This class emphasizes design tradeoffs in signal quality vs. implementation complexity in embedded software. In the lab, students design, implement, and test a voiceband modem. A voiceband modem reference design and simulation is available in LabVIEW. Students explore design tradeoffs in signal quality vs. implementation complexity. Students implement transceiver subsystems in C on a Texas Instruments TMS320C6701 programmable digital signal processor. The C6000 family is used in DSL modems, wireless LAN modems, mobile wireless basestations, and video conferencing systems. Students test their implementations using test equipment, Texas Instruments Code Composer Studio software, and National Instruments LabVIEW software. Lecture not only supports the laboratory material but also covers programmable digital signal processor architectures, analyzes modern A/D and D/A converter architectures, and introduces high-speed broadband wired and wireless communication systems.

In the graduate curriculum, this course may be applied to an MSEE degree provided that it is taken for letter grade and a grade of at least C is received. Up to two (and sometimes three) undergraduate courses may be applied toward an MSEE degree. Undergraduate courses no longer apply to the coursework requirements for a PhDEE degree. Grades received in undergraduate courses by a graduate student are not included in the student's GPA calculation.