Faculty of Engineering

Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering

COURSE OUTLINE
Faculty: Engineering
Department: Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Programme title: BSc. Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Course Title: Telecommunications Year:2024
Course Code: EENG310
Contact hours(total): 60hrs
Lecture Days: Mon-Fri 08.00-12.00hrs
Lecturer: Eng. G Munetsi
Contact details: 0783562600 gmunetsi@eng.uz.ac.zw

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Aims:
1. To introduce students to the principles of Telecommunications and possible
applications to practical systems
2. To introduce students to typical Telecommunications architecture using examples of
PSTN and PLMN systems.

Objectives:
1. Upon completion of this course, students will be equipped with theoretical and
practical knowledge to proceed to the level IV course in Telecommunications - EE411
2. They will have a thorough appreciation of the different types of communication
signals, how they are represented in the time and frequency domains and how they
are processed in analogue and digital communication systems
3. Knowledge of communication channels and how signals are impaired when they pass
through these channels will be gained.
4. An in-depth knowledge of the modulation process - linear, non - linear and an
introduction to digital signals.
It is assumed that students have a good knowledge of mathematics, especially Fourier Series
and Transforms.
Knowledge of basic electronics, electrical principles and electromagnetics is also assumed.

Course content:

1. Introduction
The communication system, the concept of information and message, information
sources and communication channels - parallel wire transmission line, coaxial line,
fiber optic cable. (6 hrs)

2. Communication signals
Time domain and Frequency domain representation of signals, classification of
signals, the signal and system concept and noise considerations. (5 hrs)
3. Linear modulation- AM, DSB, SSB, VSB
Linear demodulation
Transmitters and receivers, FDM and stereo multiplexing (9hrs)
4. TEST1
5. Non linear modulation - FM and PM and bandwidth requirements
Non linear demodulation
FM transmitters and receivers
Pre-emphasis and de-emphasis in FM. (7hrs)
TEST 2.
6. Sampling, introduction to Pulse modulation and pulse code modulation. (4 hrs)

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 7. The Telephone system: Local loop and telephone hand set, Fax, pulse and tone
dialing, local office and loop supervision, signaling standards (SS6 and SS7), electronic
switching systems and application to PSTN and PLMN. (7 hrs)
8. The Telecommunications Network: An Overview (7HRS)
• Operation of conventional telephone
• Switching and signalling
• Traffic Engineering
9. Signals carried over the PSTN network (4HRS)
• Types of information and their requirements
• Analogue and digital signals and systems
• PCM
10. GSM architecture - an introduction. (2 hrs)

TEST 3. (2hrs)
Methods
i. Lectures (48 hrs)
ii. Laboratories (8hrs)
iii. Tutorials (4 hrs)
Student assessment
i. 2 x course work tests 30 %
ii. 2 x laboratories 10%
iii. 2 x Assignments 10%
iv. Final Examination 50%

References
1) Fundamentals of Communication Systems
By Michael P. Fitz 2007 University of Zimbabwe e-library.
2) Essentials of Modern Telecommunication Systems
By Kularatna, Nihal Dias, Dileeka, 2004 (Chapter 1) UZ e-library.
3) Introduction to Telecommunication Network Engineering
By Antalainen, Tarmo 2003. UZ e-library.
4) Principles of Communication
By Prof. Hema Murph
5) Performance Analysis of Telecommunications and Local Area Networks
By Chan, Wah Chun
6) Principles of Communication Networks and Systems
By Benvito, NevioZorzi and Michele

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