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Module Catalogue

ES4F1-15 Radiowave Propagation and Wireless Communications Theory

Department
School of Engineering
Level
Undergraduate Level 4
Module leader
Christos Mias
Credit value
15
Module duration
10 weeks
Assessment
30% coursework, 70% exam
Study location
University of Warwick main campus, Coventry

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Introductory description

ES4F1 - Radiowave Propagation and Wireless Communications

Module web page

Module aims

The module will enable students to carry out project work in radio-wave propagation and wireless communications. It is the module's aim is to present fundamental theory and its application in understanding the operation and design aspects of the physical layer of a wireless communications system.

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.

Introduction to the wireless channel and the cellular concept.
Review of electromagnetic waves and antenna fundamentals. Consider antennas above ground.
Radiowave propagation models and propagation mechanisms (such as reflection, diffraction, scattering).
Shielding and absorption of radiowaves.
Basics of wireless channel modelling.
Diversity techniques.
Multiple-input-multiple-output techniques.
Equalizers and other important components of wireless systems

Learning outcomes

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

  • Acquire specialised knowledge in radiowave propagation.
  • Demonstrate mastery in solving radiowave propagation problems involving propagation mechanisms (such as reflection, diffraction and scattering) and antennas.
  • Acquire advanced knowledge of efficiency-enhancing wireless techniques
  • Evaluate important parts of wireless communications systems
  • Advanced understanding of key principles of wireless communications theories
  • Design important parts of wireless communications systems
  • Use software to solve radiowave propagation problems involving propagation mechanisms (such as reflection, diffraction and scattering) and/or antennas. Be critical of the limitations of empirical and physical path loss models.

Indicative reading list

  1. Radio Propagation Measurement and Channel Modelling, S. Salous, Wiley, 2013.
  2. Principles of Mobile Communications, 3rd edition, G.L. Stuber, Kluwer, 2012.
  3. Wireless Communications: Principles and Practice, 2nd edition, T.S. Rappaport, Pearson,2002.

Subject specific skills

Ability to be pragmatic, taking a systematic approach and the logical and practical steps necessary for, often complex, concepts to become reality

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
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%)
Other activity 2 hours (1%)
Private study 118 hours (79%)
Total 150 hours

Private study description

118 hours of private study

Other activity description

2 x 1 hour Revision Class

Costs

No further costs have been identified for this module.

You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.

Assessment group D2
Weighting Study time Eligible for self-certification
Assignment 30% Yes (extension)

Assignment , 10 pages
Online Examination 70% No

QMP online examination

~Platforms - AEP,QMP
Feedback on assessment

Support through advice and feedback hours.
Written feedback on marked assignment.
Cohort-level feedback on final exam.

Past exam papers for ES4F1

Pre-requisites

To take this module, you must have passed:

Courses

This module is Core for:

  • Year 4 of UESA-H63X MEng Electronic Engineering
  • Year 5 of UESA-H63Y MEng Electronic Engineering with Intercalated Year
  • Year 1 of TESA-H641 Postgraduate Taught Communications and Information Engineering

This module is Optional for:

  • Year 4 of UESA-H116 MEng Engineering with Exchange Year
  • Year 5 of UESA-H115 MEng Engineering with Intercalated Year
  • Year 5 of UESA-H607 Undergraduate Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Intercalated Year

This module is Option list A for:

  • Year 4 of UESA-H114 MEng Engineering
  • Year 4 of UESA-H606 Undergraduate Electrical and Electronic Engineering MEng