KD6026 - Digital Signal Processing Systems

What will I learn on this module?

This module aims to make use of the knowledge and analytic skills developed throughout the programme to design modern digital signal processing systems.

In this module you will learn:

• The fundamental concepts of discrete-time signals and systems.
• The fundamental mathematical transforms for time-domain and frequency domain representations.
• The design of digital filters; finite impulse filter and infinite impulse filter.
• The practical implementation of digital filters in simulation and hardware.

How will I learn on this module?

In this module, you will learn via a number of activities:

• Weekly lectures, where main concepts are introduced.
• Fortnightly seminars, where the main concepts are applied.
• Fortnightly Workshops, where the design of filters are implemented.
• Independent learning via directed scripts, where the software and hardware are introduced.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

All the notes, seminar sheets, workshop scripts and directed learning are available at all times via eLP.

In addition, there will be a fixed weekly slot where you can drop in to see the lecturers.

Problem solutions will be provided after the tutorials and past-year examination papers are made available to all students via eLP.

Feedback on your learning will take the form of verbal feedback during the tutorials and laboratory sessions. Examination feedback will be provided following the normal processes.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Demonstrate the understanding of key DSP principles in the design of DSP systems application for real world problems. (AHEP4: C1, C2, C5, M5)

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
2. Mathematically model DSP system to characterise and critically evaluate its theoretical and practical performance. (AHEP4: C3, C4)

3. Simulate test signals and DSP systems using computational tool and practical lab equipment (AHEP 4 C12, M12).

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
4. Critically evaluate the practical limitations of hardware in filter designs and appreciate the need for low cost practical implementation. (AHEP4: C5, C7, C13, C14,M13, M14 )

How will I be assessed?

Formative Assessment:
Each of the 6 workshop sessions will contain a script with a series of tasks in line with the module LO1, LO2, LO3 and LO4. The two-hour workshop session will be supervised by a tutor and you will have two weeks to complete the script. At the start of the next workshop session, the formative feedback will be uploaded to blackboard.

Summative Assessment:
The summative assessment of this module is made up of 100% examination (EXAM). This will cover LO1, LO2, LO3 and LO4
This is a 3-hour examination with 10-minutes reading time.
The examination paper will contain 2 sections; Section A and Section B. Each section is worth 50% of the module mark.
Each section will be made up of 3 questions.
You are required to answer 2 questions from each section, i.e. two question from Section A and two questions from Section B.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

Digital signal processing is essential in all electrical and electronics devices, and more pertinently in smartphones and tablets. In this module you will learn the fundamental of digital signals and how they are processed to result in a clear video or voice call in your smartphone.

You will develop analytic skills to design key components of a modern digital signal processing systems and implement it in software and hardware platforms.

In this module, you will attend lectures, seminars and workshops. During the workshops, you will be guided through a series of hands-on practices.

The workshop assessed formatively and feedback will be given to you to improve your skills. The laboratory is available for you to do independent learning based on the feedback you received.

This module is assessed via one examination at the end of the semester. You will receive feedback on your examination at the beginning of the next semester.

Course info

UCAS Code H605

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 4 years Full Time or 5 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Mathematics, Physics and Electrical Engineering

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

Useful Links

Find out about our distinctive approach at 
www.northumbria.ac.uk/exp

Admissions Terms and Conditions
northumbria.ac.uk/terms

Fees and Funding
northumbria.ac.uk/fees

Admissions Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/adpolicy

Admissions Complaints Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/complaints