Passband Simulation Models – Introduction

For a given modulation technique, there are two ways to implement the simulation model: passband model and equivalent baseband model. The passband model is also called waveform level simulation model. The waveform level simulation techniques, described in this chapter, are used to represent the physical interactions of the transmitted signal with the channel. In the waveform … Read more

Phase demodulation via Hilbert transform: Hands-on

Key focus: Demodulation of phase modulated signal by extracting instantaneous phase can be done using Hilbert transform. Hands-on demo in Python & Matlab. Phase modulated signal: The concept of instantaneous amplitude/phase/frequency are fundamental to information communication and appears in many signal processing application. We know that a monochromatic signal of form x(t) = a cos(ω … Read more

Extract envelope, phase using Hilbert transform: Demo

Key focus: Learn how to use Hilbert transform to extract envelope, instantaneous phase and frequency from a modulated signal. Hands-on demo using Python & Matlab. If you would like to brush-up the basics on analytic signal and how it related to Hilbert transform, you may visit article: Understanding Analytic Signal and Hilbert Transform Introduction The … Read more

Understanding Analytic Signal and Hilbert Transform

Key focus of this article: Understand the relationship between analytic signal, Hilbert transform and FFT. Hands-on demonstration using Python and Matlab. Introduction Fourier Transform of a real-valued signal is complex-symmetric. It implies that the content at negative frequencies are redundant with respect to the positive frequencies. In their works, Gabor [1] and Ville [2], aimed … Read more

Choosing FIR or IIR ? Understand design perspective

“What is the best filter that I should use? FIR or IIR ?” is often the question asked by many. There exists two different types of Linear Time Invariant (LTI) filters from transfer function standpoint : FIR (Finite Impulse Response) and IIR (Infinite Impulse Response) filters and myriad design techniques for designing them.  The mere fact … Read more

Phaselock Techniques – Floyd M. Gardner [Book review]

The author, Floyd M. Gardner an influential expert in the area of PLLs, has presented a good reference book that encompasses all the theoretical and mathematical concepts for the phase locked loop (PLL) design. The collection of topics in this book provides an excellent source of information to researchers and engineers for understanding and application … Read more

Model a Frequency Selective Multipath Fading channel

A brief intro to modeling a frequency selective fading channel using tapped delay line (TDL) filters. Rayleigh & Rician frequency-selective fading channel models explained. Tapped delay line filters Tapped-delay line filters (FIR filters) are best to simulate multiple echoes originating from same source. Hence they can be used to model multipath scenarios. Tapped-Delay-Line (TDL) filters with … Read more

Plot histogram and estimated PDF in Matlab

Key focus: With examples, let’s estimate and plot the probability density function of a random variable using Matlab histogram function. Generation of random variables with required probability distribution characteristic is of paramount importance in simulating a communication system. Let’s see how we can generate a simple random variable, estimate and plot the probability density function … Read more

Cyclic Prefix in OFDM: hands-on demo in Matlab

Synopsis: Cyclic prefix in OFDM, tricks a natural channel to perform circular convolution. This simplifies equalizer design at the receiver. Hands-on demo in Matlab. Cyclic Prefix-ed OFDM A cyclic-prefixed OFDM (CP-OFDM) transceiver architecture is typically implemented using inverse discrete Fourier transform (IDFT) and discrete Fourier transform (DFT) blocks (refer Figure 13.3). In an OFDM transmitter, … Read more

Interpret FFT results – obtaining magnitude and phase information

In the previous post, Interpretation of frequency bins, frequency axis arrangement (fftshift/ifftshift) for complex DFT were discussed. In this post, I intend to show you how to interpret FFT results and obtain magnitude and phase information. Outline For the discussion here, lets take an arbitrary cosine function of the form \(x(t)= A cos \left(2 \pi … Read more