Simulations and tools for telecommunications

Max amount of FITech students: 10

Persons without a valid study right to a Finnish university have preference to this course.

In this course you will learn basics about the wireless communication channel, how the system performance can be evaluated, about different simulation levels and simulation as a process. You will learn basics of Matlab and Simulink simulation software and you will get short introduction to some other simulation software like OPNET, CST and/or ADS. Simulation work is done using Matlab and Simulink software.

Course contents

• Communication channels: random number generation, AWGN noise, multipath, fading
• Performance evaluation: Monte Carlo method, confidence limits, BER
• Simulation levels: network, link, platform
• Simulation process: tools, requirements and limitations, accuracy, errors, validation
• Basics of Matlab and Simulink simulation software
• Short introduction to some other simulation software like OPNET, OMNET ++, CST and/or ADS

Learning outcomes

After the course, the student

• recognises problems and limitations related to simulations
• can select a suitable simulation method and knows how to validate the model
• knows how to generate signals, random numbers and noise
• knows how to model fading channels
• knows how to make Monte-Carlo simulations at the baseband level and can estimate confidence level of simulation results
• can explain principles of network level simulations
• knows basics of one or two fundamental simulation programs

Course material

Lecture slides in Moodle (no recordings). You will need Matlab and Simulink software if you want to take the 5 ECTS version.

Course books (voluntary, not mandatory):

• Michel C. Jeruchim, Philip Balaban, and K. Sam Shanmugan: Simulation of Communication Systems, Modeling Methodology and Techniques, 2nd edition, Plenum Press, 2000.
• William H. Tranter, K. Sam Shanmugan, Theodore S. Rappaport, Kurt L. Kosbar: Principles of Communication Sytems Simulation with Wireless Applications, Prentice Hall, 2004.

Teaching schedule

Lectures and simulation work guidance mainly online. Lectures, simulation work guidance, exam date & time and simulation work return times are fixed. Some lectures are organised by industry (companies such as Nokia). Part of the lectures/guidance can be on the campus (changes possible). The lectures are voluntary (no recordings but lecture slides are in Moodle). Lectures and simulation work guidance finish at the end of December. The course can be done completely online.

Completion methods

The number of credits depends on the completed tasks. You need to notify the teacher when you are ready to receive credits from your attainments. The course language is English. However, the student can do the exam and simulation work in English or Finnish.

Option 1

• 1 ECTS: lectures and Moodle multiple choice exam. Can be done completely online by the end of December. Grading: accepted/fail.

Option 2

• 3 ECTS: option 1 + final exam (Moodle open book exam 1-5, fail). Grading: 1-5, fail (=grade of the final exam).

Option 3

• 5 ECTS: option 2 + compulsory simulation exercise using Matlab and Simulink (accepted/fail). Simulation work has many evaluation rounds and they last until January (if there is anything to correct in the simulation work). Grading: 1-5, fail (=grade of the final exam).

More information in the University of Oulu study guide.

You can get a digital badge after completing this course.

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