Study information

Digital Signal Processing - 2024 entry

MODULE TITLEDigital Signal Processing CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEECM3165 MODULE CONVENERProf C. David Wright (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 0 11 0
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 30
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

In our technologically-oriented world we need to process, interrogate and manipulate ever-increasing amounts of data from a wide variety of sources - such as video, audio and text, information databases, sensors and measurement systems, manufacturing equipment and robotic systems etc. Today, such signal processing is invariably carried out using digital techniques, and so digital signal processing (DSP) has become an invaluable and integral part of a wide variety of fields ranging from consumer electronics to medicine to space exploration. In this module you learn about the theory that lies behind the enormous popularity and power of DSP, as well as learning how to design and implement real-world DSP systems. 
 
 
 
Prerequisite module: ENG1002, ENG2009, ENG2118 or equivalent
 

AIMS - intentions of the module

This module introduces you to the fundamental principles of digital signal processing, from both theoretical and practical viewpoints. You will get the chance to design digital signal processing systems for a range of important application areas, and to develop experimental digital signal processing applications using the XiLinx FPGA devices. 

 

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

This module introduces you to the fundamental principles of digital signal processing, from both theoretical and practical viewpoints. You will get the chance to design digital signal processing systems for a range of important application areas, and to develop experimental digital signal processing applications using the XiLinx FPGA devices. 
 
 
 

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed) 

 

  

Programmes that are accredited by the Engineering Council are required to meet Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes (AHEP4) Learning Outcomes.  The Engineering Council AHEP4 Learning Outcomes are taught and assessed on this module and identified in brackets below. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
On successful completion of this module, you should be able to: 
 
 
 
Module Specific Skills and Knowledge: 
 
1 understand the theory of digital signal processing; (M2, M3, C2, C3) 
 
 
 
2 appreciate the application areas for DSP algorithms, devices and systems; 
 
 
 
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge: 
 
3 illustrate specific practical electronic laboratory skills in the area of DSP; (C12, M12) 
 
4 exhibit sufficient knowledge of DSP theory to enable the design of simple DSP systems at the block-diagram and algorithmic level; (M5, C5) 
 
 
 
Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and Knowledge: 
 
5 demonstrate enhanced problem solving skills; 
 
6 show enhanced independent study skills.

 

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

- DSP application areas; 
 
- review of discrete time signals and systems; 
 
- review of sampling theory; 
 
- discrete time linear difference equation; 
 
- z-transform theory; 
 
- systems in the z-domain; 
 
- systems in the discrete frequency domain; 
 
- the fast Fourier transform and the DFT; 
 
- non-recursive and FIR digital filter design; 
 
- recursive and IIR digital filter design; 
 
- practical digital filter design and implementation.

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 45 Guided Independent Study 105 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching  22 Lectures
Scheduled Learning and Teaching  11 Tutorials
Scheduled Learning and Teaching  12 Laboratories
Guided Independent study  105 Independent reading of course texts

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Not applicable      
       

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 30 Written Exams 70 Practical Exams
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Written exam – closed book 60 2 hours - Summer Exam 1, 2, 4, 5 (MC 2, 3, 5)  Exam mark
TMA - DSP Problem Sheet/Matlab Design   10  6 hours  1, 4, 5, 6 (MC 2, 3, 5)  Marked annotated scripts 
Lab 1 - Digital Filter Design using Matlab  10  6 hours  1-3, 5,6 (MC 2, 3, 5, 12)  Marked annotated scripts 
Lab 2 - FPGA digital filter design and implementation  10  6 hours  1-3, 5,6 (MC 2, 3, 5, 12)  Marked annotated scripts 

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-reassessment
All above Written exam (100% - 2 hours) 1, 2, 4-6 (MC 2, 3, 5)  August Ref/Def period
       

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Deferrals: Reassessment will be by coursework and/or exam in the deferred element only. For deferred candidates, the module mark will be uncapped. 

 

Referrals: Reassessment will be by a single written exam worth 100% of the module. As it is a referral, the mark will be capped at 40%. 

 

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk

Web based and electronic resources: The scientist's and engineer's guide to digital signal processing (www.dspguide.com)

Other resources: Xilinx FPGA guide (http://www.xilinx.com/company/gettingstarted)

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set Tan and Jiang DSP: Fundamentals and Applications 3rd 2018 9780128150719
Set Smith The Scientists and Engineers Guide to DSP Web edition: www.dspguide.com
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES ECM2118, ENG1002, ENG2009
CO-REQUISITE MODULES
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 3 (NQF level 6) AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Friday 22nd March 2024 LAST REVISION DATE Friday 20th September 2024
KEY WORDS SEARCH Digital signal processing; digital filters; FPGAs; audio and video processing.

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.