This document introduces communications engineering. It defines communication as the transfer of information from a source to a destination using a communication system. Examples of modern communication methods that use electrical signals include satellite, microwave, optical fibers, and copper cables. The course will study the basic communication techniques used in the world today, including their advantages and disadvantages, and how communication systems implement these techniques. Communication systems can transmit information in simplex, half-duplex, or full-duplex modes.
2. OUTLINES
 What Does Communication (or Telecommunication) Mean?
 Importance of Communications (by electrical signals)
 So What will We Study in This Course?
 Examples of Today’s Communication Methods
 Simplex vs. Duplex Communications
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3. WHAT DOES COMMUNICATIONS (OR
TELECOMMUNICATIONS) MEAN?
The transfer of some form of information
from one place (known as the source of
information) to another place (known as
the destination of information) using
some system to do this function (known
as a communication system).
What is the difference between communication
and communications?
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4. Teleconferencing, teleshopping, telebanking, internet, computer
networks, mobile,...etc
Examples of Today’s Communication Methods
All of the following are electric (or electromagnetic) communication
systems
 Satellite (Telephone, TV, Radio, Internet, … )
 Microwave (Telephone, TV, Data, …)
 Optical Fibers (TV, Internet, Telephone, … )
 Copper Cables (telephone lines, coaxial cables, twisted pairs, … etc)
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IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNICATIONS (BY
ELECTRICAL SIGNALS)
coaxial
twisted pairs
Optical Fibers
5. WHAT WILL WE STUDY IN THIS COURSE?
The basic methods that are used for communication in today’s world
and the different systems that implement these communication
methods. Upon the successful completion of this course, you should
be able to:
1) identify the different communication techniques
2) know the advantages and disadvantages of each technique,
3) show the basic construction of the systems that implement these
communication techniques.
(Check the syllabus for course description, outcomes and objectives)
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6. SIMPLEX VS. DUPLEX COMMUNICATIONS
A communication system may transmit
information in:
 Simplex: one direction such as TV and radio
 Half-duplex: two directions but at different
times such as the citizen band (CB)
 Full-duplex: two directions simultaneously
such as the telephone
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