Wireless modem design

Course content

Wireless communication systems such as Wi-Fi are based on the exchange of digital data packets. These systems are constantly evolving to support the very high data rates expected by users, as well as new features such as precise location tracking of mobile devices indoors and environmental sensing. This course covers the various technologies incorporated into recent Wi-Fi modems.

Objectives (and/or specific learning outcomes)

The overall objective of this course is to:

Review wave propagation phenomena such as phase delay, fading, and frequency selectivity;
Design a wireless communications, terminal localization, and environmental sensing modem that is robust against these degradations;
Implement the communications, localization, and sensing system using MATLAB simulations and real-life signal exchange with hardware;
Select the parameters that provide the best trade-off between performance and hardware complexity.

The following topics will be covered in particular:

Space diversity, maximum ratio combining
Space-time block codes
MIMO channel capacity, spatial multiplexing
Beamforming, MU-MIMO precoding
Channel coding, convolutional codes, LDPC
Iterative channel decoder
Multiple access, CSMA, OFDMA
Localization, sensing and applications

Prerequisites and Corequisites

Required and Corequired knowledge and skills

Required and corequired courses

Teaching methods and learning activities

We propose exploring one aspect of Wi-Fi modem design in the form of a group discussion topic. Various types of questions are proposed: more theoretical questions supported by a set of slides, more practical questions with a hardware component, and more exploratory questions requiring a review of the scientific literature... The groups’ progress is discussed weekly in a large group setting to encourage discussion.

At the end of the course, a presentation of the results and a brief report are required.

References, bibliography, and recommended reading

Course notes

Université virtuelle

Contribution to the teaching profile

This teaching unit contributes to the following competences:

In-depth knowledge and understanding of exact sciences with the specificity of their application to engineering
In-depth knowledge and understanding of integrated structural design methods in the framework of a global design strategy
In-depth knowledge and understanding of the advanced methods and theories to schematize and model complex problems or processes
Reformulate complex engineering problems in order to solve them (simplifying assumptions, reducing complexity)
Conceive, plan and execute a research project, based on an analysis of its objectives, existing knowledge and the relevant literature, with attention to innovation and valorization in industry and society
Correctly report on research or design results in the form of a technical report or in the form of a scientific paper
Present and defend results in a scientifically sound way, using contemporary communication tools, for a national as well as for an international professional or lay audience
Collaborate in a (multidisciplinary) team
Work in an industrial environment with attention to safety, quality assurance, communication and reporting
Develop, plan, execute and manage engineering projects at the level of a starting professional
Think critically about and evaluate projects, systems and processes, particularly when based on incomplete, contradictory and/or redundant information
A creative, problem-solving, result-driven and evidence-based attitude, aiming at innovation and applicability in industry and society
A critical attitude towards one’s own results and those of others
The flexibility and adaptability to work in an international and/or intercultural context
An attitude of life-long learning as needed for the future development of his/her career
Has an active knowledge of the theory and applications of electronics, information and communication technology, from component up to system level.
Has a profound knowledge of either (i) nano- and opto-electronics and embedded systems, (ii) information and communication technology systems or (iii) measuring, modelling and control.
Has a broad overview of the role of electronics, informatics and telecommunications in industry, business and society.
Is able to analyse, specify, design, implement, test and evaluate individual electronic devices, components and algorithms, for signal-processing, communication and complex systems.
Is able to model, simulate, measure and control electronic components and physical phenomena.

Other information

Additional information

Contacts

François HORLIN, Email: :Francois.Horlin@ulb.be

Campus

Solbosch

Evaluation

Method(s) of evaluation

Group work
Oral presentation
Written report

Group work

Oral presentation

Written report

Mark calculation method (including weighting of intermediary marks)

Language(s) of evaluation

english