The COM4LAB courses on transmission and reception technology explain step by step the setup of classic and modern radio systems as well as modulation and demodulation of signals. The properties of the signals are examined in more detail in the time domain and frequency domain. For this purpose, the board contains a complete transmission and reception system. Components can be analysed individually.
The first course covers the setup and functions of the transmitter and receiver side as well as analogue modulation methods (amplitude modulation, double sideband modulation, single sideband modulation, frequency modulation).
In this second course, common digital modulation methods (BPSK, QPSK, QAM and FSK) are examined using measurement techniques.
Total duration: Up to 16 hours.
Target audience
The course can be used to support training for the following professions, among others:
- Electrical professions in industry:
Electronics technician for industrial engineering
Electronics technician for automation technology
Electronics technician for devices and systems
Electronics technician for information and system technology
Aircraft electronics technician
Mechatronics technician
- Electrical trades in the skilled trades:
Electronics technician specialising in automation and systems technology
Electronics technician for building system integration
Information electronics technician
- IT professions:
IT systems electronics technician
IT specialist specialising in digital networking
IT specialist specialising in system integration
Learning objectives
The students should
- be able to recognise the relationship between AM and ASQ signals,
- recognise the relationship between FM and FSK signals,
- be able to examine BPSK signals in the time and frequency domain and using constellation diagrams,
- be able to examine QPSK signals in the time and frequency domain and using constellation diagrams
- be able to examine QAM signals in the time and frequency domain and using constellation diagrams
- be able to examine the effect of the additional phase angle arising on the transmission path on the position of the constellation diagrams,
- compare BPSK, QPSK, QAM and FSK in terms of data rate and bandwidth,
- be able to make statements about the required signal-to-noise ratio based on the constellation diagrams of 16-QAM, 32-QAM, 64-QAM, 128-QAM and 256-QAM,
- measure the effect on the signal-to-noise ratio and synchronisation by reducing the field strength at the "air interface" using telescopic antennas,
- use the "crest factor" and "PAPR" to evaluate the signal-to-noise ratio
- understand the term "QoS" (Quality of Service).
Topics
The course covers the following topics:
- BPSK (Binary Phase Shift Keying)
- QPSK (Quadrature Phase Shift Keying)
- QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation)
- FSK (Frequency Shift Keying)
- Time, frequency and constellation diagrams
- SNR (signal-to-noise ratio)
- QoS (Quality of Services)
- Crest factor and PAPR (Peak-to-Average Power Ratio)
Previous knowledge
Students need knowledge of electronic circuit setup and basic knowledge of the function of the measuring instruments used, namely oscilloscopes and band scanners, in order to successfully complete the course. Familiarity with formulas is required.
