The use of a simple computer math package to demonstrate complex communication systems principles

In the study of communication systems, it is often difficult for students to develop a true understanding of the more complex systems and signal principles without exercising an appropriate communication system. While actual hardware usage is arguably the best technique for student investigation, the complexity of and costs associated with appropriate commercial or instructional communication hardware systems make such systems, in many cases, unattractive in a university setting. Often a more appropriate solution to augmenting student learning is computer simulation. A series of original computer exercises that demonstrate several communication principles has been developed by the author to be used as student laboratory exercises or as a supplement to hardware laboratory exercises. The paper describes the simulation exercises, gives complete listings of the programs, and reports on the use of these exercises in a university setting to augment a course in communication system principles. Among the communication systems topics investigated in the exercises are quantization noise, distortion, companding, and Nyquist's criteria for zero intersymbol interference. While the exercises were written using the mathematical computation package MathCAD, adaptation to other similar packages is not difficult.