CLO 1.1
Recognize different analog modulation and demodulation techniques.
EE 351 · Electrical Engineering
Communication Systems
Explore how signals are represented, transformed, transmitted, and recovered—and connect the mathematics to plots, computation, and physical systems.
Course introduction
From a message to a transmitted signal
This learning space complements—not replaces—the classroom conversation.
We will move between physical intuition, mathematical representation, interactive plots, and MATLAB experiments. The aim is to see a communication system as a connected chain rather than a collection of isolated formulas.
Official course description
In this course, we focus on signal transforms and continuous-wave modulation, which is the basic operation of analog communication systems. Initially, we give the students an insight and understanding of signals classifications, Fourier series, Fourier transform, spectrum analysis, and explore their applications in the context of analog communication systems. We then cover thoroughly amplitude modulation including the generation and reception of double-side band, single side-band, and vestigial side-band. We also cover the angle modulations (phase and frequency), the generation both the narrow and wide-band angle modulation.
Official curriculum
Course learning outcomes
CLO 2.1
Explain the linear model of the distortionless channel.
CLO 2.2
Recognize the basic model of communication systems, such as AM and FM radio systems.
CLO 2.3
Analyze the impact of various channels on communication systems.
CLO 2.4
Demonstrate the pulse modulation techniques.
CLO 3.1
Design modulation and demodulation circuits using various lab experiments, such as: envelope detector, rectifier circuits, and software defined radio circutis.
Wording above is reproduced exactly from the authoritative curriculum record.
How we will learn
Think, visualize, compute
Prepare & discuss
Flipped classroom, interactive lectures, and guided problem solving.
Simulate & experiment
Computer-based learning and laboratory experimentation.
Design & communicate
Project-based learning and technical communication activities.
Official assessment methods
Quizzes; homework and classwork assignments; major and final exams; simulation/computational assignments; oral technical presentation; laboratory practical assessment; laboratory reports; and design project assignment.
This list reports methods only. The curriculum record supplies no weights here.
Course roadmap
The intellectual progression
Communication systems, messages, channel effect, modulation and detection
Signals, signal space, classification, and important signals
Fourier series, Fourier transform, and spectrum analysis
Analysis, transmission, distortion, filters, and essential bandwidth
Amplitude modulation and demodulation
Baseband, passband, AM variants, and receiver concepts
Phase and frequency modulation
Weekly learning modules
Start here
Week 1
Signals, LTI Systems & the Frequency Domain Week 2
Communication Systems and the AM Radio Example Week 3
Amplitude Modulation: From Baseband to Sidebands Week 4
From DSB to Hilbert-Transform SSB Future modules
Available in later phases
Signals, LTI Systems & the Frequency Domain Week 2
Communication Systems and the AM Radio Example Week 3
Amplitude Modulation: From Baseband to Sidebands Week 4
From DSB to Hilbert-Transform SSB Future modules
Available in later phases
Weeks 1–4 are available, each as a presentation-style slide deck. Future module details will follow the approved teaching sequence.
Interactive laboratory
Analog AM visualizer — DSB and SSB
Compare waveforms, spectra, bandwidth, power, and receivers.
Used directly in Week 4 for DSB-SC,
USB and LSB, suppressed versus transmitted carrier, and the
bandwidth comparison.
Official course resource
Lathi, Modern Digital and Analog Communication Systems, Fifth Edition, Oxford University Press, 2018.