ENEE 729P: Physical Layer Algorithms for Wireless Communications

Course Goals:

In this graduate level seminar we will study a number of topics that constitute active research areas in signal processing and communications in the context of wireless channels.

In the first part of the course we will focus on the physical layer of multi-user wireless communication systems. We will first examine some convenient and accurate models for fading channels, as well as methods for reliably estimating the associated model parameters of these channels. We will then consider various equalizer structures for known (i.e., reliably estimated) channels, including multi-user extensions of conventional single-user equalizers. We will also examine the various forms of diversity that can be introduced to such wireless systems, namely, receive, transmit, frequency, and temporal diversity. Finally, we will examine a number of recently developed blind equalizers (i.e., equalizers operating on unknown channels) for both single- and multi-user systems.

In the second part of the course we will examine another class of problems that arise in the context of wireless channels, namely, decentralized detection and estimation in wireless sensor networks. We will first focus our attention on the detection problem. We will examine some of the key differences between decentralized and centralized detection, as well as a number of important decentralized detection techniques. Finally, we will consider the associated decentralized estimation techniques.

Finally, we will study a few topics in the context of the Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers (time permitting). After a quick overview of the GPS system, we will focus on some of the key signal-processing problems that are addressed by conventional GPS receivers.

Course Prerequisites:

ENEE620, ENEE621, and ENEE623, or permission of instructor

Topics Prerequisite(s):

Given the breadth of the material that is be covered, the course assumes in depth knowledge of first-year graduate-level stochastic processes, detection and estimation theory, and single-user digital communication systems.

Required Textbooks:

None

References/Recommended Textbooks:

  • J. Proakis, Digital Communications, McGraw-Hill, 1995.
  • H. V. Poor and G. W. Wornell (eds.), Wireless Communications: Signal Processing Perspectives, Prentice Hall, 1998.
  • P. K. Varshney, Distributed Detection and Data Fusion, Springer-Verlag 1996.
  • B. W. Parkinson and J. J. Spilker Jr. (eds.), Global Positioning System: Theory and Applications, Vols. 1-2, Am. Inst. of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 1995.

    Core Topics:

  • multiuser communication over fading channels
  • detection and estimation methods for wireless sensor networks

    Optional Topics:

  • GPS receivers

    Grading Method:

    Roughly, the weighings used in grade assignment will be:

  • Homework 20%
  • Project: 80%.

    However, other factors such as interaction with the staff and participation in lecture can make a significant difference in the final grade.

    Last Updated:

    babis@eng.umd.edu