Theoretical subjects for Data Communications, 2015-2016

1. Data communications model and processes involved

2. Building blocks of a networks
3. Data sources
4. Data communication concepts
5. Types of links (simplex, duplex, halfduplex)
6. Multiplexing (TDM, FDM, wavelength multiplexing, code division multiplexing )
7. Transmission impairments (attenuation, delay distortion, thermal noise, impulse
noise, equivalent noise temperature, noise figure, intermodulation , jitter , crosstalk,
multipath effects, atmospheric conditions influence on radio waves propagation )
8. Errors compensation mechanisms
9. M-ary encoding
10. Nyquist-Hartley channel capacity theorem (for noise free channels) (with
examples)
11. Shannon channel capacity theorem (with examples)
12. Efficiency of a digital transmission
13. Ratio of signal energy per bit to noise-power density and relation to spectral
efficiency (examples)
14. Encoding and modulation. Reasons for choosing digital or analogue techniques.
15. Digital encoding. Objectives of digital encoding
16. Key terms of digital encoding: (definition, uni/bi-polar encoding, differential vs
absolute encoding, baseband transmission)
17. Data rate and modulation rate (examples)
18. Digital encoding techniques (NRZ, NRZI, Binary AMI, Manchester and
differential Manchester) principles, versions, advantages and drawbacks, examples
19. Block coding (scrambling) techniques (HDB-3, B8ZS, 4B/5B encoding)
motivation, principles, advantages and drawbacks, examples.
20. Pulse code modulation , examples, quantizizing noise, companding, examples
21. Delta modulation principle, parameters and operation of the delta modulation
scheme. Comparison with PCM. Examples
22. Baseband transmission chain (with explanations about the role of each block)
23. Consequence of Nyquist theorem for ISI-less data transmission in the baseband
and ideal transmission filter (brickwall filter)
24. Drawbacks of using sinc pulse shapes for transmission
25. Nyquist filters (Representation of the spectrum and impulse response for the
raised-cosine Nyquist filters on the basis of a given functions, comments on the
choice of the roll-off factor) Discussion on their bandwidth, data rate and use for ISI-
less transmission.
26. Transmission with controlled ISI (motivation, transmission chain, the cosine filter,
transfer function and impulse response representation, precoding, decision). Problems
27. Eye diagram
28. Modulation: key terms (carrier, message, modulation index) with graphical
examples for binary AM, FM, and PM.
29. AM types (mathematical model of the AM, DSBAM, AM with supressed carrier,
SSB-AM using a Hilbert filter, VSB-AM).Examples. Problems
30. Incoherent demodulation (envelope detector) for AM signals
31. Coherent demodulation for AM signals (mathematical model, principles, the
importance of the phase synchronization)
32. The Costas loop for receivers carrier synchronization (being given the scheme)
33. Squared loop demodulation principle and operation of the scheme (being given
the scheme)
34. Frequency modulation: definition, principles, transmission chain, mathematical
approach (formula of a frequency modulated signal, instantaneous frequency
definition, continuous and discontinuous frequency modulation), advantages and
drawbacks, examples
35. Frequency demodulation using a narrow band limiter. Functioning (being given
the scheme)
36. Multiple FSK (relation of frequencies, example for 4 FSK)
37. Frequency demodulation using a differentiator, a rectifier and a wide band limiter.
Functioning (being given the scheme) problems.
38. Differential Frequency demodulation. Functioning (being given the scheme).
Problems.
39. Phase modulation: principles, mathematical approach, graphical examples,
advantages and drawbacks.
40. QPSK modulator (QPSK principles, modulators scheme, constellation diagram,
phase table, mathematical expression for the generated signals) Problems
41. 8-PSK modulator ((QPSK principles, modulators scheme operation being given
the scheme, constellation diagram , phase table ,mathematical expression for the
generated signals)
42. Demodulation of QPSK signals (scheme and functionning). Problems
43. DBPSK: principles, modulation and demodulation scheme operation (being given
the scheme). Problems
44. QAM modulation principle, symbols constellation diagram
45. Present briefly, the OFDM principle. Give an example using 3 carriers.
46. Explain the OFDM's carriers orthogonally in time and in frequency domain
(graphical illustration too).
47. OFDM block diagram (transmitter, receiver).
48. Synchronization levels
49. Types of character synchronization (synchronous, asynchronous, slippage)
50. Types of bit synchronization