ECE 550 - Digital Signal Processing
Syllabus - Fall 1996
The basic and principles of deterministic (nonstochastic) digital signal processing will be discussed. Topics include Fourier analysis, Z-transforms, discrete and fast Fourier transforms, sampling and reconstruction, and filter designs using IIR and FIR digital filters. Lectures will emphasize the theoretical concepts, while the laboratory provides an opportunity for more practical understanding. Note that the practical aspects of filter design and system implementation will be covered in ECE 551.
In cooperation with the Disability Resource Center, reasonable accommodation will be provided for persons with disabilities. Please meet with the instructor during the first week of class to make arrangements. Alternative format print materials, large print, audio, diskette or Braille, will be available through the Disability Resource Center.
While an introductory course can not completely address a field as large as digital signal processing, the student will find himself prepared with the basic tools used in DSP. These tools will provide the student with the understanding necessary to approach new applications and literature. The student will understand the relationship between analog and digital processing, thereby having an intuitive feel for processes involved and opening the potential for creative new solutions to state-of-the-art problems.
Digital signal processing (DSP) is by its nature a very mathematical discipline. However, the mathematics are not outside of the reach of adequately prepared engineering students. As engineers, we must also go beyond the mathematics to a deep-seated understanding of what is implied about signals in the real world, and address issues such as implementation and feasibility. Some of this knowledge comes only by years of experience and practice. In this class, the mathematical principles will be emphasized with their relevance to engineering problems.
There are a number of areas in which the student of DSP may apply himself, extending from very pure mathematical research to efficient implementation in VLSI. This class will take neither extreme, but will rather present mainstream ideas necessary for any serious work in DSP.
Besides the mathematical aspects of DSP, another very important skill is the ability to implement the ideas using digital computers. Pedagogically, one of the best ways to learn something yourself is to teach it to somebody else. Computers make wonderful ``students'' for this purpose: by the time you have ``taught'' the computer a particular algorithm, it is certain that you will have come to a deeper understanding of it yourself. A great part of the laboratory experience will involve work with computers. Computers form an important tool in modern engineering; in DSP work they provide the reason for the field. It is very important that you learn to program using correct principles and structure. In the modern field of DSP, the ability to simulate algorithms is essential to the engineer.
In this class, no particular computer language will be required. However, you are strongly urged to use the C or C++ language.
In addition to programming in a high-level language, it is beneficial to be able to use the computer to perform quick analysis. Many tools for analysis are available. We will be using Matlab for some of our homework problems.