Instructor: Prof. Ian Roberts
Spring Quarter 2026

Course Summary

This course combines foundational concepts from linear systems, signal processing, and probability/statistics to mathematically model digital communication systems, establish the elegant techniques by which we communicate information, and assess the performance of such techniques. Ultimately, I hope this course is useful to you in obtaining an internship or full-time job, partaking in extracurricular projects, working in industry, and/or conducting research. It is a privilege to introduce you to digital communication systems, and I am looking forward to class this quarter. We plan to cover the following topics:

  • Review of Essentials and Setting the Stage
  • Digital Modulation, Pulse Shaping, Up/Downconversion
  • Introduction to Random Processes
  • Additive White Gaussian Noise, Signal-to-Noise Ratio, Matched Filter
  • Detection in Additive White Gaussian Noise, Symbol/Bit Error Rates
  • Dispersive Channels, Complex Baseband Channel, Channel Estimation, Equalization
  • Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing
  • Timing and Frequency Synchronization
  • Information Theory and Channel Coding