WM917-15 Networks and Communications for the Connected Car
Introductory description
This module aims to equip students with up-to-date, comprehensive knowledge of the key wired and wireless communication technologies that are currently used—or are expected to be used—in modern and future consumer vehicles. As vehicles become increasingly connected and autonomous, understanding the communication infrastructure that underpins these capabilities is essential.
Students will explore both foundational and advanced communication systems, with a particular focus on automotive Ethernet, 5G, and their integration into vehicle networks. The module will examine how these technologies support various applications such as advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), infotainment, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, and over-the-air (OTA) updates.
By the end of the module, students will have a thorough understanding of the role of communication technologies in automotive systems and will be well-prepared to contribute to the design and development of next-generation vehicle architectures.
Module aims
Through providing a knowledge base of core telecommunications theories, the student is taken forward into the application domain, such that the various wired and wireless technologies in the context of the automotive space is understood. Key concepts of theory vs. application are discussed based upon the inference and understanding of the performance of the technologies both at the component and system level. Topics are introduced from both the theoretical and practical viewpoints to encourage independent critical evaluation of the subject matter.
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.
Indicative outline
Introduction: Taxonomy of modern communications. OSI Model. Context of Networks and Communications.
Telecommunications Theory:
- Pulse Modulation: Analog to digital conversion. Sampling, aliasing, and Nyquist, Equalisation. Digitisation, quantisation and errors. Encoding and decoding.
- Baseband and Passband Modulation: baseband and applications of baseband transmission. ISI. Pulse shaping Baseband to pass-band. Carrier waves. Basic modulation types. Error rates and bandwidth relationships.
- Coding Theory: BER, basic coding schemes, AWGN. Error detection and correction, basic ECC Shannon limits and/or capacity.
- Multiple Access: Single channel communications. Multiple access motivation and techniques. Multiple access in practice.
Wireless Technologies
- Link Budget and Channel: Spectrum Reuse. Noise, origins and types. Free space losses. Carrier to Noise Ratio. Propagation models.
- GNSS: Core principles and motivation in the context of automotive. Performance metrics. Automotive integration.
- 5G: Key Technologies and Roadmap for 5G. Background and Demands. 5G Specifications. Absorptions and specific channel limitations. OFDM/multicarrier transmitter and receiver. Convergence including IoT. Backward (and forward) compatibility.
Wired Technologies
- CAN/CAN-FD: Context and principle applications. Physical layer (low speed and high speed), and architecture. Protocol - Message frames, headers, addressing, message IDs. Usage and standards compliance.
- LIN: Context and principle applications. Physical layer. Protocol - Message frames, headers, addressing etc. Topology. Usage and compliance. API.
- Ethernet: General Ethernet principles. Networking model, and comparison between other technologies. Terminology. Standards. Topologies e.g. bridges, nodes, stations etc. Common physical layers and IEEE 802.3.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Critically analyse and evaluate communication system building blocks [AHEP:4, M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M7, M16, M17]
- Evaluate complete communication systems within the wider automotive ecosystem considering the evolution toward future automotive communication technologies [AHEP:4, M1, M4, M5, M7, M16, M17]
- Design communication system architectures that support the connectivity requirements of connected and/or autonomous systems [AHEP:4, M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M7, M16, M17]
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of, and competence in the application of, channel modeling tools and techniques for the purpose of communication system performance prediction and analysis [AHEP:4, M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M7, M17]
Indicative reading list
Reading lists can be found in Talis
Specific reading list for the module
Subject specific skills
Equipment Handling, Equipment Usage, Test and Measurement, Matlab Analysis.
Transferable skills
group work, time management, presentation skills.
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 24 sessions of 1 hour (16%) |
| Practical classes | 6 sessions of 1 hour (4%) |
| Online learning (independent) | 4 sessions of 1 hour (3%) |
| Private study | 56 hours (37%) |
| Assessment | 60 hours (40%) |
| Total | 150 hours |
Private study description
In-depth reading around the subject
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group A6
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
Assessment component |
|||
| Communication systems | 80% | 48 hours | Yes (extension) |
|
3 to 4 problems depending on their length and complexity to be solved by students. |
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Reassessment component |
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| Communication systems | No | ||
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3 to 4 problems depending on their length and complexity to be solved by students. |
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Assessment component |
|||
| Communication building blocks | 20% | 12 hours | Yes (extension) |
|
Evaluate the performance of building blocks used in communication systems. |
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Reassessment component |
|||
| Communication building blocks | No | ||
|
Evaluate the performance of building blocks used in communication systems. |
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Feedback on assessment
Formative assessment will be provided during the laboratory activities and class interactions
Courses
This module is Core for:
- Year 1 of TWMS-H33L Postgraduate Award Smart, Connected and Autonomous Vehicles
-
EWMS-H1U2 Postgraduate Taught Engineering Competence (Smart, Connected and Autonomous Vehicles) (Degree Apprenticeship)
- Year 1 of H1U2 Engineering Competence (Smart, Connected and Autonomous Vehicles) (PGDip) (DA)
- Year 1 of H1TE Smart, Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (Part-time)
- Year 1 of H1TE Smart, Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (Part-time)
- Year 1 of H1TE Smart, Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (Part-time)
- Year 1 of TWMS-H1SE Postgraduate Taught Smart, Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (Full-time)
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TWMS-H1TE Postgraduate Taught Smart, Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (Part-time)
- Year 1 of H1TE Smart, Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (Part-time)
- Year 1 of H1TE Smart, Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (Part-time)
This module is Core optional for:
- Year 1 of TWMS-H33M Postgraduate Certificate Smart, Connected and Autonomous Vehicles
- Year 1 of TWMS-H33N Postgraduate Diploma Smart, Connected and Autonomous Vehicles
- Year 1 of TWMS-H33P Postgraduate Taught Smart, Connected and Autonomous Vehicles