Maximum-length sequence (m-sequence) generator

Key focus: Model and simulate m-sequence generator using Galois linear feedback shift registers (LFSR) that implement linear recursion. Plot correlation properties. Maximum-length sequences (also called as m-sequences or pseudo random (PN) sequences) are constructed based on Galois field theory which is an extensive topic in itself. A detailed treatment on the subject of Galois field theory … Read more

Differentially encoded BPSK: coherent detection

In coherent detection, the receiver derives its demodulation frequency and phase references using a carrier synchronization loop. Such synchronization circuits may introduce phase ambiguity in the detected phase, which could lead to erroneous decisions in the demodulated bits. For example, Costas loop exhibits phase ambiguity of integral multiples of radians at the lock-in points. As … 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

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

Simulate additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel

In this article, the relationship between SNR-per-bit (Eb/N0) and SNR-per-symbol (Es/N0) are defined with respect to M-ary signaling schemes. Then the complex baseband model for an AWGN channel is discussed, followed by the theoretical error rates of various modulations over the additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel. Finally, the complex baseband models for digital modulators … Read more