Description:

This course provides a study of electronic communication systems. Topics include the electromagnetic spectrum, decibels, noise, amplitude modulation, antennas, transmission lines and the global positioning satellite system. 3 hrs. lecture, 3 hrs. lab/wk.

Associated Costs: These are additional (out-of-pocket) expense considerations that students should expect in addition to the course tuition, fees, and textbooks. $10 to $30.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. State the broad issues in modern communications systems.
2. Calculate frequency, wavelength or propagation velocity, given two of the three variables.
3. Identify the electromagnetic spectrum and frequency allocations for various communication systems.
4. Define bandwidth.
5. Define simplex, half-duplex and full-duplex.
6. Identify time vs. frequency domain representations of a signal.
7. Measure the relative amplitude of a signal in both time and frequency domain.
8. Calculate signal gain and loss using decibels.
9. Identify the sources and effects of various types of system noise.
10. State how noise and signal level are measured and compared.
11. State the need for modulation.
12. Define amplitude, frequency and phase modulation.
13. State the advantage and disadvantages of each type of modulation.
14. Draw a functional block diagram of basic transmitter and receiver.
15. Identify various approaches and techniques used in amplitude modulation, such as SSB and SSBSC.
16. Apply test techniques unique to FM and AM.
17. Identify by electrical appearance various wires and cables used in transmission of electronic signals.
18. State the characteristics of each type of cable.
19. Apply transmission line theories.
20. Define how an antenna radiates or captures electromagnetic energy.
21. Define the various ways that a radiated signal propagates through the atmosphere and space.
22. Calculate antenna performance.
23. Explain the three segments of the current GPS system.
24. Identify navigation signals.
25. Define essential GPS terminology.
26. Describe the operation of various types of GPS receivers.
27. Explain how position is determined.
28. Use simple hand-held GPS navigational devices.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. The Electromagnetic Spectrum and Spectrum Analysis
   A. The electromagnetic spectrum
      1. Define electromagnetic waves.
      2. Identify electromagnetic spectrum allocations.
      3. Describe bandwidth and information capacity.
      4. Define simplex, duplex and half duplex systems.
   B. Spectrum analysis
      1. Compare time and frequency domain signals.
      2. Use a spectrum analyzer.
      3. Calculate signal strength in various units.

II. Decibels and Noise
   A. Decibels
      1. Measure signal magnitudes and ranges.
      2. Describe dB reference values.
      3. Chart with dB.
   B. Noise
      1. Identify noise and its effects.
      2. Contrast noise sources and types.
      3. Measure noise.

III. Amplitude Modulation and Receivers
   A. Amplitude modulation
      1. Describe the basics of and the need for modulation.
      2. Define modulation index and signal power.
      3. Explain AM circuits, SSB and transmitter functions.
   B. Receivers
      1. Define the role of the receiver and receiver stages.
      2. Draw a block diagram of an AM receiver.
      3. Explain AM features and drawbacks.

IV. Frequency and Phase Modulation
   A. Frequency modulation
      1. Define FM.
      2. Explain FM transmitters.
      3. Draw a block diagram of an FM receiver.
   B. Phase modulation
      1. Construct a PLL.
      2. Compare and contrast AM, FM and PM.

V. Media and Transmission Lines
   A. Media
      1. Define wire and cable parameters.
      2. Explain balanced and unbalanced lines.
      3. Compare and contrast twisted pair with coax cable.
   B. Transmission lines
      1. Describe impedance.
      2. Explain when to use microstrip and waveguides.
      3. Define line and load matching.

VI. Propagation and Antennas
   A. Propagation
      1. Define the modes of propagation.
   B. Antennas
      1. Explain the function of antennas.
      2. Identify elementary antenna radiation patterns.
      3. Describe antenna fundamentals and characterization.

VII. The Global Positioning System
   A. GPS segments and how GPS works.
      1. Explain the three segments of the current GPS.
      2. Explain how position is determined.
   B. Navigation signals and terminology
      1. Identify GPS signals.
      2. Define essential GPS terminology.
   C. Receivers
      1. Use a simple hand-held GPS navigational device.
      2. Describe the operation of various types of GPS receivers.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

Percentages:
  Tests                             60% - 75% of grade
  Labs                              20% - 30% of grade
  Homework and Class Participation  10% - 20% of grade
                                       100%
Grading Scale:
  90 - 100% = A
  80 -  89% = B
  70 -  79% = C
  60 -  69% = D
  Below 60% = F

Caveats: NONE

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.