Convolution: understand the mathematics

Convolution operation is ubiquitous in signal processing applications. The mathematics of convolution is strongly rooted in operation on polynomials. The intent of this text is to enhance the understanding on mathematical details of convolution. Polynomial functions: Polynomial functions are expressions consisting of sum of terms, where each term includes one or more variables raised to … Read more

Compute signal power in Matlab

Calculating the energy and power of a signal was discussed in one of the previous posts. Here, we will verify the calculation of signal power using Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) in Matlab. Check here to know more on the concept of power and energy. The total power of a signal can be computed using the … Read more

Power and Energy of a Signal : Demystified

Key focus: Clearly understand the terms: power and energy of a signal, their mathematical definition, physical significance and computation in signal processing context. Energy of a signal: Defining the term “size”: In signal processing, a signal is viewed as a function of time. The term “size of a signal” is used to represent “strength of … Read more

White Noise : Simulation and Analysis using Matlab

Definition A random process (or signal for your visualization) with a constant power spectral density (PSD) function is a white noise process. Power Spectral Density Power Spectral Density function (PSD) shows how much power is contained in each of the spectral component. For example, for a sine wave of fixed frequency, the PSD plot will … Read more

Breaking the Bandwidth Barrier – Li-Fi turns LED bulbs into High Speed Internet Hotspots

Researchers, working on Ultra-Parallel Visible Light Communications (UP-VLC) project, have demonstrated 3.5Gpbs free space data transmission via three separate micro-LEDs that emit red, blue and green colours.  In effect, combining the three colours (that makes up for white colour), researchers say that achieving data rates over 10Gbps is feasible. The technology enabler here is called … Read more

Symbol Timing Recovery for QPSK (digital modulations)

The goal of timing recovery is to estimate and correct the sampling instants and phase at the receiver, such that it allows the receiver to decode the transmitted symbols reliably. What is Symbol timing Recovery : When transmitting data across a communication system, three things are important: frequency of transmission, phase information and the symbol … Read more

Introduction to concepts in probability

What is Probability? Probability is a branch of mathematics that deals with uncertainty. The term “probability” is used to quantify the degree of belief or confidence that something is true (or false). It gives us the likelihood of occurrence of a given event. It is expressed as a number that could take any value in … Read more

Theoretical BER using Matlab – BERTOOL

When simulating digital modulations in Matlab, it is useful to verify the simulated BER performance curves against theoretical BER curves.Matlab has an inbuilt visualization tool, ‘BERTOOL’, for this purpose. Matlab’s BERTOOL supports 6 types of digital modulations over 3 types of channel for plotting theoretical BER. The six supported modulations are PSK,DPSK,OQPSK,PAM,QAM,FSK and the three … Read more

Log Distance Path Loss or Log Normal Shadowing Model

Log distance path loss model Log distance path loss model is an extension to the Friis free space model. It is used to predict the propagation loss for a wide range of environments, whereas, the Friis free space model is restricted to unobstructed clear path between the transmitter and the receiver. The model encompasses random … Read more

Friis Free Space Propagation Model

Friis free space propagation model is used to model the line-of-sight (LOS) path loss incurred in a free space environment, devoid of any objects that create absorption, diffraction, reflections, or any other characteristic-altering phenomenon to a radiated wave. It is valid only in the far field region of the transmitting antenna [1] and is based … Read more