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227-0436-00L 6 Credits MSC D-ITET

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Digital Communication and Signal Processing

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. em. Dr. Armin Wittneben

Does not take place this semester.

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:07:20

Abstract

A comprehensive presentation of modern digital modulation, detection and synchronization schemes and relevant aspects of signal processing enables the student to analyze, simulate, implement and research the physical layer of advanced digital communication schemes. The course both covers the underlying theory and provides problem solving and hands-on experience.

Objective

Digital communication systems are characterized by ever increasing requirements on data rate, spectral efficiency and reliability. Due to the huge advances in very large scale integration (VLSI) we are now able to implement extremely complex digital signal processing algorithms to meet these challenges. As a result the physical layer (PHY) of digital communication systems has become the dominant function in most state-of-the-art system designs. In this course we discuss the major elements of PHY implementations in a rigorous theoretical fashion and present important practical examples to illustrate the application of the theory. In Part I we treat discrete time linear adaptive filters, which are a core component to handle multiuser and intersymbol interference in time-variant channels. Part II is a seminar block, in which the students develop their analytical and experimental (simulation) problem solving skills. After a review of major aspects of wireless communication we discuss, simulate and present the performance of novel cooperative and adaptive multiuser wireless communication systems. As part of this seminar each students has to give a 15 minute presentation and actively attends the presentations of the classmates. In Part III we cover parameter estimation and synchronization. Based on the classical discrete detection and estimation theory we develop maximum likelihood inspired digital algorithms for symbol timing and frequency synchronization.

Content

Part I: Linear adaptive filters for digital communication • Finite impulse response (FIR) filter for temporal and spectral shaping • Wiener filters • Method of steepest descent • Least mean square adaptive filters Part II: Seminar block on cooperative wireless communication • review of the basic concepts of wireless communication • multiuser amplify&forward relaying • performance evaluation of adaptive A&F relaying schemes and student presentations Part III: Parameter estimation and synchronization • Discrete detection theory • Discrete estimation theory • Synthesis of synchronization algorithms • Frequency estimation • Timing adjustment by interpolation

Resources

Lecture Notes

Lecture notes.

Literature

[1] Oppenheim, A. V., Schafer, R. W., "Discrete-time signal processing", Prentice-Hall, ISBN 0-13-754920-2. [2] Haykin, S., "Adaptive filter theory", Prentice-Hall, ISBN 0-13-090126-1. [3] Van Trees, H. L., "Detection , estimation and modulation theory", John Wiley&Sons, ISBN 0-471-09517-6. [4] Meyr, H., Moeneclaey, M., Fechtel, S. A., "Digital communication receivers: synchronization, channel estimation and signal processing", John Wiley&Sons, ISBN 0-471-50275-8.

General Information

Language: English
Levels: MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: oral 30 minutes

At about midterm the lecture comprises in Part II a seminar, in which the students perform computer simulations relating to cutting edge research problems in the area of Cooperative Communication. As part of the seminar, the students present their results to the class. These presentations are a "compulsory continuous performance assessment" and are graded on a pass/fail basis. If a student fails in the first presentation, he/she is invited to a second attempt based on a detailed and constructive critical appreciation of the first failed attempt. Participation in the oral "session examination" requires having passed this "compulsory continuous performance assessment".

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture	Digital Communication and Signal Processing Does not take place this semester.	No time listed	2 h weekly
exercise	Digital Communication and Signal Processing Does not take place this semester.	No time listed	2 h weekly

Offered In

Electrical Engineering and Information Technology Master
- Master Studies (Programme Regulations 2018)
  - Communication (The core courses and specialization courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialize in the area of "Communication", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
    - Core Courses (These core courses are particularly recommended for the field of "Communication". You may choose core courses form other fields in agreement with your tutor. A minimum of 24 credits must be obtained from core courses during the MSc EEIT.)
      - Advanced Core Courses
  - Computers and Networks (The core courses and specialization courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialize in the area of "Computers and Networks", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
    - Specialization Courses (These specialization courses are particularly recommended for the area of "Computers and Networks", but you are free to choose courses from any other field in agreement with your tutor. A minimum of 40 credits must be obtained from specialization courses during the Master's Programme.)
  - Signal Processing and Machine Learning (The core courses and specialization courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialize in the area of "Signal Processing and Machine Learning ", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
    - Specialization Courses (These specialization courses are particularly recommended for the area of "Signal Processing and Machine Learning", but you are free to choose courses from any other field in agreement with your tutor. A minimum of 40 credits must be obtained from specialization courses during the MSc EEIT.)
- Master Studies (Programme Regulations 2008)
  - Major Courses (A total of 42 CP must be achieved form courses during the Master Program. The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
    - Communication
      - Core Subjects (These core subjects are particularly recommended for the field of "Communication".)
    - Computers and Networks
      - Recommended Subjects (These courses are recommended, but you are free to choose courses from any other special field. Please consult your tutor.)
    - Signal Processing and Machine Learning
      - Recommended Subjects