Using DSP hardware to teach modem design and analysis techniques

While many communication topics are difficult for undergraduate students to internalize, demonstrations and laboratory experiences have been shown to stimulate the learning process greatly. The paper describes a highly successful combination of theory, demonstrations, lab exercises, and real-time DSP experiences using Matlab and the Texas Instruments C6711 digital signal processing starter kit (DSK). A digital communication transmitter capability has been added to a software tool (winDSK6) which controls the DSK. This approach, when also combined with state-of-the-art measurement equipment, has proven highly successful in reinforcing modem design and analysis techniques.