| Topic |
Sub-topic |
| Chapter 1. Introduction |
Aims and development:
The aim of this chapter is to introduce basic concepts needed to understand the propagation of electromagnetic waves, and the tools needed to analyse the operation and characteristics of radio systems, tools such as spectral analysis and decibels units.
Index of the subject
1.1 Historical Perspective: from Oersted to Marconi
1.2 Review of fundamental concepts
1.3 Equation of the travelling wave
1.4 Electromagnetic spectrum
1.5 Decibels |
| Chapter 2. Antennas |
Aims and development:
The aim of this chapter is to present the operation of antennas and how to characterize their performance, numerically and graphically. We will see different types of antennas and their application.
Index of the subject
2.1 Radiation in free space
2.2 Parameters of the antennas
2.3 Radiation pattern
2.4 Types of antennas |
| Chapter 3. Link |
Aims and development:
The aim of this chapter is to present the radio communication system as a whole, and to quantify its feasibility and performance in real circumstances using the link budget.
Index of the subject
3.1 Friis Equation
3.2 Noise
3.3 Interference
3.4 Availability |
| Chapter 4. Radio-propagation |
Aims and development:
The aim of this chapter is to introduce the mechanisms of propagation of electromagnetic waves in more complex and realistic scenarios. Different strategies are discussed for communication over long distances
Index of the subject
4.1 Influence of the terrain.
4.2 Surface wave
4.3 Ionospheric wave
4.4 Space wave |
| Chapter 5. Modulations |
Aims and development:
The aim of this chapter is to explain how can electromagnetic propagation be harness to transport information. We introduce the concept of modulation, we discuss its types, characteristics and limitations.
Index of the subject
5.1 Basic concepts
5.2 Analog modulation
5.3 A/D conversion
5.4 Digital modulation
5.5 Multiplexing |
| Chapter 6. Current systems |
Aims and development:
The aim of this chapter is to present and discuss some of the radio communication systems that are currently in use.
Index of the subject
6.1 Management of radio-electric spectrum
6.2 Mobile communication systems
6.3 Satellite communication systems
6.4 Radio-navigation systems
6.5 Radio-communication systems in the Navy |
| R&D project |
Aims and development:
The aim of the R&D project is give the student the opportunity to tackle the study of a subject of his election, as long as it is compatible with the contents of the course. We encourage the student to find solutions to open problems using the methods and tools at hand. The R&D project encourages the student to synthesize the acquired results into a multimedia format.
During this session the class will review and discuss a selection of the results of the R&D project. The selection criteria will be: quality and compatibility with the course curriculum. |
| Lab session 1. Introduction |
Aims:
This first session poses a number of challenges and open exercises that will reinforce some fundamental concepts and units. Virtual laboratories will be used to visualize the propagation of electromagnetic waves, and other fundamental parameters.
Students will practice operation with natural and logarithmic units, often making conversions between them, using either manual calculator and Matlab for verification. |
| Lab session 2. Antennas |
Aims:
The Lucas-Nülle training station will be used to study the characteristic parameters of a number of antennas (monopole, dipole, Yagi-Uda, slot antenna, etc.). Array antenna will be experiences using simulation software. |
| Lab session 3. Link |
Aims:
The students will practice evaluating the radio link budget, identifying and manipulating all the terms involved in Friis equation, as well as other parameters that are used to characterize the performance and overall quality of a radio link, such as SNR, CIR, availability. A practical case will be considered using simulation software. |
| Lab session 4. Satellite |
Aims:
The students will establish communication with one or several geostationary satellites. They will have to locate the position of the satellite, aim the antenna, and describe the characteristics of the received signal. |
| Lab session 5. Radio-propagación |
Aims:
Students will experience the various modes of propagation of electromagnetic waves, and how that can impact the communication. Several modes of propagation will be studied. The students will identify the propagation mode with the help of a calibrated antenna and a field measuring unit.
In case the instrumentation is not available, simulation software will be used to study radio propagation via ionospheric and surface wave. |
| Lab session 6. Analog modulation |
Aims:
Basic concepts such as base-band or transmission bandwidth will be reviewed from a practical perspective. Software-defined-radio (SDR) software will be used to compare various analog modulations in terms of quality and bandwidth efficiency. We will review also the demodulation AM and FM signals. |
| Lab session 7. Digital modulation |
Aims:
Using SDR software a number of concepts will be reviewed, such as the impact that the digital modulation has on the bit error rate (BER). The students will compare different modulation schemes (ASK, QPSK and QAM) and the differences between their respective characteristic parameters. |
