Multidisciplinary Applications in Telecommunications I
Code: 102695Credits: 6
| Degree programme | Type | Course |
|---|---|---|
| Telecommunication Systems Engineering | OP | 4 |
Contact lecturer
- Name :
- Miquel Garcia Fernandez
- Email :
- miquel.garcia.fernandez@uab.cat
Group languages
You can consult this information at the end of the document.
Prerequisites
It is recommended to have knowledge of:
- Fundamentals of signals and systems
- Digital signal processing
- Design of digital receivers
- Mathematical estimation methods
Objectives
A telecommunications system consists of three main blocks: transmitter, communication channel, and receiver, through which information is exchanged between the source (transmitter) and the destination (receiver).
In previous courses, the necessary knowledge and tools for the design and analysis of these blocks have been acquired, usually in an independent manner.
In this course, the aim is to provide an integrated view by focusing on a practical application of telecommunications: satellite positioning systems (or GNSS, for its acronym in English), which include systems such as the American GPS or the European Galileo. Different applications based on GNSS technology will also be studied.
The objectives of the course are:
- To understand the operating principles of satellite positioning.
- To understand the architecture of GNSS systems.
- To understand the signals used in GNSS systems.
- To understand the operation of a GNSS receiver at the signal processing level and how to obtain observables.
- To be able to solve the user’s position from the observables provided by a GNSS receiver.
- To process real GNSS signals and observables and analyze the results.
- To understand the fundamentals of precise positioning.
- To understand the possible applications of GNSS systems.
Learning outcomes
- Apply conceptual, theoretical and practical telecommunication tools, as well as those of telecommunication systems and services to the development and exploitation of applications in a variety of different areas.
- Demonstrate a pragmatic and flexible attitude for efficient implementation of telecommunications in developing and operating in areas of various kinds.
- "Reason inductively and deductively; i.e. infer general conclusions from private observations, and take on board the general concepts covered in other courses for specific applications."
- Mathematically formulate a problem from the basis of a descriptive statement.
- Communicate solutions to problems in a thorough and concise manner. Write using formal mathematical language.
- Develop critical thinking and reasoning.
- Work autonomously.
- Develop independent learning strategies.
- Manage available time and resources.
- Critically evaluate the work done.
- Work cooperatively.
- Communicate efficiently, orally and in writing, knowledge, results and skills, both professionally and to non-expert audiences.
- Efficiently use ICT for the communication and transmission of ideas and results.
- Develop curiosity and creativity.
Contents
1. Introduction to GNSS systems
- Motivation.
- Architecture and system segments.
- Applications.
2. User position computation
- Observables.
- Navigation equation and error sources.
- Navigation solution.
- Performance.
- Differential positioning.
3. GNSS signals
- Fundamentals of spread spectrum modulation.
- Characteristics of GNSS signals.
- Navigation message.
- Modernized signals.
4. GNSS receivers
- Receiver architecture.
- Signal conditioning.
- Acquisition of visible satellites.
- Tracking.
- Demodulation.
5. Applications and services of GNSS technology
Learning activities and methodology
| Title | Hours | ECTS | Learning outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expository lectures | 36 | 1.44 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 14 |
| Laboratory lectures | 12 | 0.48 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14 |
| Laboratory reports | 32 | 1.28 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13 |
| Tutoring | 10 | 0.4 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14 |
| Student's individual work | 58 | 2.32 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14 |
The work of the students will be assessed through different activities such as tests, code generation, or oral tests during the practical sessions.
There will be three types of activities:
- Autonomous activities:
- Individual student work: Study of the theoretical and practical contents of the course. Preparation of problems and exams. To carry out this work, students will have access to extensive bibliography as well as the possibility of tutoring sessions with the lecturer to solve their doubts and/or extend their knowledge of the course.
- Throughout the course, different laboratory sessions will be carried out with the aim of applying the concepts learned in the lecture classes to different practical situations. In particular, 4 laboratory sessions will be carried out, divided into 2 different practical assignments. The student will have to dedicate time to complete the work from the laboratory sessions. At the end of each session, a short oral questionnaire will be carried out to assess the assimilation of the practical work.
- Directed activities:
- Students will acquire the basic knowledge during the lecture classes scheduled throughout the course. The lecture classes will consist mainly of theoretical sessions delivered by the lecturers of the course. When the syllabus requires it, the lecturers will solve some practical problems in the lecture classes.
- Laboratory classes: Students will carry out the different laboratory sessions scheduled throughout the course. The lecturers will be available in these sessions to guide and supervise the students’ work.
- Supervised activities: The lecturers will be available to solve any doubts related to the course.
Assessment
Continuous assessment activities
| Title | Weight | Hours | ECTS | Learning outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intermediate test 1 | 30% | 1 | 0.04 | 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14 |
| Laboratory | 40% | 0 | 0 | 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 |
| Intermediate test 2 | 30% | 1 | 0.04 | 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14 |
The course consists of three assessment activities:
- PP1: Midterm exam 1 (30%)
- PP2: Midterm exam 2 (30%)
- PLAB: Laboratory sessions (40%)
Laboratory sessions will be assessed based on the work carried out during the sessions and an oral test at the end of each session. Due to their highly practical nature and the use of specific equipment, laboratory sessions are non-recoverable. Each practical assignment will be assessed using two criteria: attendance (weight 50%) and assimilation of the concepts through the oral test (50%). In case of non-attendance at the practical session, only the oral part will be assessed.
On the other hand, PP1 and PP2 are short exams aimed at evaluating the student’s progress in the course. The first exam will take place mid-semester and the second at the end of the semester. The grade for both exams must be >= 3.5 in order to be averaged with the rest of the course assessment activities.
The final grade of the course will be calculated as follows:
if (Grade_PP1 >= 3.5 and Grade_PP2 >= 3.5) --> Final_Grade = 0.4 x Grade_PLAB + 0.3 x Grade_PP1 + 0.3 x Grade_PP2
if (Grade_PP1 < 3.5 or Grade_PP2 < 3.5) --> Final_Grade = min(Grade_PP1, Grade_PP2)
Recovery
To pass the course, Final_Grade >= 5 is required. Students with Final_Grade < 5 may take a recovery exam, which will be scheduled within the official exam calendar published by the School.
Laboratory sessions are not recoverable. Students may recover the remaining 60% of the final grade through the recovery exam, which will cover all course content.
"No Assessment" consideration
Students who do not attend either of the two midterm exams or the recovery exam will receive a "No Assessment" status.
Additional considerations
Without prejudice to other disciplinary measures deemed appropriate, and in accordance with current regulations, any irregularities committed by a student that may lead to a change in the grade of an assessment activity will be graded with a zero. Therefore, copying or allowing copying in a lab or any other assessment activity will result in a zero, and it will not be recoverable. If this activity has a minimum required grade, the course will be failed.
Linguistic correctness will also be assessed in reports and written exams.
This course does not include a single-assessment system.
Bibliography
- Kai Borre (Ed.), Aalborg University, Denmark, Ignacio Fernández-Hernández, European Commission, José A. López-Salcedo, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, M. Zahidul H. Bhuiyan, Finnish Geospatial Research Institute. *GNSS Software Receivers*
- P. Misra, P. Enge, *Global Positioning System: Signals, Measurements, and Performance*, Ganga-Jamuna Press, 2nd ed., 2011. ISBN: 978-0-97095442-8.
- E. Kaplan, C. Hegarty, *Understanding GPS: Principles and Applications*, Artech House, 2nd ed., 2005. ISBN: 978-1-58053894-7.
- F. van Diggelen, *A-GPS: Assisted GPS, GNSS, and SBAS*, Artech House, 1st ed., 2009. ISBN: 978-1-59693374-3.
- P. J.G. Teunissen, O. Montenbruck (Eds.), *Handbook of Global Navigation Satellite Systems*, Springer International Publishing AG, 2017. ISBN: 978-3-319-42926-7.
- B. W. Parkinson, J. J. Spilker (Eds.), *Global Positioning System: Theory and Applications*, AIAA, 1996. ISBN: 978-1-56347106-3.
- A. Bensky, *Wireless Positioning Technologies and Applications*, Artech House, 2008. ISBN: 978-1-59693130-5.
- G. Seco-Granados, J. A. López-Salcedo, D. Jiménez-Baños, G. López-Risueño, "Challenges in indoor global navigation satellite systems", *IEEE Signal Processing Magazine*, Vol. 29, no. 2, pp. 108–131, 2012.
Software
Laboratory sessions will be carried out using Matlab or open-source software.
Course groups and languages
The information provided is provisional until November 30. After this date, you will be able to consult the language of each group through this link. To access the information, you will need to enter the course CODE
| Type of teaching | Group | Language | Semester | Shift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (TE) Theory | 330 | Catalan | first semester | afternoon |
| (PAUL) Classroom practices | 331 | Catalan | first semester | afternoon |
| (PLAB) Practical laboratories | 331 | Catalan | first semester | morning-mixed |