入学要求：
学术要求：
Applicants are expected to hold an appropriate honours degree at 2.1 standard or the equivalent from a university recognised by the University of York. This degree should have a significant electronics and/or computing content.
英语要求：IELTS 6.0
学费Tuition Fee：2011/2012 International Students: £15,600
课程特征 Course Features：
The MSc in Communications Engineering is a one year full-time taught programme which makes extensive use of the knowledge and expertise from our well established Communications Research Group.
It is intended to provide students with a good understanding of the techniques and issues in modern communications systems, with an emphasis on wireless and Internet communications. It provides students with:
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a balanced picture of modern wireless and Internet communications
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a sound theoretical and practical knowledge of radio communication techniques, signal processing, network protocols, and the design and optimisation of communication networks
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the ability to learn new techniques as they are developed
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experience of the use of industry-standard tools to make them attractive candidates for employers throughout the field of modern communications
As well as this MSc in Communications Engineering the department offers an MSc by Research, in which students can gain an MSc through doing a year-long research project - take a look through the taught versus research page to find out more about the differences between them.
课程内容 Course Content：
Programme Content
The programme aims to provide a broad-based introduction to modern communications and to provide a solid grounding in the theory and techniques suitable for students wishing to pursue a career in electronic communications. The programme comprises the following modules:
1.Internet Protocols
2.Communications Systems
3.Personal and Mobile Communications
4.RF and Microwave Engineering
5.Wireless and Satellite Networks
6.Antennas and Propagation
7.Wireless Modems
8.Introduction to Signal Processing
9.Signal Processing for Communications
10.Error Control Coding
11.Introduction to MATLAB
12.Advanced Multimedia Applications
13.Optical Communications: Devices and Systems
14.Communications ECAD
15.DSP Architectures
16.Project
Optional Non-assessed module:
17. Computer Programming Using C
Please note that the detailed module contents are subject to change.
1. Internet Protocols
This module introduces the technologies behind the largest packet-switched network in the world – the Internet. Starting with the basic concepts of layered protocols and the ISO-OSI 7-layer model and the TCP/IP protocol stack, the module looks in detail at all the protocols involved in transferring a file from a computer in the University connected to the Internet using an Ethernet connection, to a computer connected to the Internet using a dial-up connection and a voice-band modem.
This includes descriptions of the Ethernet local area network (LAN) standards, bridging and switching in LANs, the data-link protocols (LLC), the address resolution protocol (ARP), the Internet Protocol (IP) and routeing protocols, the transmission control protocol (TCP), the domain name service (DNS), the file transfer protocol (FTP), the point-to-point protocol (PPP), the dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) and network address translation (NAT).
The particular problem of congestion control is discussed in depth, with the evolution of the congestion-control in TCP described, from the slow-start protocol to the latest congestion avoidance techniques.
This module is optional - students can choose either this module or the RF and Microwave Engineering module.
The module is taught though illustrated lectures and supporting laboratory sessions in which the Wireshark protocol analyser package is used to examine the operation of the protocols on a live network. Assessment is in the form of a closed-book examination.
2. Communications Systems
The Communications Systems module introduces the mathematical theory of communications, considering what is meant by "information", and how it can be most efficiently transmitted. The techniques of probability theory and the concept of entropy are introduced and employed to evaluate the efficiency of communications link. Fundamental limits on the performance of communications systems (the Shannon bound) are described. Practical lossless compression algorithms are introduced, and their advantages analysed.
The module then considers different types of information (including data, voice and video) and characterises the requirements placed on real communication systems required to carry any, or all, of these types of content. Models of these types of traffic are introduced, and it is shown how the performance of simple communications systems can be predicted using these models. The concept of self-similarity in traffic is introduced to help characterise packet-based traffic sources. Quality of service measures, admissions control and resourcing algorithms are described.
Circuit-switched networks (e.g. the telephone network) and packet-switched networks (e.g. the Internet) are then described, and the techniques of Markov analysis used to develop queueing theory models to evaluate the levels of performance achievable from these systems.
The module is taught through lectures and supporting workshop sessions. Assessment is in the form of a closed-book written examination.
3. Personal and Mobile Communications
The Personal and Mobile Communications module describes the history of personal and cellular communications and the development of current standards. It starts with a brief overview of the early mobile phones, and the differences between the first, second and third generations. The module then considers the mobile radio communication channels and channel models, and describes how the difficulties in operating over these channels have influenced the design of mobile phone networks. TDMA, FDMA and CDMA access techniques are introduced and compared, and techniques for optimising the capacity of each, including power control, multi-user detection and dynamic channel allocation, are discussed.
The module then focuses on GSM and WCDMA as examples of second and third generation networks, describes the operation of each and explains the reasons for the development of these two very different standards. Personal communication and wireless LAN systems are then discussed, focusing on the operation of Bluetooth and 802.11 family of networks ("Wi-Fi"). The WiMAX metropolitan area network is also considered.
Finally we look at the future: how these networks might work together to provide best-access at all times, and what future technologies might bring.
The module is taught through lectures and supporting workshop sessions. Assessment is in the form of a closed-book written examination.
4. RF and Microwave Engineering
The RF and Microwave Engineering module provides an understanding of the fundamental principles of RF and microwave circuit design. First, component levels models for bipolar transistors, FETs and diode detectors as well as high-frequency passive components, using S, Y and Z parameters are introduced. Then, the fundamental building blocks of RF circuits: amplifiers, oscillators, mixers and filters are considered.
A series of design exercises using modern computer-aided design tools are then undertaken. A low-noise amplifier, filter and low phase-noise oscillator are designed, built and their performance measured, with results compared with theory.
This module is optional - students choose either this module or the Internet Protocols module. Some background in transistor theory and analogue circuit design is advisable for this module, and background reading will be provided for those new to electronics who select this option.
This module is taught through lectures and laboratory sessions. Assessment is in the form of a closed-book written examination.
5. Wireless and Satellite Networks
The Wireless and Satellite Networks module first introduces basic communications theory in the context of satellite systems: techniques of flow control, error control, baseband and passband modulation, optimum filtering and intersymbol interference.
Satellite system design (processing versus non-processing) and satellite orbits are discussed, including low-earth orbit (LEO) and geostationary earth orbit (GEO) systems.
Multiple access techniques for satellite systems are then introduced, able to cope with the large round-trip of these systems. Systems design and link budget analysis for satellite applications are then described, and some sample applications, both commercial and military, are discussed.
This module is taught through lectures and workshop sessions. Assessment is in the form of a closed-book written examination.
6. Antennas and Propagation
The Antennas and Propagation module is split into two sections, covering antennas and propagation respectively.
The Antennas course covers the basic types of radio antennas and details their characteristics: both those that are designed to be antennas and those for which the radiation of energy is an unwanted side effect. Basic principles of antennas including near- and far-field operation, radiation resistance and antenna gain are described. Paraboloidal, aperture, dipole and monopole antennas are considered, and their performance analysed.
The Propagation course starts with a summary of electromagnetic wave theory and free-space radiation, and then considers the effect of the Earth's atmosphere and the ground in the transmission of radio energy over the whole radio spectrum. Guided waves, ground waves, sky waves and space waves are covered, and propagation prediction techniques described. The focus of the course is on higher frequency waves (30 MHz and higher), and the causes and effects of diffraction, reflection, scattering and refraction are considered.
This module is optional - students can choose either this module or the DSP Architectures module.
The module is taught through lectures and supporting workshop sessions. Assessment is in the form of a closed-book written examination.
7. Wireless Modems
This module is concerned with how to build wireless modems, including a description of the components required (including mixers, phase-lock loops, filters, frequency synthesisers and high-power amplifiers), and covers the fundamental issue of wireless receiver technology: receiver topologies, noise performance, modulation & demodulation processes and the design issues raised from these. Both direct conversion and super-heterodyne receivers are considered and compared. Performance measures such as sensitivity, selectivity, dynamic range, co-channel and adjacent channel rejection and blocking are defined.
Examples are taken from many current systems including GSM, UMTS, Wireless LANs and Bluetooth. The features of existing chipset implementations of these ideas are examined.
A summary of baseband modulation techniques is then given, with methods for adapting these scheme for use over wireless channels. Common passband modulation schemes are described, both linear and exponential, including GMSK and OFDM, and the relative performance of these schemes determined.
The module is taught through lectures and supporting workshop sessions. Assessment is in the form of a closed-book written examination.
8. Introduction to Signal Processing
This module is designed to introduce students to the fundamental concepts and techniques required for signal processing systems, starting with the characterisation of linear and time-invariant systems, analogue and digital signals, and sampling techniques. Finite-impulse response (FIR) and infinite-impulse response (IIR) filter design principles are described.
From a consideration of the treatment of sampled signals, the discrete Fourier transform (DFT) is derived, and fast Fourier transform (FFT) methods described.
Statistical signal processing concepts and the problems of parameter estimation are introduced, with an introduction given to adaptive signal processing.
The module is taught through lectures and supporting workshop sessions. Assessment is in the form of a closed-book written examination.
9. Signal Processing for Communications
The Signal Processing for Communications module is designed to introduce students to the most relevant techniques of digital signal processing to modern communications systems. It teaches students how to apply these techniques to design problems in the real world, exploring the trade-offs between software and hardware implementations of the methods discussed.
A discussion of random processes and their properties leads to estimation theory, and the development of practical versions of the minimum mean square error (MMSE) and maximum likelihood receivers. The Wiener-Hopf equation is derived as the optimum receive filter, illustrated with applications including adaptive filtering. Synchronisation issues are discussed, and an introduction to advanced techniques including multi-user detection (MUD) and space-time signal processing given.
The module is taught through lectures and supporting workshop sessions, as well as lab exercises in synchronisation, equalisation and multiuser detection. Assessment is in the form of a closed-book written examination.
10. Error Control Coding
This module covers the important subject of error detection and error correction coding, and provides the mathematical tools required to evaluate and implement the error-control schemes used in current and proposed wireless communication systems including GSM, third-generation mobile, WiFi and satellite and digital broadcast systems.
Coding techniques covered include block codes including BCH and Reed-Solomon codes, convolutional codes (and their decoding using the Viterbi algorithm), turbo-codes and low-density parity check (LDPC) codes. The module also includes a description of coded modulation schemes, including Trellis codes and multilevel coded modulation schemes.
The module is taught through lectures and supporting workshop sessions. Assessment is in the form of a closed-book written examination.
11. Introduction to MATLAB
MATLAB is one of the most useful software tools for a communications engineer, being used for modelling and simulating the performance of many physical and systems-layer technologies; and in particular for analysing and visualising results. It is used in many of the other modules in the MSc, and in most projects. This module will introduce the software, in particular the writing of MATLAB scripts, simple vector and matrix operations, random numbers, simulation techniques, intervals and confidence limits.
12. Advanced Multimedia Applications
Most communication systems compress audio and video signals before transmission to reduce the bit-rate required. These techniques are attracting widespread interest for wireless and Internet applications, as they can speed the download times of audio-visual material and allow more users to share the same radio spectrum. The principles and techniques of these compression algorithms is the subject of this module.
The module includes a review of the most important algorithms used for speech, audio, image and video coding, and is taught using a series of hands-on MATLAB exercises in which the performance and trade-offs of the various techniques can be seen and heard at first hand. The module also describes how high-level simulation models developed in tools such as MATLAB can be used to help design practical DSP or hardware implementations, and includes a short project to implement a compression scheme.
This module is optional - students choose either this module or the Optical Communications: Devices and Systems module.
The module is taught through lectures and supporting laboratory sessions. Assessment is in the form of a report on the project.
13. Optical Communications: Devices and Systems
The Optical Communications: Devices and Systems module introduces students to the main applications of optical technology and the requirements for materials and components to work with optoelectronics. It explains the importance and introduces the physical basics of optoelectronics.
The module covers the technical characteristics of the main optoelectronics components; including photodiodes, LEDs and semiconductor lasers, as well as the properties of the different types of optical fibres themselves. Optical systems are then described, including wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) techniques.
This module is optional - students choose either this module or the Advanced Multimedia Applications module.
The module is taught through lectures and laboratory sessions. Assessment is in the form of a closed-book written examination.
Note: this module may not run if there is insufficient demand.
14. Communications ECAD
The Communications ECAD module illustrates how computer-aided-design (CAD) tools can be used to simulate communications systems. It takes the students through a series of lab sessions which demonstrate how the various properties of channel and coding scheme effect the quality of the received signal, and shows how modern electronic computer-aided design (ECAD) software can be used to evaluate and optimise the design of a communication system. A particular focus of this module is on the design of equalisers to remove the effects of multipath radio transmissions, or reflections. The module culminates in the design of a communication system optimised for a particular channel and data type.
The module is taught through supervised sessions held in the department's PC lab. Assessment is in the form of marked question sheets handed in after each session.
15. DSP Architectures
1. Architectural decisions impacting DSP designs regarding:
hardware strategies
- fixed point structures and conversions within hardware
- quantisation and overflow effects ( e.g. rounding and interpolation)
- distributed arithmetic in FPGA devices
- multichannel operation (TDM)
- ROM based mutiply-accumulate (MAC) structures and alternatives
- filter symmetry and transposed structures
- carry look-ahead systems
implementation platforms
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direct FPGA approaches compared with DSP (processor) based design
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the CAD design cycle as a driver for FPGA design, especially with reference to the Matlab / Simulink environment
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direct verification of hardware designs within a Simulink test harness
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target load / control / debug via JTAG interface
2. Case studies based on IIR / FIR (recursive / non-recursive) filter structures, mutiply-accumulate (MAC) elements.
This module is optional - students can choose either this module or the Antennas and Propagation module.
16. Project
Running throughout the one-year programme is a project and transferable skills module.
In the first term, this consists of a series of lectures on transferable skills: presentations, finance and accounting, management, research skills and searching for information, time management and report writing.
The project starts in the second term, and is intended to immerse students in a life-like team project over the remainder of the one-year programme. The project is intended to develop valuable teamwork skills, as well as an appreciation of the interpersonal skills within a company. It involves the investigation of a specified problem in communications and/or development of a solution. Project groups, and the project itself, will be decided over the Christmas vacation.
During the second term, the group is required to establish its operating procedures. They should then write a tender proposal, documenting their intended approach to solving the problem, indicating the roles each team member will take, and providing a detailed time-table and costing for the remainder of the project.
The project is assessed by a report written at the end of the project, a viva examination, and observation of performance throughout the project.
17. Computer Programming Using C
This course gives an introduction to the widely used C programming language. C is a very popular programming language and compilers exist for almost all computers. C is often used for developing portable application software, on a wide range of embedded computing devices. An understanding of how to program in C is a useful, if not essential, addition to the CV of an electronic or computer engineer.
The course assumes a basic understanding of computer programs (i.e. variables, assignments, conditional statements and iteration). The course is practically based with an extensive series of self-paced computer programming exercises that complement the lectures.
The course covers: Basic syntax of the ANSI C programming language. Problem solving using a structured program design methodology. Debugging and testing. Functions (passing-by-value, passing-by-reference), arrays, pointers, dynamic memory allocation, structures, user-defined data structures, file handling, linked lists, recursion, and bitwise operations.
This module is optional and is not assessed.