199 DSP: Digital Signal Processing

For Whom Intended  Digital signal processing (DSP) is one of the fastest-changing fields in modern electronics. Individuals who obtained their education and training just a few years ago, need their skills updated to prepare for the continuing explosion of DSP technology. The course is applicable to technicians and engineers employed in a wide range of industries.

Brief Course Description  This course is an introduction to DSP concepts and implementation. It starts by explaining the need for digital signal processing and DSP systems. A complete model of a DSP system is examined from the input transducer, through all the stages including: signal conditioning, anti-aliasing filter, analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion, output smoothing filter, and output transducers. Real life examples will be used to illustrate the use and need for each part of a DSP system. DSP in telecommunications will be highlighted.

Understanding how numbers are processed in a DSP application is key in their use and application. All the key areas needed to understand number processing are covered in this course.

Correct acquisition of the signal is absolutely necessary for proper use of digital signal processing. Sampling theory, sample resolution and anti-aliasing filters are explored with real examples to illustrate this important area of DSP.

Application examples are examined to give the student a good understanding of what’s needed to apply DSP techniques to new areas. DSP tools are demonstrated to illustrate the tools available to apply DSP techniques.

The instructor covers the how, where, why and when of DSP applications. Electronics are rapidly changing the way DSP is applied and the techniques used to solve problems. Successful completion of this course will assist the participants to apply the latest techniques to their everyday projects.

Diploma Programs  This course is required for TTi’s Data Acquisition & Analysis Specialist (DAS), Electronic Telecommunications Specialist and Instrumentation Test Specialist (ITS) Diploma Programs. It may be used as an optional course for any other diploma programs.

Prerequisites  There are no definite prerequisites, but participation in TTi’s courses Instrumentation for Test and Measurement or Instrumentation for Electrical Test and Measurement would be helpful.

Text  Each student will receive 180 days access to the on-line electronic course workbook. Renewals and printed textbooks are available for an additional fee.

Internet Complete Course 199 features almost seven hours of video as well as more in-depth reading material. All chapters of course 199 are also available as OnDemand Internet Short Topics. See the course outline below for details.

Course Hours, Certificate and CEUs  Class hours/days for on-site courses can vary from 14-35 hours over 2-5 days as requested by our clients. Upon successful course completion, each participant receives a certificate of completion and one Continuing Education Unit (CEU) for every ten class hours.

Click for a printable course outline (pdf).

Course Outline

Chapter 1 - Digital Signal Processing and DSP Systems

  • Need for DSP
  • Advantages of DSP
  • Characteristics of DSP Systems

Chapter 2 - A Model of a DSP System

  • Input
  • Signal Conditioning
  • Anti-Aliasing Filters
  • Analog-to-Digital Converter
  • Processor
  • Digital-to-Analog Converter
  • Output Smoothing Filter
  • Output Transducer
  • DSP Processors
  • DSP Format Types
  • Alternative Formats for Commercial DSP Processors

Chapter 3 - DSP In Communications

  • Typical Applications
  • Micro-Controller (µC) Monitors
  • RFIC
  • DSP Chip
  • ASIC Chip
  • Digital Cell Phones
  • DSP Design Process
    • Hardware Resource Estimation
    • Algorithm Development
    • Hardware Selection
  • Multiply and Accumulate
  • DSP Signals
  • Simulation Technology
  • Digitization and DSP Signals
    • Communication System ADC
  • Alternatives to Simple PCM 
    • Direct Digital Synthesis
      • Creating a DDS Signal
  • Fine Frequency Resolution
  • Moving Average Filter
  • Analog vs Digital Filters
    • IIR Filters, Implementations
    • FIR Filters
    • IIR and FIR Filter Pros and Cons
  • Use of FFTs
    • What Does the FFT Do?
    • Inverse Fast Fourier Transform
  • Communications DSP Architecture
  • Concepts to Designs

Chapter 4 - How Numbers are processed in a DSP Polynomials

  • Polynomials
  • Transcendental Functions
  • Series Expansions
  • Limits
  • Integration
  • Oscillatory Motion
  • Complex Numbers

Chapter 5 - Acquisition of the Signal

Chapter 6 - Alias Protection, Filters and Filtering

  • Anti-Alias Filters
    • Sampling Theory .. Review
    • Brick-Wall vs Real Filters
  • Aliasing Analysis
  • Anti-Alias Filters .. Hardware
  • Complex Filter “Construction”
    • Building a Filter
  • How Filters Behave
  • Group Delay
  • “Classical” Filter Types
    • Bessel Filters
    • Butterworth Filters
    • Bessel vs. Butterworth
  • Modern Filters
    • Elliptical Filters
    • Elliptical vs. Butterworth
    • “Constant-Delay” Filters
    • Constant-Delay vs. Bessel
  • Filter/Sample-Rate Tradeoffs
  • Assumptions
    • Physical Considerations
    • Filter Cutoff Frequency
  • Sampling Ratio
    • The FR/FD Ratio
  • Performance of Different Filters
    • Sampling Ratios for Different Filters
  • Removing Aliased Data
  • Filter Cutoff Frequency Conventions
  • Filter-System Design Details/Tradeoffs

Chapter 7 - Fourier Series

  • Insights to be gained from Fourier Series
  • Fourier Series
  • Nyquist Frequency

Chapter 8 - Orthogonality and Quadrature

  • Orthogonality — Basic Building Blocks of DSP
  • Quadrature — Signals 90 degrees out of phase with each other

Chapter 9 - Transforms

  • The Z-Transform
  • DFT — Discrete Fourier Transform
  • Laplace Transform

Chapter 10 - Finite Impulse Response Filter — FIR

  • What is it?
  • Stability
  • Cost
  • Design Methodology
  • Design Examples
  • Convolution

Chapter 11 - Infinite Impulse Response Filter — IIR

  • What is it?
  • Stability
  • Cost
  • Design Methodology
  • Design Examples

Chapter 12 - DSP Tools

  • Programming Languages
  • Mathematical Tools
  • Special Purpose Tools
  • Development Packages

Appendix A - Glossary of Terms

Appendix C - Understanding Decibels (dB) and Octaves

Summary, Final Review

Award of Certificates for Successful Completion

Click for a printable course outline (pdf).

Revised 180911