Unit information: Advanced Mobile Radio Techniques in 2022/23

Unit name	Advanced Mobile Radio Techniques
Unit code	EENGM2510
Credit points	10
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Dr. Armour
Open unit status	Not open
Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units)	EENG30010
Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units)	None
Units you may not take alongside this one	None
School/department	School of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering
Faculty	Faculty of Engineering

Unit Information

This unit addresses modern wireless communication systems. The first part focuses on adaptive equalisation algorithms to receive data streams in a time-dispersive multipath channel. The material addresses filter based (LTE and DFE) and non-filter based (MLSE and Viterbi) solutions. For the filter based techniques, equaliser weight training based on zero-forcing, MMSE, LMS and RLS algorithms are covered. Convergence issues for the LMS algorithm are addressed. The use of OFDM is developed for high data rate communications in a dispersive channel. Key concepts include sub-carrier orthogonality, frequency domain equalisation and use of a guard-time. Equations to define the optimum number of subcarriers are derived. The second part addresses rationale behind the adoption of CDMA technologies for 3G wireless systems alongside a detailed examination of the physics layer design to secure robust service delivery. In addition, hybrid capacity enhancement via Smart Antennas is considered, culminating in an exploration of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) architectures which are now a key enabler of many wireless standards.

Part 1

• Adaptive Equalisation:

Equalisation and inter-symbol interference; linear transversal equaliser (LTE); zero forced equalisation; MMSE Weiner-Hopf Equations; Automatic equaliser coefficient calculation (steepest descent, LMS and RLS algorithms); Multi-dimensional error surfaces, Eigenvalue spread and convergence; Auto and Cross correlation matrices; Decision Feedback Equaliser (DFE); MLSE and Viterbi equalisation; Markov Processes.

• OFDM:

Multi-carrier Transmission techniques; OFDM transmit and receiver block diagrams; use of FFT/IFFT blocks; Guard-Interval; Group Delay; Cyclical vs Linear convolution; ARQ and FEC; impact on power amplifier design.

Part 2

• Spread Spectrum:

Definition of terms and basic modes; spreading code generation and properties; spreading codes for Multiple Access; frequency hopping basics; direct sequence basics; propagation aspects of DS; rake reception; power control and systems design aspects.Overview of Qualcomms IS-95 and 3G CDMA systems.

• Smart Antennas:

Basic concepts of array processing; modes of operation (SFIR and SDMA); operational benefits; beam-forming architectures; impact of errors; spatial domain methods and direction of arrival; temporal domain methods; aspects of system design (FDD v TDD); TSUNAMI field trials; dual array architectures (MIMO); Capacity Equation, Sensitivity Analysis.

Your learning on this unit

Having completed this unit, students will be able to:

1. Describe the spatial-temporal radio channel and the methods required to achieve reliable high-speed digital communications
2. Calculate LTE and DFE equaliser coefficients based on zero-forcing, MMSE and LMS algorithms
3. Explain equaliser filter weight training algorithms and convergence properties
4. Describe the MLSE and Viterbi Equaliser algorithms, including calculation of the number of states and derivation of the state transition and trellis diagrams.
5. Draw OFDM transmit and receive architectures
6. Explain how the guard time protects sub-carrier orthogonality.
7. Calculate the optimum number of sub-carriers for an OFDM system based on expected channel conditions.
8. Describe Multipath Exploitation in DS-CDMA and its implementation by means of a Rake receiver and the design trade-offs.
9. Explain the sensitivity of DS-CDMA to power control errors and how this can be reduced
10. Explain diversity gain through handover in DS-CDMA networks.
11. List the benefits of spatial signal processing in wireless networks.
12. Outline spatial channel models and common parameters.
13. Interpret demonstration systems constructed to support the roll-out of this technology.
14. Explain capacity and throughput enhancement through the use of MIMO.
15. Discuss the sensitivity of MIMO systems to the propagation channel.

How you will learn

Teaching will be delivered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous sessions, including lectures, practical activities supported by drop-in sessions, problem sheets and self-directed exercises.

How you will be assessed

Exam (100%) - All ILOs

Resources

If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.

If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. EENGM2510).

How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks, independent learning and assessment activity.

See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.

Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit. The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.