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Module Catalogue

ES2D4-15 Multimedia Technology and Signal Propagation

Department
School of Engineering
Level
Undergraduate Level 2
Module leader
Christos Mias
Credit value
15
Module duration
10 weeks
Assessment
50% coursework, 50% exam
Study location
University of Warwick main campus, Coventry

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Introductory description

n/a.

Module web page

Module aims

To present the fundamental science underpinning technologies associated with multimedia devices and understand the basics of signal propagation

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Transmission lines and matching
Maxwell’s equations, the electromagnetic plane wave and polarisation
Plane wave propagation in lossless and lossy media and reflection at interfaces
Antenna fundamentals
Basic Communications (e.g. history and current technology)

Acoustics (fundamental theory, propagation mechanisms)
Acoustic materials (e.g. piezoelectric) and devices (e.g. loudspeakers, microphones)
The human ear
Optics (fundamental principles, materials)
The optical spectrum (IR, UV, visible)
Geometrical optics / optical systems / lenses / aberrations
The human eye and colour theory
Optical sources (e.g. black Body radiation, LED) and sensors (e.g. photodiodes)
Displays (physics, materials and technology) including human touch
Memory types (including basic magnetism, magnetic storage)
Batteries

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

  • Solve transmission line problems (including matching problems).
  • Solve problems involving electromagnetic plane wave propagation and reflection and/or transmission at interfaces
  • Perform antenna calculations and design an antenna link.
  • Evaluate optical parameters
  • Evaluate the impact of the newest advances in technology on the multimedia revolution.
  • Demonstrate broad understanding of physical principles and technologies behind complex multimedia systems and devices and their relationship to human perception.
  • Solve acoustics problems

Indicative reading list

F.W. Ulaby and U. Ravaioli, Fundamentals of Applied Electromagnetics, 7th edition, Pearson, 2015.
Leon Gunter, The Physics of Music and Color, New York; Springer 2012

Subject specific skills

Ability to apply relevant practical and laboratory skills

Transferable skills

Numeracy: apply mathematical and computational methods to communicate parameters, model and optimize solutions
Apply problem solving skills, information retrieval, and the effective use of general IT facilities
Plan self-learning and improve performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD
Communicate (written and oral; to technical and non-technical audiences) and work with others
Plan self-learning and improve performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD
Exercise initiative and personal responsibility, including time management, which may be as a team member or leader

Study time

Type Required
Lectures 30 sessions of 1 hour (20%)
Practical classes 2 sessions of 4 hours (5%)
Other activity 2 hours (1%)
Private study 110 hours (73%)
Total 150 hours

Private study description

  • 110 hours of guided independent learning
Other activity description
  • 2 x 1 hr = 2 hours revision lectures

Costs

No further costs have been identified for this module.

You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.

Assessment group C
Weighting Study time Eligible for self-certification
Assessment component
Laboratory Report 2 15% No

Written Report 4.5 pages.
Reassessment component is the same
Assessment component
Laboratory Report 1 15% No

Written Report 4.5 pages.
Reassessment component is the same
Assessment component
Essay 20% No

(1500 Words)
Reassessment component is the same
Assessment component
In-person Examination 50% No

Written Examination 1 hour 30 minutes

  • Answerbook Pink (12 page)
  • Students may use a calculator
  • Engineering Data Book 8th Edition
  • Graph paper
Reassessment component is the same
Feedback on assessment
  • Support through advice and feedback hours.
  • Written feedback on marked laboratory reports.
  • Cohort-level feedback on final exam.

Past exam papers for ES2D4

Courses

This module is Core for:

  • Year 2 of UESA-HH35 BEng Systems Engineering
  • UESA-HH31 MEng Systems Engineering
    • Year 2 of HH31 Systems Engineering
    • Year 2 of HH35 Systems Engineering

This module is Optional for:

  • Year 2 of UESA-H216 BEng Civil Engineering
  • Year 2 of UESA-H63W BEng Electronic Engineering
  • Year 2 of UESA-H113 BEng Engineering
  • Year 2 of UESA-HN11 BSc Engineering and Business Studies
  • Year 2 of UESA-H217 MEng Civil Engineering
  • Year 2 of UESA-H63X MEng Electronic Engineering
  • Year 2 of UESA-H114 MEng Engineering
  • Year 2 of UESA-H605 Undergraduate Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Year 2 of UESA-H606 Undergraduate Electrical and Electronic Engineering MEng