ECTS - University of Pisa
The main aim of the course is to describe the main architectural features and the underlying technology of the communication systems and equipment that is used in the field of networking, and to provide specific examples of communication systems using such technologies. In particular, the students i) will build-up a general knowledge of the basic technologies that enable the design of wired (copper, fiber) and wireless communication systems; ii) will bear a specific knowledge of the main standard for communications in the transport and access network, and iii) will evaluate the relevance of such standards and technologies in the general context of a wide-area digital communications and computing network.
The student who successfully completes the course will be able to demonstrate a solid knowledge of the main issues related to electronics and communication systems. The student will acquire the ability to understand the principle of operation of the main building blocks of electronic systems and evaluate performance metrics, to design electronic systems be considering different trade-offs (area, speed, power consumption and flexibility) by exploiting state-of-the-art computer aided design tools and high-level design methodologies for FPGA and semi-custom technologies. He or she will acquire the ability to design sensor based electronic systems including sensor data acquisition, conditioning and data fusion. The student will also acquire a general knowledge of the basic enabling technologies for wired (copper, fiber) and wireless communication systems; a specific knowledge of the main standard for communications in transport and access network, and will be able to evaluate such standards and technologies in the context of a wide-area digital communications and computing network.
Oral Exam
The student will be assessed on his/her demonstrated ability to discuss the main course contents using the appropriate terminology. The student must demonstrate the ability to put into practice and to execute, with critical awareness, the activities illustrated or carried out under the guidance of the teacher during the course. To this aim the student could request to the teachers to perform a practical design project for the electronic systems part.
Methods:
Basic notions of digital communications and communication networks
Delivery: face to face
Learning activities:
Attendance: Advised
Teaching methods:
a) Components and architecture of an optical-fiber point-to-point link as a segment of the Internet backbone; b) Features, architecture, and technology of the different generations fo cellular networks, with specifical emphasis on European 3G (UMTS), 4G (LTE) and with a short mention to research towards 5G; c) xDSL systems for the access network (last-mile)
The course is organized in two parts. The first one covers electronic systems: -The smartphone as the reference electronic systems -Evolution of CMOS technology - Main Figure of merits of CMOS technology - Basics of CMOS fabrication technology -Implementation strategies for digital design -Types of memories: dynamic, static, non volatile -Power management circuits -Sensors definitions and operations -Operating principles of displays Design metrics and methodologies for digital integrated circuits design including FPGA.
The second part covers communication systems: - Components and architecture of an optical-fiber point-to-point link as a segment of the Internet backbone - Features, architecture, and technology of the different generations fo cellular networks, with specific emphasis on European 3G (GSM), Euro-Japanese 3G (UMTS )and 4G (LTE). - xDSL systems for the access network (last-mile)
General:
Fiber Backbones for the Transport Network:
Cellular Networks:
xDSL technologies for the last mile:
General Reference on Digital Communications:
Recommended reading includes: For the electronic systems design part: - J. M. Rabaey, “Digital Integrated Circuits - A Design Perspective”, Prentice Hall - K.C. Chang, “Digital Systems Design with VHDL and Synthesis”, IEEE Computer Society For the communication systems part: - J. Proakis: "Digital Communications", 5th Revised edition, McGraw-Hill, 2008. - Teaching notes available at http://www.iet.unipi.it/m.luise/ Further materials will be provided by the lecturers.
Oral exam, typically two broad qustions on two different selected topics, about 30 minutes overall.
Teacher's Home Page: http://www.iet.unipi.it/m.luise/
