KD7064 - Optical Communications System

The module will be delivered using a combination of lectures, tutorials, laboratory workshops, and directed and independent learning.

The learning and teaching approach will include introducing you to the theoretical aspects during the lectures. The application aspects will be further studied throughout the tutorial sessions, including problem solving and numerical simulation. In directed learning, you will be instructed to prepare for the lectures including reading the notes, finding and analysing relevant information in advance. Integrated quizzes and small tests will be frequently given during the class and tutorial sessions. Working groups will be formed to encourage you to engage critical discussion in class. Case studies will be used to demonstrate and reinforce the lectures and labs.

Small groups will be formed for laboratory workshops. Lab work will be a combination of the theory introduction, experiment procedure and set of questions that help you to analyse the results and refer them to existing research findings. Laboratory session will also provide the appropriate experiment methodology, optoelectronics hardware and simulator (LabVIEW and Matlab). You will be trained to utilise basic and advanced measurement instrument and associated application packages.

Throughout the module, you will gain extensive practical and numerical simulation skills essential for future employment in the optical communications industry

Lectures, tutorials and laboratory workshops will be used to deliver the module. These provide you with the key academic support for the module. Lecture notes are the main element to provide the theoretical content and the research-rich based tutorials will help you to solve system design problems; however around these is build a number of support structures.

Workshops, supported by research tutors and technicians, provide verbal feedback and comments throughout the sessions. This feedback will cover technical, procedural and recording of results. A key aspect of this will be in stimulating the questioning the results and reference to the theoretical material in the module lectures. In addition, you will reflect upon the findings via research literature and industrial systems under the guidance of workshop tutors.

The eLearning-Portal (eLP), which has 24hr access, will contain all the module taught content and assessment guidance. In addition links to reading list support and relevant professional body related web sites. These will provide an industrial and research base to relate theory to the application of optical communications in a context.

Past-year course works will be available via eLP.

Feedback on student learning will take the form of verbal feedback during the tutorials and workshop sessions. However individual feedback may be obtained by arrange of appointments with the module tutor. Assessment feedback will be provided either in written or electronic form.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Analyse and apply knowledge and understanding to systematically design, analyse and appraise optical communication systems in industrial scenarios. (M1)

2. Use appropriate tools, methods and appropriate research techniques to undertake design and analyse the problems in optical communication systems to obtain high quality innovative solutions (M3)


Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. Critically examine the problems in optical communications and develop a critical awareness of new research. (M5)


Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

4. As a group leader or member to solve practical problems in optical communications lab. (M16)

5. Understand the use of technical literature and other information sources of optical communications in the development of innovative solutions. (M4)

Summative assessments in this module are:

1. Course work (CW): (2000 - 2500 words) – Lab Report (40%). Module learning Outcomes – 1-5 will be assessed. Includes reflective and peer assessment as part of 2 per Group. There will be a statement by students stating their specific contributions to the report.

2. Course work (CW): (2000 - 2500 words) - Individual assessment (60%) in the form of a report based on Matlab simulation. Module learning Outcomes – 1-3, 5 will be assessed.

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In this module you will acquire extensive knowledge and skills in optical communications system design covering both optical fibre and optical wireless areas. You will learn the fundamental concepts, theory and key system design for an optical communications system. Main system elements such as light propagation, light attenuation, transmitter design, light-emitting-diode (LED), photodetector, fibre nonlinearity, wireless channel, noises, losses, power distribution and link budget will be taught and analysed throughout the lectures and seminars. You will carry out some numerical evaluation of the LED performance using MATLAB and verify with practical data. There will be an opportunity for carrying out experiments and improve your practical skills through laboratory workshops. You will gain experience in the creation of a real design solution, from concept to realisation in the form of system design and evaluation.
Throughout the module you are able to enhance your research ability, your analysis and problem solving skills as well as understanding technologies applied in related industrial fields.