Communications Engineering Technology

Technicians working in communications require the skills needed for installing and terminating various media used to interconnect equipment. Technicians also need to understand the basics of the planning and physical installation of the equipment. Even in the wireless systems, cabling is an important and dynamic subsystem. This course provides students with the necessary background, knowledge and skills required to design, install, terminate, test and update communication wiring. Training includes information on codes, standards and regulations, as well as electrical protection. Students learn the importance of planning equipment layout and providing and maintaining environmental control and power back-up systems.

This course improves students’ ability to navigate the college experience and environment, including student's rights, roles, and responsibilities. In this course, students reflect on their skills, attitudes, and expectations and develop learning strategies to help them to become successful, resilient, and self-directed learners. The course covers topics such as success in online learning, time management strategies, learning strategies, assessment taking strategies, academic integrity, information and digital literacy, and wellness, among others. It integrates elements of student orientation.

This course introduces Radio Frequency (RF) communication systems and theory. Students learn the electromagnetic and frequency spectrum, elements of a communications channel, basic building blocks of an RF system, modulation and demodulation techniques, absolute and relative decibel (dB) measurements and readings and develop a basic RF Communications lexicon. Through lab activities, students assemble, test, trouble shoot and align an Amplitude Modulated (AM) and Frequency Modulated (FM) broadcast receiver.

This course introduces students to computer programming. Students are expected to demonstrate proper techniques in program design and the applications of the various program control structures and data structures. This course is designed to support the Micro-Controller Systems course.

Prerequisite: ELTE-0052 Digital Circuits
This course builds on the programming concepts and skills developed in Computer Programming 1 to enhance students' problem solving and program design abilities. Students are introduced to languages that are used to develop applications for wireless devices and embedded systems.

This course provides students with a thorough background in digital devices and systems. Students examine different numbering systems and Boolean concepts used in digital logic circuits. Logic gate circuits are discussed and their truth tables and Boolean output equations generated. Combinational logic circuits are analyzed and simplified using Boolean identities, theorems and Karnaugh mapping techniques. Flip-flops are explored and their applications to counters, registers and memory devices, encoders, decoders, multiplexers and de-multiplexers. The electrical characteristics and specifications of various integrated circuit logic families are also studied. Finally, students select and use programmable logic devices to implement solutions to digital logic problems.

This course introduces principles used in the analysis of direct current (DC) resistive circuits. Introductory topics cover charge, current, voltage, resistance, energy and power. Series, parallel and series-parallel circuits are analyzed using Ohm's Law, power law and Kirchhoff's voltage and current laws. Advanced methods of analysis are used for more complex networks that include mesh (loop), nodal, superposition, Thevenins and Nortons theorem. Theory is supported with laboratory activities that include both real and computer simulations of DC circuits.

Prerequisite: ELTE-0053 Electric Circuits 1
This course introduces the behaviour of electrical circuits and networks when driven by a single-phase alternating current (AC) sine-wave source. Topics covered include sine-wave peak, average and effective values, power and power factor, resistance, capacitance and inductance as elements in single-phase AC circuits, phasor diagrams, impedance, admittance, voltage, current and power diagrams, analysis of AC circuits with complex algebra, resonance and resonant circuits, high and low-pass filters, and the application of circuit laws and theorems to single phase AC circuits. Theory is supported with laboratory activities that include both real and computer simulations of AC circuits.

Prerequisite: ELTE-0053 Electric Circuits 1
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of semiconductor theory, devices and solid-state circuits. Students are able to analyze, design and build simple diode rectifier circuits, zener diode circuits and bipolar and field effect transistor-biasing networks.

Prerequisite: ELTE-0073 Electronic Circuits 1
This course introduces the amplifier as an ideal and non-ideal gain block. Using a feedback model, the various characteristics of an amplifier are studied. Integrated circuit operational amplifiers (Op-amps) are used as a practical gain block to verify the feedback theory. Additional topics cover inverting and non-inverting configurations, coupling methods, frequency response and bandwidth including Bode plots. The Op-amps are then used to design and implement various amplifier, active filters and oscillator circuits.

This course provides students with a comprehensive introduction to the electronics laboratory environment. Topics include electrical safety, Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), and the proper operation and application of key electrical test equipment such as power supplies, digital multi-meters, function generators and analog and digital oscilloscopes. Students learn various measurement techniques and understand how instrument precision and accuracy influences their readings.

Prerequisite: ELTE-0073 Electronic Circuits 1
Students use the electrical and drafting concepts acquired in previous courses to generate printed circuit board (PCB) layouts using Computer Aided Design software. Basic single and double-sided through the hole and Surface Mount Technology PCB are designed. Students will also learn to generate the required files and documents required to have the board manufactured. In-house manufacturing is then done on our Rapid Prototype CNC machine. This course provides training, as well as proper soldering, desoldering and techniques based on current industry standards and best practices.

Prerequisite: ELTE-0052 Digital Circuits, ELTE-0073 Electronic Circuits 1, COMP-0439 Computer Programming 1
This course gives students an overview of architecture, instruction set and input/output (I/O) capabilities of a micro-controller based system. Flowcharting and assembly language programming are discussed along with the support hardware and memory mapping required for the micro-controller to operate. Simple I/O routines are written to control various devices such as motors, Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), speakers, and Analog to Digital (A/D) converters. I/O interfacing using interrupts, counters and timing operations are presented. Students finish by using the 'C' programming language to program their I/O operations.

This course follows the Cisco Networking Academy (CCNA) 1 curriculum. Students will be introduced to basic networking concepts and principles. Students will learn the Open System Interconnection (OSI) model and other industry standards, network technologies, basic network design and cabling techniques. Students will also be introduces to Cisco Router operation and configuration.

Prerequisite: COMP-0410 Network Fundamentals
Students learn Cisco router configurations, Access Lists, routed and routing protocols and are introduced to switches. This course follows the Cisco Networking Academy (CCNA) 2 curriculum.

This course provides students with a review of set theory and numbering systems. It also provides students with a review of the properties, graphing and manipulation of linear, quadratic, logarithmic, exponential, polynomial and rational functions. Students are able to solve and graph equations and inequalities that involve a variety of function groups. Trigonometric functions and identities as well as rectangular and polar conversions are introduced in this course. Students are introduced to complex variables and functions of complex variables.

This course emphasizes clear, correct and concise technical writing in the electronics field. Students learn how to organize technical information, illustrate documents, define and describe technical objects and processes, write routine letters, memos and instructions, laboratory reports and an operating manual. Students also write a resume and an application letter for the co-op work placement, and give short, informative presentations to small groups.

Prerequisite: ELTE-0063 Communications Theory, MATH-0061 Calculus, ELTE-0065 Instruments and Measurements 2, ELTE-0077 Cabling and Installation
In this course, students study a variety of devices and transmission media used to guide, transmit and receive electromagnetic radiation. A variety of antenna designs and their properties are studied along with their characteristics including gain, directional gain, 3dB beamwidth and bandwidth, polar and rectangular radiation plots. The properties of various wired transmission media are studied and their effects on the signals they carry, including loss, pulse spreading, crosstalk and Electromagnetic Interface (EMI). As well, the characteristics of Radio Frequency (RF) and microwave links are examined and link equations developed. Laboratory activities include antenna radiation pattern plots, forward and reflected power and Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) measurements, and communications link performance evaluation using a spectrum analyzer. Students also construct a Time Domain Reflectometer using a pulse generator and an oscilloscope and use it to locate and determine fault types along a transmission line. The course also includes fundamentals of network cabling.

Prerequisites: ELTE-0061 Antennas & Transmission Lines, ELTE-0063 Communications Theory, ELTE-0062 Broadband Systems, ELTE-0080 Communication Systems, ELTE-0078 Embedded Systems
Corequisite: ELTE-0085 Wireless Data Systems
In this course, students research, design and develop a wireless telecommunications related project. These projects are sponsored by industry partners and are the capstone projects for students in this program. Students prepare a formal report, documenting the design and testing process. This course is supported by the Project Management and Report Writing courses and showcases the technical knowledge and abilities students have acquired over the length of the program.

Prerequisite: COMP-0410 Network Fundamentals
This course provides students with a strong background in the operation, design and testing of a variety of broadband communication systems. Studies include systems used for satellite communications, terrestrial microwave transmission and broadband cable systems. Students also compare technologies used for fixed and nomadic broadband wireless access systems.

Prerequisite: MATH-0063 Technical Math
Students in this course are introduced to the concepts of limits and continuity and the principles and rules of differentiation and integrations as applied to various families of functions. It emphasizes the applications of integrations and differentiations in electronics through examining their geometrical interpretation. The course also covers matrix theory and application in solving systems of linear equations.

Prerequisites: ELTE-0063 Communications Theory, ELTE-0065 Instruments and Measurements 2, MATH-0061 Calculus, SCIE-0072 Physics, MATH-0063 Technical Math, COMP-0410 Network Fundamentals
This course examines the key components of telecommunication infrastructure. Students study voice, data and video distribution systems as they gain knowledge in the architecture, carrier systems, hardware and signalling used for both analog and digital communication systems in copper telephone systems (PSTN). The function and operation of various fibre optic equipment and topologies is also examined. Students become familiar with network management systems used to monitor network devices. Protocols that are studied include Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP).

Prerequisites: ELTE-0087 Communication Circuits, MATH-0061 Calculus
This course introduces digital and analog communication theory. Through simulations, laboratory work and case studies, students learn the characterization of signals and spectra, modulation and demodulation techniques, AM and FM systems, base band pulse and digital signalling, band pass signalling principles and circuits, spectral analysis, and performance of communication systems corrupted by noise. Fundamental building blocks of receivers, transmitters and related circuits are studied including Automatic Gain Control (AGC) circuits, mixers, phase lock loops, frequency synthesizers, balanced modulators and demodulators, limiters and squelch circuits.

Prerequisite: ELTE-0059 Micro-Controller Systems, COMP-0439 Computer Programming 1
Through the use of project based learning, students develop embedded systems using microcontrollers. This course builds on the skills acquired in the Micro-Controller Systems and Programming courses and teaches students how to apply C language to create embedded microcontroller designs. Students learn to interface a microcontroller with real-world I/O devices such as sensors and displays. These embedded systems will also support interrupts and ability to communicate through various media such as serial, TCP/IP and wireless.

Prerequisites: ELTE-0086 Wireless Systems, ELTE-0085 Wireless Data Systems
This course examines emerging technologies in communications that are not covered in other core courses of the Communications Engineering Technology program. These studies may include new techniques, protocols, software, hardware or design methodologies that have recently been adopted by industry. These solutions may be proprietary or based on new standards that are either in development or recently finalized. This course changes yearly based on industry trends and ensures that graduates of the program remain current.

Prerequisite: COMM-0178 Technical Writing
This course provides students with an insight into the importance of sustainable development in the electronics industry. The impact of electronics in society is studied and the profession is promoted through the understanding and practice of professional ethics. This program is based on material covered on the Certified Technicians and Technologists (CTTAM) ethics exam that is a requirement for technologists seeking certification.

Prerequisite: ELTE-0058 Instruments and Measurements 1
A key skill for any technologist is having the ability to properly measure signals and interference to detect and resolve issues with communication devices and systems. This course introduces students to specialized frequency domain test equipment used for the measurement and analysis of complex communications. Students will become proficient with several methods of testing communications equipment and devices using digital storage oscilloscopes (DSOs), radio frequency signal sources and communications analyzers.

In today's fast-paced world, and as competition rapidly becomes time and cost-based, organizations that practice sound project management methods gain a competitive advantage over others. In this course, the fundamentals of project management are taught. Students learn how to scope, plan and execute projects. Systematic methods and tools to help break down projects into a manageable structure that allows for efficient scheduling, control and evaluation processes are also taught. Students learn project control using earned value analysis, and how to manage, or be part of, a project team. New and state-of-the-art project structures and methods are studied including Six Sigma and LEAN principles.

Prerequisite: COMM-0178 Technical Writing
Corequisite: ELTE-0084 Technical Project
In this course, students build on their written and oral communication skills principles learned in the Technical Writing course. Students develop formal report writing and professional presentation skills. These acquired skills are used by students as they write the reports for their capstone technical projects. These projects and reports are presented and defended to a group of peers, instructors and an industry panel.

Prerequisite: ELTE-0087 Communication Circuits, COMP-0441 Network Routing
This course provides students with the fundamentals used in voice communication systems. Students learn voice and audio sampling theory, audio codecs, transmission fundamentals and protocols. Through lab activities, students build and test a small VoIP system.

Prerequisite: ELTE-0063 Communications Theory
This course provides students with the fundamentals of wireless data systems, transmission fundamentals, wireless communication networks, protocols, and principles of wireless networking. It also covers the basic of satellite communications, cellular networks, local loops, and mobile IP and wireless access protocols. The course looks into the specific architectures, protocols, and components of fixed and mobile data networks.

Prerequisites: ELTE-0063 Communications Theory, ELTE-0080 Communication Systems, ELTE-0061 Antennas & Transmission Lines
This course provides students with the background knowledge required to understand the propagation of radio and microwave frequencies both indoor and outdoor. These skills are then put to use in calculating and predicting signal levels and losses in various systems due to Free Space Loss (FSL), as well as other attenuating factors. Student will use industry standard software to design and analyze the performance of a point-to-point microwave link. Lab work for this course includes the configuration and commission of a microwave radio link using Industry Canada standards.