A cost-sensitive approach to laboratory work for a fourth-semester course in digital modulation

A set of proposed practical laboratory tasks for the final semester technician-level subject Radio Engineering 3 at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) is presented and justified. The tasks involve work with physical instruments as well as design and simulation software. A minimal instrument inventory is proposed and low-cost software options are explored. The use of student projects as a source of functional laboratory modules is described. The potential for using FPGA technology in this area is outlined.