lab sessions: 18
Project sessions: 15
Independent Study:62

Methods of Assessment and Weighting

Exam: Closed book. 50%
Coursework: Individual assignment: 50%

ECTS Credits: 3
UK credits: 15

Please find the list of courses HERE

Find the description of each course HERE

Find the description of the Research Module HERE (Page 19)