1. Undertake a detailed review of 5G modulation schemes and then to focus on spatial modulation (SM). Reviewed papers must be predominantly from the IEEEXplore and ebooks which you have access to through the MIT library.

Unit Code ME602: Mobile and Satellite Communication Systems Overview

This unit, ME602, delves into the advanced concepts and practical applications of mobile and satellite communication, emphasizing the recent technological advancements in 4G and transitioning to 5G. The focus is to equip students with the skills required to model mobile communication channels and understand the complexities involved in the evolving field of wireless communication. With the rapid development of mobile networks, specifically with 5G, students must learn the sophisticated modulation techniques and apply engineering tools effectively to model and implement these systems.

Understanding Spatial Modulation (SM) in 5G

One of the highlights of the 5G communication landscape is Spatial Modulation (SM). Unlike traditional Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) systems, which require multiple antennas to transmit data simultaneously, SM leverages a single active antenna per transmission interval. This approach not only minimizes inter-antenna interference but also reduces hardware complexity and power consumption—key factors for energy-efficient 5G networks. In the context of this unit, SM is critically examined as a novel technique that underpins enhanced data transmission rates while maintaining spectral efficiency. This makes SM a vital area of study within 5G modulation schemes.

Detailed Review of 5G Modulation Schemes

As part of the assessment, students are expected to conduct a comprehensive literature review on various modulation schemes adopted for 5G. Modulation schemes like Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM), and Spatial Modulation are essential to achieve the higher throughput and lower latency demands of 5G. The review should draw upon peer-reviewed sources primarily from IEEEXplore and other credible sources like ScienceDirect, ensuring that the analysis is grounded in rigorous research. Through this review, students will develop a robust understanding of the advantages, limitations, and specific application scenarios of each modulation scheme, particularly focusing on how SM aligns with 5G requirements.

Modeling and Analysis of Spatial Modulation

Modeling spatial modulation for 5G involves analyzing the underlying mathematics and algorithmic strategies that dictate how data symbols are mapped to specific antennas. By simulating SM techniques, students will gain hands-on experience in the operational mechanics of 5G systems, from symbol mapping to decoding. This process is critical for understanding the practical implementation challenges and performance metrics such as Bit Error Rate (BER) and Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) for SM schemes. Additionally, students are encouraged to explore how SM compares with other 5G modulation techniques in terms of spectral efficiency, energy efficiency, and interference management.

Simulation of Spatial Modulation Schemes

To deepen understanding, students are required to simulate a spatial modulation scheme using Matlab or another programming language. This practical component enables students to visualize the performance of SM through graphical representations, allowing them to analyze factors like transmission rate and power efficiency. The simulation should include source code and be accompanied by clear results demonstrating the efficacy of SM in a controlled environment. Through this simulation exercise, students will also be able to troubleshoot common issues in SM implementation, enhancing their ability to handle real-world 5G network challenges.

Report Submission on Spatial Modulation Techniques

In preparing the final report, students must exhibit strong communication skills, producing a well-organized, insightful document. The report should include a comprehensive introduction to 5G modulation techniques, a detailed analysis of spatial modulation, and findings from the simulation. Ethical academic practices, including proper citation of at least 15 references, are essential, demonstrating a commitment to academic integrity. The report also provides an opportunity for students to reflect on the advancements in SM and 5G, including future directions in wireless communication research.

Professional Skills and Ethical Conduct

Beyond technical skills, ME602 emphasizes the importance of professional and ethical conduct in engineering. Students are expected to maintain a high level of personal autonomy and accountability throughout their work on this assessment. This includes ensuring all sources are credible, data is accurately represented, and findings are reported transparently. By fostering a professional mindset, students are prepared not only to contribute to the engineering field but also to uphold the ethical standards crucial to the responsible development of communication technologies.

Advances in 4G and Transition to 5G

The transition from 4G to 5G brings a series of technological shifts, from enhanced mobile broadband to massive machine-type communications and ultra-reliable low-latency communications. The unit`s learning outcomes encourage students to investigate how traditional 4G techniques are evolving to meet 5G demands. For instance, while 4G primarily relied on OFDM and QAM, 5G expands to SM and other advanced modulation schemes to support higher data rates and network capacity. By understanding these advancements, students will be well-positioned to adapt to the continuous innovations in wireless communication.

Unit Title ME602 Mobile and Satellite Communication Systems

Unit Learning Outcomes covered in this assessment

a. Learn how to model mobile communication channels

d. Discern knowledge development and directions on the recent advances in 4G to the research principles and methods of 5G technologies;

e. Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources in the implementation and analysis of 4G networks within laboratory practice;

f. Exhibit strong communication skills, ethical conduct and professionalism with a high level of personal autonomy and accountability.

ME602 Mobile and Satellite Communication Systems

Spatial modulation (SM) is a transmission technique recently developed for the fifth generation (5G) mobile communication networks. It uses multiple antennas in which a block of data symbols are mapped and transmitted using one active antenna. The objective of the assessment is for each student to

1. Undertake a detailed review of 5G modulation schemes and then to focus on spatial modulation (SM). Reviewed papers must be predominantly from the IEEEXplore and ebooks which you have access to through the MIT library. Other sources such as Science Direct, Springer and ACM publications may be used but not the Wikipedia. Papers used in the review should come from journal, conferences and ebooks, not the open Internet.

2. Model, analyse and synthesize spatial modulation techniques for 5G radio systems

3. Simulate using Matlab or any other programming language a spatial modulation scheme, showing results and graphics with source code attached to your report as appendix

4. Submit a written and typed report using fluent communication on spatial modulation schemes. The report must include a minimum of 15 reference articles on SM. The more the number of reference papers shown in the review the better for obtaining more marks.

ME602 Mobile and Satellite Communication Systems