This course focuses on the design of electronic systems for Mixed-Mode Analog and Digital signals. The design of a complete mixed-mode system is a top-down process, involving specification, architecture definition, partitioning between analog and digital signal processing, sub-block design, et cetera.  This course takes the design of a wireless WiFi (WLAN) data transceiver as a vehicle for demonstration. It aims to provide insight into the link between fundamental properties of signals in time- and frequency domain on the one hand, and system architecture and trade-offs, analog versus digital partitioning and sub-block specification on the other hand. Examples of basic analog and digital transceiver building blocks are given. 

An important part of any system design process is making the right trade-offs between available power, achievable data rate, signal bandwidth, signal-to-noise ratio and distortion versus overall system complexity and cost. The chosen IC technology sets limitations to the achievable practical performance of analog and digital sub-blocks. A good system design takes all these considerations into account upfront.

Examples of topics that are covered in the course are: IQ carrier modulation, orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM), bit error rate vs. signal-to-noise ratio, inter-symbol interference, phase noise, jitter, digital calibration, complex low-IF and zero-IF transceiver architecture and phase-locked loop design. Throughout the course the various concepts are demonstrated with Matlab/Simulink examples. 

The course is graded with an assignment involving the implementation of a wireless transceiver in Matlab/Simulink. In small groups, students will build an OFDM transceiver in Matlab/Simulink that can reliably transmit and receive digital data in the presence of various impairments. During the final oral exam, both the Matlab/Simulink model and a report will be demonstrated and discussed.