Communications Laboratory
EENG 425 is the accompanying 1-credit laboratory for EENG 421 Introduction to Communications Systems, which is a 3-credit core course in the electrical engineering program. These courses are offered during the fall semester of the senior year.
In one of the experiments the student becomes acquainted with the equipment used throughout the semester, which includes oscilloscopes, signal generators and spectrum analyzers. Measurement of common signals such as sinusoids and periodic square waves are conducted in both the time and frequency domain. Amplitude (linear) modulated signals are generated, observed and measured in the second experiment. Another experiment bridges the gap between analog and digital communications with the study of sampling. Students perform measurements on a complete pulse code modulated (PCM) system, including transmitter (analog to digital), noisy channel and receiver (digital to analog), during experiments four and five. In another experiment, students test the quality of their PCM system by using handset to converse with each other. Students work in groups, and each group is required to write a formal laboratory report for each experiment in which they describe the procedure, analyze the collected data and confirm the measurements with theory.
The training and experience that EE students gain in this laboratory enhance their understanding of analog and digital communication systems. Not only does EENG 425 reinforce the theory taught in the EENG421, but it will encourage students, after being exposed to the vast world of electrical communication, to further their knowledge by enrolling in the various technical electives offered in this area at Gonzaga University.