78205 - Laboratory of Sensor Networks for Energy and Environment

Learning outcomes

The course gives elements for the analysis and design of wireless sensors for environmental monitoring. The analysis and design of signal processing and communication techniques are carried out through the development of Matlab code, while the design of wireless sensors is based on experiments on a real software-defined radio (SDR) platform. The course starts with a review of basic knowledge of digital signal processing and data transmission and then provides solutions to transmit data from sensors with hands-on sensor networks. The laboratory exercises allow the student to practice with software tools (like the Matlab platform) as well as hardware (SDR platform).

Course contents

Introduction to wireless sensor networks (WSNs) and their applications with particular emphasis on environmental monitoring. Review of A-to-D and D-to-A conversion. Implementation of basic signal processing algorithms for acquisition and transmission of information. Practical implementation of algorithms on a software-defined radio (SDR) platform.

Readings/Bibliography

• A. V. Oppenheim, R. W. Schafer, Elaborazione Numerica dei Segnali, Franco Angeli, 1996.
• V. K. Ingle, J. G. Proakis, Digital Signal Processing using MATLAB, Brooks/Cole, 2000.
• J. G. Proakis, M. Salehi, Contemporary Communication Systems using MATLAB, Brooks/Cole, 2000.
• L. Calandrino, M. Chiani, Lezioni di Comunicazioni Elettriche, Pitagora Editrice, Bologna, 2013.

Teaching methods

The course, partly as lectures and partly as laboratory sessions, follows a basic methodology that consists of problem formulation, problem solution, laboratory simulation (Matlab), and experimentation (with the SDR platform).

 

As concerns the teaching methods of this course unit, all students must attend Module 1, 2 [https://www.unibo.it/en/services-and-opportunities/health-and-assistance/health-and-safety/online-course-on-health-and-safety-in-study-and-internship-areas] on Health and Safety online.

Assessment methods

Students are divided into groups to carry out some laboratory exercises and write short technical reports. Technical reports and the code developed must be delivered to the teacher no later than seven days before the final exam. The final exam consists of a laboratory test and questions to assess the acquired theoretical aspects. In the laboratory test, students are asked to write Matlab code to solve basic signal processing and data transmission problems.

Teaching tools

The course consists of laboratory exercises to learn fundamental aspects of signal processing and data transmission by writing Matlab code. There are also several experiments on a real SDR platform.

Office hours

See the website of Andrea Giorgetti