This course introduces the fundamental concepts of classical communication systems and information theory. Starting from a probabilistic viewpoint, we will develop mathematical models that describe how information is generated, transmitted, and processed over noisy channels. We will present the key principles that govern the reliable transmission of information, as well as the fundamental limits that no communication system can surpass. Building on these foundations, we will study practical techniques for modulation, encoding, and decoding, and analyze how they approach these theoretical limits. Finally, the interplay between theory and practice will be emphasized, providing a unified perspective on modern communication systems and their performance.

Students will acquire a profound understanding of:

  • The fundamental elements and the probabilistic modeling of classical communication systems.

  • The main information theoretic concepts and limits to analyze classical communication systems.

  • The techniques used for modulation, encoding and decoding.

Program

Unit 1. Fundamental elements and probabilistic modeling of classical communication systems.

Unit 2. Modern information theory: information measures, fundamental limits in Shannon's theory and quantum information.

Unit 3. Techniques for data modulation, coding and decoding.

Course material

  • Class notes.