Trellis-Coded Modulation, ECE 259BN, is a graduate-level course concentrating
on trellis-based coding and modulation techniques used in digital
communications. These techniques have been widely used in, for example, deep-space
data transmission (i.e., planetary probes), satellite links, mobile wireless
communications, voice-band data modems (for telephone lines), cable modems, and
digital video broadcasting.
The technical material is complementary
to that taught in Algebraic Coding, ECE 259AN - the "other type" of
channel coding. We will learn about convolutional coding, turbo coding, and
spectrally-efficient coding with multilevel/multi-phase signals (to which the
term "trellis-coded modulation" or "TCM" is often applied).
Time permitting, we will also study graph-based codes -- such as low-density
parity-check (LDPC) codes --
and iterative message-passing decoding techniques, a combination that has enabled system
designers to effectively achieve information-theoretic performance limits on several
types of channels. You will experience first-hand the excitement of approaching the limits on reliable communication that Shannon
established over 50 years ago, limits that have been the "Holy Grail"
of coding theory!
You are encouraged to browse through
this web site. There will be useful material on-line. In particular,
all homeworks, homework solutions, a sample midterm exam, and sample
final exam will be posted here, as will all important announcements.
Links to related reference materials and websites will also be
provided.
Historically, most students
taking the course have enjoyed learning the theory that underlies these
state-of-the-art coding technologies. They have found value in working the
problem sets, reading key journal articles that first introduced the important
concepts, and solidifying their understanding of the material through
computer simulation projects and preparing for the exams.
I hope you, too, will have a
challenging and worthwhile experience.
Welcome to Trellis-Coded
Modulation.
-- Paul H. Siegel
Trellis-Coded Modulation, ECE 259BN, is a graduate-level course concentrating on trellis-based coding and modulation techniques used in digital communications. These techniques have been widely used in, for example, deep-space data transmission (i.e., planetary probes), satellite links, mobile wireless communications, voice-band data modems (for telephone lines), cable modems, and digital video broadcasting.
The technical material is complementary to that taught in Algebraic Coding, ECE 259AN - the "other type" of channel coding. We will learn about convolutional coding, turbo coding, and spectrally-efficient coding with multilevel/multi-phase signals (to which the term "trellis-coded modulation" or "TCM" is often applied).
Time permitting, we will also study graph-based codes -- such as low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes -- and iterative message-passing decoding techniques, a combination that has enabled system designers to effectively achieve information-theoretic performance limits on several types of channels. You will experience first-hand the excitement of approaching the limits on reliable communication that Shannon established over 50 years ago, limits that have been the "Holy Grail" of coding theory!
You are encouraged to browse through this web site. There will be useful material on-line. In particular, all homeworks, homework solutions, a sample midterm exam, and sample final exam will be posted here, as will all important announcements. Links to related reference materials and websites will also be provided.
Historically, most students taking the course have enjoyed learning the theory that underlies these state-of-the-art coding technologies. They have found value in working the problem sets, reading key journal articles that first introduced the important concepts, and solidifying their understanding of the material through computer simulation projects and preparing for the exams.
I hope you, too, will have a challenging and worthwhile experience.
Welcome to Trellis-Coded
Modulation.
