Combining MATLAB® simulation with telecommunications instructional modeling (TIMSTM) in a senior level communications course

In this work we present some of our successes in combining MATLAB^®-based simulation methods with Telecommunications Instructional Modeling (Emona-TIMS^TM) experimental methods to enhance student learning in a senior-level communications systems laboratory. While faculty have discussed the relative merits of simulation versus real experimentation in recent years, we find that combining these approaches has multiple advantages: (1) A TIMS^TM based approach (where we have chosen to use “real-world” demodulated audio from local radio stations as the local message signal) makes students feel that they are engaged in “real-world modulation/demodulation;” (2) The TIMS^TM based approach inherently reinforces a “concept map” (block diagram) view of communications modulation and demodulation; (3) The MATLAB^® simulation approach forces students to think about how to perform a proper simulation (e.g. set appropriate sampling rate, set appropriate specifications for digital filter design for envelope detector or discriminator, etc.) for both analog and digital simulation; and (4) The MATLAB^® simulation approach sets a starting point for our students as they pursue software defined radio (SDR) communications applications in some of their senior design projects. We find synergy in combining the two pedagogical approaches in most of the labs in our communications systems course, and this typically results in enhanced student comprehension. While more formal assessment will be conducted over the next two years, at this point we know from course feedback that students very much appreciate both learning tools. Students commonly remark that the TIMS^TM really highlights the “big picture,” and helps them understand what to expect before they start the MATLAB^® simulations, while coding up the MATLAB^® simulations gets them “into the weeds,” and gives them the tools to test out ideas that support their senior projects.