CMPE154: Data Communications

Catalog copy

CMPE154. Introduction to data communications. Addresses transmission of
data in reliable and efficient manner. Focuses on physical layer of digital
data communications: signal transmission, transmission media, signal
encoding (modulation, demodulation, spread-spectrum), interfacing, and
multiplexing. Includes concepts and issues in telephone systems, intra-
facility wiring (Ethernet), and wireless links. Prerequisite(s): Electrical
Engineering 70 and 70L, and course 107 or equivalent background in
probability theory and random variables. P. Mantey

Explanation of prerequisites
EE70:  Students need to be familiar with linear system models and the
basics of transform calculus to comprehend frequency domain analysis and
behavior of linear system models, and their use in analysis of
communication channels.
CMPE107: Students need to understand the fundamental concepts of random
variables to understand noise in systems and errors in data encoding.

Required skills to pass the course.
1. Ability to analyze signals, signal modulation, and linear system models
   in the frequency domain
   a. basics of Fourier Transforms
   b. basics of linear systems
2. Basic understanding of physical communication systems architecture and
   components and their relevance to data communications.
   a. data encoding
   b. modulation schemes
   c. channel capacity and noise

Core topics (must be taught)
1.  Architecture of communications systems for data communications
   a. networks and real communications systems
   b. protocols and standards
2.  Data transmission
      a. Frequency domain and Fourier analysis
      b. Spectrum and bandwidth
3.  Analog data transmission
     a. audio and video transmission
     b. attenuation, distortion, delay, noise
     c. sampling
     d. channel capacity
4.  Data encoding
     a. digital signals and data
     b. use of analog signals to communicate digital data
     c. modulation
     d. analog to digital conversion

Optional topics
1. Characteristics of transmission media: wire, cable, fiber, radio and
   infrared
2. Wireless communication: spread spectrum, frequency hopping, direct
   sequence
3. Digital equalizers, modems, DSL

Core lab exercises
1.  (Matlab) spectral analysis of digital waveforms
2.  (Matlab) simulation of various modulation schemes and spectral analysis
   of signals

Comments on related concurrent courses
CE152  Covers analysis of network protocols including application of
  queuing theory and random processes to the performance analysis of
  communication protocols and formal verification of communication
protocols.

Text
Stallings, "Data and Computer Communication", Prentice Hall 2000.  Book
covers the core and optional topics for understanding of the physical
layer, and also has material for one or more related courses in computer
networks.

Prepared by Pat Mantey, 10/02