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227-0121-00L 6 Credits BSC , MSC D-ITET , D-ERDW , D-MAVT , D-PHYS
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Communication Systems

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Stefan Michael Moser, Prof. Dr. Christoph Studer
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:31:01

Abstract

The course teaches the fundamentals of digital communication systems. The main topics are analog and digital modulation, signals and linear time-invariant systems, baseband and passband representations, continuous-time and discrete-time channels, noise, inter-symbol interference, detection theory, as well as the basics of forward error correction and information theory.

Objective

After attending the lectures, participating in the exercise sessions, and working on the homework problems (which include GNU Octave coding assignments), the students will be able to: - understand the fundamentals of digital communication systems - explain the principles of modulation, demodulation, detection, and error correction - analyze error rates of simple digital communication systems - implement simple GNU Octave simulations to calculate error rates

Content

The course focuses on the fundamentals of digital communication systems. The course starts with analog modulation and discusses the main building blocks of modern digital communication systems. The topics include: - essential components of digital communication systems - analog and digital modulation - baseband and passband representation; up- and down-conversion - communication channels as LTI systems - discretizing communication systems; sampling and quantization - noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and interference - detection theory and error rates - basics of forward error correction - basics of information theory - orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) - building blocks of modern communication systems The exercises cover theoretical aspects as well as the basics of software-based communication-system modeling in GNU Octave.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Lecture notes will be distributed electronically at the beginning of the semester.

Literature

For further reading, the following book might be useful: J. G. Proakis and M. Salehi, “Digital Communications,” McGraw-Hill, 2008, 5th Ed.

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
written 180 minutes
Aids
Hard copies of the lecture notes, tutorials and exercises, handouts, and personal notes (e.g., summary). Calculators without communication abilities are allowed; otherwise, no electronic help is permitted.
The exercises are an essential part of the lecture. There will be 9 exercises (plus 3 tutorials), each exercise with a maximum score of 100 points. If at least 5 exercises are solved with at least 50 points and submitted in time, then the final grade of the written exam will be increased by 0.25 points (but the final grade will not exceed 6.0). Exceptions will be made for compulsory military and civil service.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Communication Systems
  • Thu 08:15-12:00 (CAB G 11)
4 h weekly

Offered In

  • Elektrotechnik und Informationstechnologie Bachelor
  • Elektrotechnik und Informationstechnologie Master
    • 01 - Fächer der Vertiefungen
      • Vertiefungen (alle): Wahlfächer (This is only a short selection. Other courses from the ETH course catalogue may be chosen in agreement with your tutor. As an alternative to the elective courses, students may do a second semester project or an internship in industry. Please consult your tutor.)
      • Vertiefung: Computers and Networks (The core courses and specialisation courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialise in the area of "Computers and Networks", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
        • Kernfächer (These core courses are particularly recommended for the field of "Computers and Networks". 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.)
          • Foundation Core Courses (Fundamentals at bachelor level, for master students who need to strengthen or refresh their background in the area.)
      • Vertiefung: Electronics and Photonics (The core courses and specialisation courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialise in the area of "Electronics and Photonics", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
        • Vertiefungsfächer (These specialisation courses are particularly recommended for the area of "Electronics and Photonics", but you are free to choose courses from any other field in agreement with your tutor. Semester / Research Projects are not allowed in this category. A minimum of 40 credits must be obtained from specialisation courses during the Master's Programme.)
      • Vertiefung: Signal Processing and Machine Learning (The core courses and specialisation courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialise in the area of "Signal Processing and Machine Learning ", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
        • Vertiefungsfächer (These specialisation 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 specialisation courses during the MSc EEIT.)
      • Vertiefung: Communication (The core courses and specialisation courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialise in the area of "Communication", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
        • Kernfächer (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.)
          • Foundation Core Courses (Fundamentals at bachelor level, for master students who need to strengthen or refresh their background in the area.)
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