Signal Processing 1 (Fundamentals)

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

431-221 Fundamentals of Signals and Systems

On completion of this subject students should have a good understanding of fundamental digital signal processing operations, digital filter design and frequency domain properties of discrete time signals and systems.

Topics include motivation for signal processing with examples. Revision of deterministic signals and systems. Sampling of analog signals. Frequency domain properties: Discret time Fourier transform and Discret Fourier transform and their properties, Fast Fourier transform. Application of Fourier transform in spectral analysis and filter design. Digital filter design: filter types (lowpass, highpass, stopband, all pass, notch), phase, group delay, implications of causality, design of FIR and IIR filters. Multi-rate signal processing: upsampling, downsampling, signal rate conversion. Applications of digital signal processing.

On completing this subject the student should be able to:

• Apply fundamental mathematical tools, in particular frequency-domain techniques, in the analysis and design of signal processing systems;
• Design, implement and test digital filters according to given specifications.
• Use software packages such as MATLAB for analysis and design of signal processing systems
• Use DSP based prototyping platforms and associated software development tools to implement signal processing algorithms.

• Formally supervised written examination 3 hours 60% (end of semester);
• project/laboratory reports 40% (four projects/labs throughout the semester).

The written examination is a hurdle requirement: in order to receive a pass mark for the subject, students must perform at a passing standard on the written examination.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• Ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals

• Ability to communicate effectively, not only with engineers but also with the community at large

• Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution

• Ability to utilise a systems approach to design and operational performance

• Understanding of the social, cultural, global and environmental responsibilities of the professional engineer, and the need for sustainable development

• Capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning

• Intellectual curiosity and creativity, including understanding of the philosophical and methodological bases of research activity

• Openness to new ideas and unconventional critiques of received wisdom

• Profound respect for truth and intellectual integrity, and for the ethics of scholarship