Report – Digital Communication Systems
A 2000-word research and simulation-based report on digital communication systems, weighted at¿50%¿meeting Learning Outcomes 1 and 2.¿Assessing AHEP 4 outcomes C1, C2, C3, C4

Report – Embedded Systems
A¿2000-word¿report on the design and implementation of an embedded¿system-based¿solution, including reflection on personal development & entrepreneurship, weighted at¿50%¿meeting Learning Outcomes 3 and 4.¿Assessing AHEP 4 outcomes C4, C5, C6, C11

Formative assessment will include the use of simulation tools for solving real-world problems.

The module will cover the following topics:
- Systematic understanding of wired and wireless telecommunication systems and networks
- Creation of complex communication channel models
- Simulation of techniques to mitigate challenging channel conditions, including Equalisation, Diversity, Smart antennas, Forward Error Correction (FEC) etc
- Use of modern communication methods in diverse real-world applications
- Understanding of communication systems such as Satellite communications, Cellular networks (1G – 5G, and beyond) and wireless evolution (WiFi, WiMax), Personal Area Networks (Bluetooth, Infrared), Wireless Sensor Networks (ZigBee)
- Design, development, and implementation of programs in an embedded environment
- Programming embedded systems using the C language
- Selection and integration of appropriate hardware components
- Implementation of timers, counters, and interrupts
- Communication of data between embedded devices using suitable hardware
- Identification and evaluation of security risks in embedded systems
- Strategies to mitigate security risks in embedded systems
- Evaluation of the environmental and societal impacts of embedded systems

1. Conduct a literature search on current digital communication techniques used in modern communication systems and critically examine the reliability of sources. (AHEP 4: C4)

Learning Outcome: Research skills

2. Apply analytical and simulation-based techniques to analyse and evaluate the performance of digital communication systems, interpreting results in relation to underlying theory and practical constraints. (AHEP 4: C1, C2, C3)

Learning Outcome: Application & problem-solving, digital literacy

3. Evaluate current developments and emerging trends in embedded systems, specifically in relation to hardware and software components. (AHEP 4: C4, C5)

Learning Outcome: Personal development & entrepreneurship

4. Develop effective and reliable embedded system-based solutions based on an analysis of embedded system design problems, using both structured and creative approaches. (AHEP 4: C6, C11)

Learning Outcome: Application & problem-solving

Whole group lectures will be used to deliver new material and to consolidate previous material. Small-group tutorials, with activities designed to enhance the understanding of the material delivered in the lectures, will be used to apply the skills and knowledge learned. A mixture of classroom based, and practical activities will take place supported by staff.

- C Compiler
- Suitable Microcontroller Interface Development Environment (IDE)
- Suitable Microcontroller
- Sensors and suitable interfacing boards
- Scopes and signal generators
- Standard Electronic components for circuit design
- A suitable¿simulation¿software such as MATLAB/Simulink¿or equivalent

Must be registered on BEng (Hons) Electronic and Information Engineering provision at XUPT, China.

Chattopadhyay, S. (2023) Embedded System Design. New Delhi: PHI Learning Pvt. Ltd.

Dunbar, N. (2020) Arduino Software Internals: A Complete Guide to How Your Arduino Language and Hardware Work Together. 1st Eden. Berkeley, CA: Apress L.P. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4842-5790-6.

Szuhay, J. (2022) Learn C Programming. 2nd Eden. Birmingham: Packt Publishing.

Haykin, S. (2020) Communication Systems. 7th Ed. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

Proakis, J.G. and Salehi, M. (2023) Digital Communications. 6th Ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Education.

Ziemer, R.E. and Tranter, W.H. (2015) Principles of Communications: Systems, Modulation, and Noise. 7th Ed. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

The Digital Communication and Embedded Systems module will explore the design, implementation, and application of embedded systems alongside modern digital communication technologies. The module equips you with practical skills using both hardware and software, and an analytical understanding to develop innovative solutions in real-world electronic and communication systems.