Course program
Radio Engineering Elements (30 hours):
• The decision problem in a receiver (10 hours): schematic diagrams of a receiver and introductory concepts to the decision problem, thermal noise and noise characterization of a receiver, decision errors, examples of decision approaches and performance evaluation.
• Filters (5 hours): characterization of filters, examples of technologies and impact on the receiver design, linear distortions.
• Receiver non-linearities (5 hours): Harmonic distortions and intermodulation products, Intercept Points and dynamic intervals.
• The mixer (5 hours): Principle of operation, image frequency, possible realizations, non-linearities and spurious chart.
• Alternative schemes of receivers (5 hours): homodyne and superheterodyne receiver (single and double conversion), frequency plan of a receiver and signal levels, sampling and analog-to-digital conversion.
Satellite Navigation (30 hours):
• Satellite radio-positioning systems – GNSS systems: GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO: space segment, control segment, and user segment. Transmitted signals and positioning codes. GNSS receivers. Signal processing techniques: code and phase positioning, ionospheric and tropospheric error correction. Differential GPS (DGPS): RTCM and RTK. Contributions to the errors in the observables and positioning measurement accuracy. “Augmentation” systems (WAAS ed EGNOS) and interoperability among navigation systems (i.e: GPS and GLONASS).
• Quality parameters for positioning performance evaluation – Accuracy, availability, continuity, and integrity. Elements of reliability, redundancy, and performance guarantee., continuity, and integrity. Elements of reliability, redundancy, and performance guarantee.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of probability theory, signal theory (deterministic and random signals), circuit theory.
There are no prerequisites for other courses.
Books
• Viewgraphs available in the Google Classroom created for the current academic year.
• For further insights, it is suggested to use the references listed in the bibliography.
Teaching mode
The teaching method for the academic year 2021/2022 (traditional / remote / blended) will depend on the provisions in force following the covid-19 emergency.
The organization of teaching activities includes lectures and exercises.
Exercises include numerical exercises and computer simulated analyzes.
Frequency
Attendance is optional.
Exam mode
ASSESSMENT METHOD
The verification of learning takes place through two tests:
- a written test (50% of the final grade), in which the student is asked to carry out exercises and tests relating to the operation or performance of radiotechnical and radiolocation systems or to size the main project parameters,
- an oral test (50% of the final grade) which includes open questions on the functioning of systems or related processing techniques.
The dates of the exam sessions for the current academic year can be found in the report-taking teacher's file.
Evaluation criteria:
Verification of knowledge on the functioning of radio localization systems, with particular attention to satellite systems; verification of knowledge on the evaluation of the performance of radio-location systems; verification of the knowledge and ability to size a radio receiver for communication, navigation and remote sensing applications.
For each topic (evaluation out of thirty): minimum knowledge (evaluation between 18 and 20); average knowledge (21-23); ability to apply knowledge sufficiently (24-25); good ability to apply knowledge (27-28); ability to apply knowledge in an excellent way with good communication skills and critical sense (29-30 with honors).
Bibliography
• Kaplan, “Understanding GPS”, Artech House 1996.
• Ralph S. Carson, "Radio Concepts" – John Wiley & Sons 1990.
Lesson mode
The organization of teaching activities includes lectures and exercises.
Exercises include numerical exercises and computer simulated analyzes.
