34991 - Project in electronics and telecommunications(2nd cycle)

Academic Year 2021/2022

  • Docente: Enrico Paolini
  • Credits: 9
  • SSD: ING-INF/01
  • Language: Italian
  • Moduli: Enrico Paolini (Modulo 1) Aldo Romani (Modulo 2) Walter Cerroni (Modulo 3)
  • Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures (Modulo 1) Traditional lectures (Modulo 2) Traditional lectures (Modulo 3)
  • Campus: Cesena
  • Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering for Energy (cod. 8770)

Learning outcomes

The student acquires the capability to solve a complex design project, to formulate technical specifications based on the project objectives, and to carry out the implementation of an electronic, communication and signal processing, or networking system.

Course contents

Module 1.

This module introduces the student to digital signal processor (DSP) programming and to model-based embedded systems programming. At first, the system architecture and the programming environment are addressed. Next, the student performs several practical projects concerning the implementation of real-time algorithms running on a DSP as well as practical projects with Matlab/Simulink. Among them:

  • Implementation of FIR and IIR digital filters and their characterization;
  • Implementation of adaptive filters based on the LMS algorithm;
  • Audio effects;
  • Signal spectral analysis systems based on FFT;
  • Numerical communication systems.

Module 2.

This module of the course will introduce several aspects related to the design of electronic circuits. More specifically, the course will present advanced topics related to:

  • modeling, design and fabrication of printed circuit boards (PCB)
  • the use of CAD for Electronic Design Automation (EDA) software tools for the design of systems based on discrete components on PCBs.

The module will introduce the fabrication technology of PCBs and foundations of signal and power integrity. Then, the module will present the standard design flow for PCBs, the main issues related to the design of the layout, and design techniques for multi-layer PCBs.

Module 3.

This module covers advanced technical and scientific aspects of communication networks, with reference to consolidated technologies as well as state-of-the-art solutions. Practical aspects are analyzed with laboratory sessions using both open-source software platforms and commercial network equipment. Specific topics covered by the module are as follows:

  • Internal routing protocols for IP networks: RIP, OSPF
  • External routing protocols for IP networks: BGP
  • Advanced protocols for IP-based core networks: MPLS
  • New paradigms for network control and management: SDN and NFV

Readings/Bibliography

Module 1.

The lecture notes distributed by the instructor and the descriptions of the projects to be carried out (made available online in electronic format in the institutional repositories) are a sufficient instrument to learn the module contents. The following textbooks may be useful to the student for consultation purposes:

  • T.B. Welch, C.H.G. Wright, and M.G. Morrow, Real-Time Digital Signal Processing. CRC Press, 2006.
  • R. Chassaing, Digital Signal Processing and Applications with the C6713 and C6416 DSK. Wiley Interscience, 2005.
  • R. Chassaing, Digital Signal Processing: Laboratory Experiments Using C and the TMS320C31 DSK. Wiley Series on Topics in Signal Processing, 1999.

Module 2.

Course notes and presentations will be made available online to the student through the institutional repositories. The following textbooks may be useful to the student for consultation purposes:

  • S. C. Thierauf, High-Speed Circuit Board Signal Integrity, Artech House, 2004
  • H. B. Bakoglu , Circuits, Interconnections and Packaging for VLSI, Addison-Wesley, 1990.

Module 3.

Lecture notes will be made available to the student, in electronic format, on the institutional repositories. They will include:

  • Linux man and info commands.
  • Suggested documentation available on-line.
  • Linux user's manuals
  • Commercial router and switch user's manuals.

The following textbooks may be useful to the student for consultation purposes:

  • M. L. Merani, M. Casoni, W. Cerroni, Hands-On Networking. From Theory to Practice, Cambridge University Press, UK, 2009, ISBN-13: 9780521869850

  • Y.-D. Lin, R.-H. Hwang, F. Baker, Computer Networks: An Open Source Approach, McGraw-Hill, 2012, ISBN: 978-0-07-131587-6

  • K. R. Fall, W. R. Stevens, TCP/IP Illustrated, Vol. 1, 2nd edition, Addison-Wesley, 2012, ISBN: 978-0-321-33631-6

Teaching methods

Module 1.

Most of the activity will take place in the Laboratory of Electronics and Telecommunications and will mostly be devoted to the development of laboratory experiences in which algorithms for digital signal processing will be implemented. Such experiences will require a team work (typically, two students per group). Some frontal lectures are also foreseen, mainly devoted to the explanation of the DSP projects to be developed and, wherever necessary, to reviewing theoretical results useful to understand the practical experiences.

Module 2.

Besides conventional lectures, a relevant part of class activity will be carried on in the laboratory of Electronics with hands-on sessions in order to learn the use of CAD EDA tools for PCB design. Seminars held by experts from academy and industry might also be proposed.

Module 3.

The module consists of lectures (to introduce specific topics and focus on operational aspects) and practical laboratory sessions. Significant part of the module schedule is dedicated to lab experiments, which are essential to gain a deep knowledge of the practical aspects of communication networks and services. To motivate students and stimulate their interest, each lab exercise is finalized to achieve practical goals that are also functional to perform the following ones. Lab exercises are also intended to stimulate teamwork skills.

Assessment methods

Module 1.

A project will be assigned by the instructor to each group of students. Each group will develop the project and propose a DSP implementation of it. Each group will produce a report that must describe the project objectives, the identified solution, a description of the implemented algorithm, all source files that have been developed, and the individual contribution to the project of each team member. After the technical report has been delivered to the instructor, each group will present their project and will answer to oral questions from the instructor.

Module 2.

The students will develop the design of an electronic circuit and its implementation on a 4-layer PCB technology. A technical report shall be delivered and shall present the main design choices. The exam will consist in a discussion of the technical report and in an oral examination on the contents of the course. The most important elements of the assessments will include the knowledge and proper application of the concepts and of the design techniques presented in the course, the capability of autonomously applying the concepts presented in the course, and the correct use of the technical language of the discipline.

Module 3.

The final examination will assess the student's ability to understand the advanced aspects of communication networks. Each student will be asked to discuss a final report on the lab exercises performed during the course and, possibly, a final project.

Teaching tools

Module 1.

The module foresees the use of Texas Instruments TMS320C6713 development kit, programmed by Code Composer Studio software suite. The DSP development kits will be interfaced with laboratory instrumentation such as the signal generator and the oscilloscope.

Module 2.

Besides conventional class equipment, the module will make extensive use of the laboratory of Electronics equipped with workstation with CAD EDA tools for PCB design.

Module 3.

Software protocol analyzer. Linux-based workstations with specialized software for network services. Commercial IP routers and Ethernet switches. Projector.

Office hours

See the website of Enrico Paolini

See the website of Aldo Romani

See the website of Walter Cerroni

SDGs

Industry, innovation and infrastructure

This teaching activity contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.