FACULTY OF ENGINEERING,

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL
ENGINEERING

Bachelor of Electrical and Electronics

Engineering (Hons)

COURSE GUIDE

EE3340

DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS
 Academic Year 2019

Contents

Page

Introduction to course 2

Course syllabus 3

Class Schedule 8

Continous Assessment 10

Importance of Academic Integrity 12

Important Points to Note 12

Assignment Cover Sheet 13

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Introduction to course
Hi! Welcome to my class – EE3340.

The main objective of this course is to develop the important core concepts relating to
routed data networks. The course covers the key aspects of routing and IP addressing.
Students will receive a comprehensive coverage of most basic aspects of network
communications.

Course leader’s Contact Details

Name: Dr. Nurul Shahrizan Shahabuddin

Room: S226

Email: shahrizan@nilai.edu.my

Tel : 06-8502338 (ext.378)

Consultation hours: Thursday and Friday : 9:00 -10:00 am

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Course Syllabus

1. Name of Course/Module

DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS

2. Course Code

EE3340

3. Name(s) of academic staff

Dr Nurul Shahrizan Shahabuddin

4. Rationale for the inclusion of the course in the programme

This course provides various concepts and theories of digital communication in

baseband and passband domains. It also provides exposure to various types of digital
coding systems, modulation and multiplexing scheme.

5. Semester and Year offered

One / Year THREE

6. Total Student Face to Face Total Guided and Independent Learning

Learning Time
(SLT)
L = Lecture L T P O
T = Tutorial 40 10 6 Guided: 56 hours
P = Practical Independent Learning: 64hours
O= Others Total: 120 hours
7. Credit Value

3 credit hours

8. Prerequisite (if any)

EE3142: Fundamentals of Communication Theory

9. Objective(s)

The main objective of this course is to equip students with the concept of digital
communications system. The various types of coding, modulation schemes and
multiplexing techniques in digital communication are also included in this course.

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10. Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course, students are able to:

LO1 – Analyse the data formatting techniques (Cognitive – analysis, C4);

LO2 - Examine the various encoding techniques (Cognitive – analysis, C4 );
LO3 - Conduct experiments on coding techniques (Psychomotor – manipulation, P2);
LO4 - Identify the various concepts of modulation and multiplexing (Affective –
organising, A4).

11. Transferable Skills

Transferable Skills developed through content-related lectures, tutorial and practical

work, continuous assessments as well as exam papers are as follows:
Transferable Skills Taught Practised Assessed
Self-Management 
Learning   
Communication  
Teamwork 
Problem Solving   
Information Technology 

12. Teaching-learning and assessment strategy

Students will be given the opportunity to attend lectures, gain more focused practice
and understanding at tutorials, and hands-on experience at the laboratory.
Assessments would be conducted via test, lab, final examination and assignment that
would be evaluated based on a report and presentation.

13. Synopsis

This course covers the analysis of digital communication system. It covers topic such
as Digital Communications System, Data Formating, Source Coding, Channel Coding,
Line coding, Modulation and Coding trade offs, Multiplexing and Multiple Access.

14. Mode of Delivery:

Lectures, tutorials and laboratory.

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15. Assessment Methods and Type

Assessments of learning are based on a variety of information sources:

Assessment Methods Assessment Type

40 % Course work Test (10%) Written exam
Assignment (20%) Report writing
Lab (10%) Practical work & report writing
60% Final Exam (60%) Written exam
Examination
Old : CW + FE >= 50% - Pass

New: CW + FE >= 50% AND

CW >= 30% (12/40) AND FE >= 30%
(18/60) - Pass.

16. Mapping of the Course to the Learning Outcomes

Assignmen
Test t Lab Exam
LO1 √
LO2 √
LO3 √
LO4 √

Learning Outcomes
LO1 – Analyse the data formatting techniques (C4);
LO2 - Examine the various encoding techniques (C4 );
LO3 - Conduct experiments on coding techniques (P2);
LO4 - Identify the various concepts of modulation and multiplexing (A4).

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17. Mapping of the Course to the Program Outcomes

PO2 PO5 P10

LO1 √
LO2 √
LO3 √
LO4 √

Program Outcomes
PO2 - Problem Analysis – Identify, formulate, research literature and analyse
complex engineering problems reaching substantiated conclusions using first
principles of mathematics, natural sciences and engineering sciences.
PO5 - Modern Tool Usage - Create, select and apply appropriate techniques,
resources, and modern engineering and IT tools, including prediction and
modelling, to complex engineering activities, with an understanding of the
limitations.
PO10 - Individual and Team Work - Function effectively as an individual, and
as a member or leader in diverse teams and in multi-disciplinary settings.

18. Content outline of the course/module and the SLT per topic

Week Topic SLT Hours

L T P/ IL Tot
O
1 Digital Communications System
- The basic principle and theories of Digital
communications system
- Advantages and disadvantages of digital 4 6 10
signals
- Digital Data transmission

2-3 Data Formatting

- Formatting Textual Data
- Formatting analog information
- Pulse Code Modulation 6 2 10 18
- Delta Modulation
Tutorial 1

4-5 Source Coding

- Definition of source coding
- Amplitude Quantization
- Differential Pulse Code Modulation 6 2 10 18
- Adaptive Prediction
- Source coding for digital data
Tutorial 2

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 6-8 Channel Coding
- Definition of channel coding
- Types of error control
- Block coding
- Linear Block Codes
- Hamming codes
- Huffman codes 10 2 10 22
- Cyclic block codes
- Convolution codes
- Interleaving and Concatenated Codes
- Turbo codes
Tutorial 3
Midterm
9-10 Line coding
- Definition of line coding
- Characteristics of Line coding
- Line coding Scheme
o Unipolar
o Polar 6 2 10 18
o Bipolar
o Multilevel
o Multitransition

Lab 1: Line Coding

11-12 Modulation and Coding trade offs
- Modulation and demodulation of ASK, FSK
and PSK
- Nyquist Minimum Bandwidth
- Shannon-Hartley Capacity Theorem
- M-ary signaling
- Bandwidth Limited System 4 2 2 10 18
- Power limited system
- MPSK and MFSK requirements
- BW efficient modulation
- Bandlimited channels
Lab 2 : Digital Carrier Modulation
Tutorial 4
13-14 Multiplexing and Multiple Access
- Allocation of Communication resources
- Multiple Access Communication
4 2 2 8 16
- Access algorithms
Lab 3 : QPSK MODULATION & DEMODULATION
Tutorial 5
40 10 6 64 120
Total SLT 120
19.  Main reference supporting the course
o Haykins, S. (2013), Digital Communication Systems, 1th edition, New
York: John Wiley & Sons

 Additional reference supporting the course

o Forouzan, B. A. (2013), Data communications and networking, 5th
edition, New York: McGraw Hill

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 20. Other additional information

Last Updated: June 2018

CLASS SCHEDULE

Lecture Schedule by Week

Topic WEEK Reading

List

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1 Digital Communications System 1 Lecture
- The basic principle and theories of Digital Slides
communications system
- Advantages and disadvantages of digital signals
- Digital Data transmission
2 Data Formatting 2-3 Lecture
- Formatting Textual Data Slides
- Formatting analog information
- Pulse Code Modulation
- Delta Modulation

3 Source Coding 4-5 Lecture

- Definition of source coding Slides
- Amplitude Quantization
- Differential Pulse Code Modulation
- Adaptive Prediction
- Source coding for digital data

4 Channel Coding 6-8 Lecture

- Definition of channel coding Slides
- Types of error control
- Block coding
- Linear Block Codes
- Hamming codes
- Huffman codes
- Cyclic block codes
- Convolution codes
- Interleaving and Concatenated Codes
- Turbo codes

5 Line coding 9-10 Lecture

- Definition of line coding Slides
- Characteristics of Line coding
- Line coding Scheme
o Unipolar
o Polar
o Bipolar
o Multilevel
o Multitransition

6 Modulation and Coding trade offs 11-12 Lecture

- Modulation and demodulation of ASK, FSK and PSK Slides
- Nyquist Minimum Bandwidth
- Shannon-Hartley Capacity Theorem
- M-ary signaling
- Bandwidth Limited System
- Power limited system
- MPSK and MFSK requirements
- BW efficient modulation
- Bandlimited channels

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 7 Multiplexing and Multiple Access 13-14 Lecture
- Allocation of Communication resources Slides
- Multiple Access Communication
- Access algorithms

Schedule of other session

Topic Week Reading List

1 Tutorial 1 3 Haykins, S. (2013), Digital Communication

Systems, 1th edition, New York: John Wiley &
Sons
2 Tutorial 2 5 Haykins, S. (2013), Digital Communication
Systems, 1th edition, New York: John Wiley &
Sons
3 Tutorial 3 7 Haykins, S. (2013), Digital Communication
Systems, 1th edition, New York: John Wiley &
Sons
4 Midterm 8 Notes, Textbooks
5 Lab 1: Line Coding Lab Manual
6 Lab 2 : Digital Carrier Lab Manual
Modulation
7 Tutorial 4 9 Forouzan, B. A. (2013), Data communications
and networking, 5th edition, New York: McGraw
8 Lab 3 : QPSK MODULATION 11 Lab Manual
& DEMODULATION
9 Tutorial 5 13 Forouzan, B. A. (2013), Data communications
and networking, 5th edition, New York: McGraw

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Criteria

This course is assessed by both coursework and examination. Assessment will be evaluated
in accordance to the Bloom’s Taxanomy domains and program outcomes.

Percentage coursework: 40%

i. Assignment (20%)

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 There will be at least two set of assignment given to the students; assignment 1 will be
calculation and assignment 2 will be research based question. The questions are
usually set on a difficulty level.

ii. Laboratory (10%)

There will be approximately 3 labs throughout the semester. Student will be doing their
lab at S115 or S114 labs using specific lab equipment. The lab sheet and lab
instruction will be given during the lab session.

iii. Test (10%)

One mid-term examination will be held mostly on the 8th week of the semester. All
questions need to be answered within one hour and thirty minutes.

Percentage exam: 60%

At the end of this module there will be an examination of three hours duration, during which
time there will be six questions but only five questions must be answered. Each question
carries 20 marks, and total 100 marks for all five questions.

Assessment Methods Assessment Type

40 % Course work Test (10%) Written exam
Assignment (20%) Report writing
Lab (10%) Practical work & report writing
60% Final Exam (60%) Written exam
Examination

Recommended Reading List:

o Haykins, S. (2013), Digital Communication Systems, 1th edition, New York:

John Wiley & Sons

 Additional reference supporting the course

o Forouzan, B. A. (2013), Data communications and networking, 5th edition,
New York: McGraw Hill

Expected class contact

A ‘year’ in the programme at Nilai University is made up of two and a half semesters. A full
semester stretches over a period of 4 months. Each full semester includes 14 weeks of
lectures & tutorials and 1 examination week. Students have either two or three weeks of break
before the next semester begins.

A half semester, however, stretches over a period of only 2 months, which includes 7 weeks
of lectures & tutorials and 1 examination week. Students have 7 to 8 weeks of break before
the next semester begins.

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The classes are full-time, with 4 class contact hours per week, inclusive of lectures and
tutorials.
Total contact hours per semester: 14 weeks x 4 = 56 class contact hours.

EE3340 is offered in the January or May semester as a full semester course until ratified by
the exam board at the end of the session.

Submission

Assignments, with or without disks, must be submitted with the "assignment cover sheet"
attached securely to the front.
Assignments not submitted with the cover sheet will not be marked.

Extensions:
Extensions will only be granted in exceptional circumstances on medical or compassionate
grounds. Extensions must be applied for in advance of the assignment's due date and
the lecturer of the appropriate course must sign the extension certificate on the assignment
cover sheet.

Assessment Irregularity:
Cheating and plagiarism, i.e. the action or practice of taking and using as one's own the
thoughts, writings or other work of someone else with the intent to deceive, constitute
irregularities as described in the programme handbook. Such actions are a major infringement
of the university college's academic values and will be dealt with severely.
Plagiarism and/or cheating occurs when:
* a computer program or part of a program, substantially written by someone else (either
another
student, a previous student, the author of a publication or some other person) is presented
as
one's own work;
* paragraphs, and even sentences in essays which are written by someone else, are not
enclosed
in quotation marks, and accompanied by full reference to source;
* the work of someone else is paraphrased, and is not appropriately attributed and referenced.

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Note:
All marks are provisional

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Assignment Tasks/ Questions

Assignment 1

1. Encode 0100001110010 using

a) NRZ-L
b) NRZ-M
c) UNI-RZ
d) BIP-RZ
e) RZ-AMI
f) MANCHESTER
g) Dicode-NRZ

2.For an 8-PSK (3 bits generating 8 symbols) system with bit rate of 24 kbps find: –
a)Baud (modulation rate)
b) Minimum BW
c) BW Efficiency

3.Using NRZI, how do you represent 1 1 1 1 1?

• Assuming it takes 5µ sec to send 5 bits what is the duration of each bit?
• Assuming it takes 5 µ sec to send 5 bits what is the duration of each signal element?

4.Using Manchester, how do you represent 1 1 1 1 1?

Assignment 2

Discuss the technology used for modulation and multiplexing

Discuss on noise issue in communication.

IMPORTANCE OF ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

Warning: Cheating

Cheating, in any form, is a very serious offence which could lead to severe disciplinary action.
Cheating includes:

- using unauthorised materials in tests and examinations;

- letting another person take tests or examinations on one’s behalf OR taking tests
or examinations on another person’s behalf;
- working jointly, copying or sharing another student’s work and presenting it as one’s
own piece of work;
- inventing, copying or altering data, quotations or references;

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 - plagiarising, i.e. taking or using another person’s work without attributing the source
and thus, giving the impression that it is one’s own work.

Penalties for Cheating in Tests or Examination

Any student caught and found guilty in the disciplinary hearing will be deemed to have
FAILED in the subject and will be required to REPEAT the said subject. Any repeated
offence may result in EXPULSION FROM THE UNIVERSITY.

IMPORTANT POINTS TO NOTE

ATTENDANCE

As students, you will benefit by attending classes regularly. Full attendance is required and
the University has the right to bar any student from taking the final examinations for poor class
attendance (below 75%). If you are barred, you will not be allowed to take the examination
and will have to repeat the level in the subsequent semester.

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 Faculty of Engineering, Science and Technology
Assignment Cover Sheet

_________________________________________________________
_______
Course Code: Course Title:

Assignment Title: Due Date:

Date Submitted: Lecture name: _____

__________________________

_________________________________________________________________________
_________

To be completed if this is an individual assignment

I declare that this assignment is my individual work. I have not worked collaboratively nor have I copied
from any other student’s work or from any other source except where due acknowledgement is made
explicitly in the text, nor has any part been written for me by another person.

Student name: Student ID:

Signature:

To be completed if this is a group assignment

We declare that this is a group assignment and that no part of this submission has been copied from
any other student's work or from any other source except where due acknowledgement is made
explicitly in the text, nor has any part been written for us by another person.

Student ID Student Name Signature

___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
_______________________________________________
_____

Lecturer's comments:

Total Marks: Lecturer's Signature:

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Feedback to Student:

I/We acknowledged receiving feedback from the lecturer on this assignment.

Student’s Signature: ____________ _____________ _____________ ___________

Extension certification:
This assignment has been given an extension and is now due on
Lecturer’s Signature:

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