Module manager: Professor Mohsen Razavi
Email: m.razavi@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module covers the key principles of advanced digital communications systems, including pulse shaping, channel characteristics and multiple-access techniques in cellular mobile and optical communications systems.
This module has the following objectives:
- To learn how to analyse and design advanced digital communications systems.
- To develop an understanding of the relevant mathematical tools to model communications signals and systems, and to evaluate the performance of digital communications systems in realistic scenarios. This involves both microwave communications used in wireless and mobile communications as well as fibre-optic infrastructure used in optical communications.
- To provide opportunities application of learning in a design project that aims at providing communications solutions in a customised setting.
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 digital communications problems. Some of the knowledge will be at the forefront of digital communications.
2. Analyse complex digital communications 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 digital communications problems, recognising the limitations of the techniques employed.
4. Select and evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to address complex digital communications problems.
5. Design solutions for complex digital communications problems that meet a combination of societal, user, business and customer needs as appropriate. This will involve consideration of applicable health and safety, diversity, inclusion, cultural, societal, environmental and commercial matters, codes of practice and industry standards.
6. Apply an integrated or systems approach to the solution of complex digital communications problems.
7. Use a risk management process to identify, evaluate and mitigate risks (the effects of uncertainty) associated with a particular project or activity.
8. Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations.
9. Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team.
10. Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and non-technical audiences.
11. Plan and record self-learning and development as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.
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) Design skills
f) Integrated systems approach
g) Risk management
h) Technical awareness of engineering materials, equipment, technologies, and processes
i) Teamwork
j) Communication
k) Lifelong learning
Topics may include, but are not limited to:
• Modern Digital Communication Systems
• Review of signals; Vector representation of signals; energy vs power signals
• Generic binary communication links
• Optimal receivers for binary communications systems, e.g., matched-filter and correlation receivers
• Performance analysis of binary communication systems
• Carrier modulation techniques, e.g., binary phase shift keying (BPSK), quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK), and quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM)
• Pulse shaping; inter-symbol interference
• Introduction to radio propagation, channel characteristics and countermeasures; fading channels
• Multiple-access techniques
• Optical Communications
• Optical fibres, their characteristics (e.g. attenuation, single-mode versus multimode)
• Receiver characteristics: quantum limit on receiver sensitivity
• Sources and detectors. Optical amplification and regeneration
• Coherent and incoherent optical communications
• BER analysis of an optical OOK link
• Wavelength division multiplexing and future directions in optical networking
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consultation | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Lecture | 20 | 1 | 20 |
| Independent online learning hours | 20 | ||
| Private study hours | 58 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 22 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100 | ||
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
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team