Introduction to Digital Communications

Course Description

Welcome to "Introduction to Digital Communications," an enlightening journey into the world of modern communication systems. This course, offered by HKUSTx, is designed to unravel the mysteries behind everyday technologies like mobile phones and WiFi hotspots. As you embark on this educational adventure, you'll gain a fundamental understanding of the engineering principles and tools used in designing these intricate systems.

What You'll Learn

• The basics of point-to-point communication links
• How multiple transmitters share a single physical channel
• The principles of transmitting information reliably across networks
• Engineering tools and tradeoffs in digital communication system design
• Practical solutions to overcome communication challenges
• Intuitive understanding through interactive online exercises

Prerequisites

Great news! This introductory-level course has no prerequisites, making it accessible to anyone with a curiosity about digital communications. Whether you're a complete beginner or have some background in computer science, you'll find value in this course.

Course Coverage

• Point-to-point communication links
• Multiple transmitter channel sharing
• Network information transmission
• Engineering tools for communication system design
• Tradeoffs in system design
• Practical problem-solving in digital communications
• Interactive exercises for building intuition

Who Should Take This Course

• Students interested in computer science or telecommunications
• Professionals looking to expand their knowledge of digital communications
• Anyone curious about how their mobile phones and WiFi work
• Individuals seeking to understand the fundamentals of modern communication technology

Real-World Applications

• Understanding and troubleshooting personal communication devices
• Developing a foundation for careers in telecommunications or network engineering
• Applying principles to improve communication systems in various industries
• Enhancing problem-solving skills in technology-related fields
• Gaining insights into the future of communication technologies

Course Structure

The course is structured in three main parts:

1. Point-to-point communication links
2. Multiple transmitter channel sharing
3. Network information transmission

Throughout these sections, students will engage with online interactive exercises to reinforce their learning and build practical intuition.