Module manager: Dr James McLaughlan
Email: j.r.mclaughlan@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
ELEC2856 Audio Signal Processing
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module introduces the principles of signals and signal analysis in the context of audio systems, and develops knowledge and understanding of signal conditioning, detection and quantisation. Students will also be introduced to digital signal processing techniques relevant to audio applications.
This module has the following objectives:
- To study the foundational aspects of signals, exploring time and frequency domain representations.
- To learn how to perform calculations on signal properties and comprehend the principles and applications of analogue-to-digital conversion (ADC), calculating requirements for typical ADC systems.
- To develop an understanding of selecting and designing analogue circuits for audio signal conditioning, encompassing amplifiers, buffers, and filters.
- To provide insight into the fundamental components of digital signal processing (DSP) and apply DSP functions on microcontrollers to implement various signal processing tasks for audio applications.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes:
1. Apply knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex signal processing problems. Some of the knowledge will be at the forefront of signal processing.
2. Analyse complex signal processing problems to reach substantiated conclusions using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles.
3. Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex signal processing problems, recognising the limitations of the techniques employed.
4. Select and evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to address complex signal processing problems.
5. Apply an integrated or systems approach to the solution of complex signal processing problems.
6. Adopt a holistic and proportionate approach to the mitigation of security risks.
7. Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate complex signal processing problems.
8. Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations.
Skills Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills:
a) Application of science, mathematics and/or engineering principles
b) Problem analysis
c) Application of computational and analytical techniques
d) Searching and using technical literature
e) Integrated systems approach
f) Mitigate security risks
g) Practical and workshop skills
h) Technical awareness of engineering materials, equipment, technologies, and processes
• Properties of signals, waveform, amplitude, frequency, phase, power, harmonics.
• Modulation and superposition.
• Analogue to Digital Conversion, including sampling, effects of aliasing, bit depth/quantisation, over/undersampling and interpolation.
• Signal Conditioning, including circuit design and signal processing components, op-amps and filters, including active filters
• Fundamentals of Digital Signal Processing (DSP), time domain/frequency domain representation, Fourier analysis for practical applications, digital filters, real-time DSP.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 8 | 1 | 8 |
| Practical | 10 | 2 | 20 |
| Seminar | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Independent online learning hours | 60 | ||
| Private study hours | 0 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 30 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 90 | ||
Students studying ELEC modules will receive formative feedback in a variety of ways, including the use of self-test quizzes on Minerva, practice questions/worked examples and (where appropriate) through verbal interaction with teaching staff and/or post-graduate demonstrators.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
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