Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2019-2020 (archived)

Module ENGI4251: DSP and Microwave Engineering

Department: Engineering

ENGI4251: DSP and Microwave Engineering

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2019/20 Module Cap Location Durham
Tied to H100

Prerequisites

  • ENGI3461

Corequisites

  • As specified in programme regulations.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • As specified in programme regulations

Aims

  • This module is designed solely for students studying Department of Engineering degree programmes.
  • The module will provide students with knowledge in digital signal processing and microwave devices/components.

Content

  • Transmission line theory.
  • Maxwell equations.
  • Electromagnetic waves propagation.
  • High-speed electronic devices.
  • Introduction to advanced THz technology.
  • Analysis and synthesis of discrete-time systems.
  • Digital filter design.
  • Discrete and Fast Fourier transform and applications.
  • Hilbert and Walsh Transforms.
  • Quantisation effects in digital signals.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Understanding FIR and IIR filters.
  • The mathematics of spectral extraction algorithms.
  • Use of transforms.
  • Understanding of electrodynamics.
  • Understanding of hish-speed electronic devices.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • An awareness of current technology, design analysis, and commercial practice and the ability to bring these together to provide innovative solutions.
  • The use of advanced analysis methods to design complex digital circuits to meet a variety of applications.
  • The hardware implementation of DSP applications.
  • An in-depth knowledge and understanding of specialist and advanced technical and professional skills, an ability to perform critical assessment and review and an ability to communicate the results of their work effectively.
Key Skills:
  • Capacity for independent self-learning within the bounds of professional practice.
  • Specialised design skills appropriate to digital systems engineers.
  • The optimum selection of digital resolution to meet specifications.
  • Advanced skills to design large scale digital hardware.
  • Specialised skills to analyse and design DSP systems.
  • Specialised skills to analyse microwave components.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Microwave Engineering. This consists of lectures supported by problem sheets. Written timed examination is appropriate because of the wide range of in-depth technical material covered in this course and to demonstrate the ability to solve advanced problems independently.
  • Digital Signal Processing course. This consists of lectures supported by problem sheets. Written timed examination is appropriate because of the wide range of in-depth technical material covered in this course and to demonstrate the ability to solve advanced problems independently.
  • Students are able to make use of staff ‘Tutorial Hours’ to discuss any aspect of the module with teaching staff on a one-to-one basis. These are sign up sessions where course lecturers are available for up to one hour per week per course.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 30 2 per week 1 Hour 30
Tutorial Hours As required Weekly sign up sessions Up to 1 Hour 8
Preparation and Reading 162
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written Examination 2 Hours 100% No
Component: Coursework Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Assignment 100% No

Formative Assessment:


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University