Communication and Signal Processing
Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE)

College of Engineering and Architecture

Communication and signal processing are closely related fields in electrical and computer engineering. Communication is the process of transferring information from one point in time and space to another point. Signal processing deals with signal representation, as well as signal design and filtering. Students in electrical and computer engineering with a specialty in communication and signal processing find challenging opportunities world-wide to meet the ever increasing need for new communication and signal processing equipment, algorithms and procedures which are more convenient, less expensive, and more reliable. The objective of the communication and signal processing option is to ensure that graduates can meet new exciting challenges.

Background Information

The first recorded electrical communication occurred in 1838 when Samuel B.F. Morse sent a message over a 10 mile telegraph line. Electrical communication was born. Today we find it commonplace to have telephone conversations from our automobiles to anyplace in the world. A single conversation may use wires, radio links, optical fibers and satellite links. Modern communication systems transfer information at rates more than one billion times faster than Morse's first telegraph message.

Continued prosperity of the world depends on our ability to transfer information in a reliable economic manner. We listen to synthesized speech, watch live television from all over the world, communicate with space vehicles dispersed within the solar system and are able to locate ourselves with outstanding accuracy using the global positioning system. Future ability to communicate will allow us to reduce our needs for energy by giving us the ability to work within or near our homes.

Both analog and digital hardware are used in most signal processing systems. Filtering a signal to remove noise, processing an image to sharpen edges or recognize an object, and speech recognition are all typical applications of signal processing. Recent advances in digital hardware have enabled the implementation of many sophisticated signal processing systems at a reasonable cost. The compact disc and speech synthesis are important examples.

The Program

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at North Dakota State University offers an option in communication and signal processing that can be tailored to a student's particular interests. The study of communication can be divided into three parts: (1) the signal processing operations involved in communication, (2) the devices used to perform the signal processing and (3) the underlying physics. Of necessity, the courses specific to signal processing and communication are highly mathematical. The program requires study in circuits, electronics, computers, electromagnetics and control systems.

Cooperative Education Program

The Cooperative Education Program allows students to alternate classroom study with a series of paid professional work experiences related to electrical and computer engineering. These experiences increase in complexity as the student's background increases. The program provides opportunity for pre-graduation experiences in the profession, exploration of several career opportunities, money for education, an enriched degree and enhanced opportunities for employment following graduation.

The Facilities

The Electrical Engineering Building is part of an eight-building engineering and architecture complex. The building contains specialized laboratories and equipment. Numerous grants and donations from the National Science Foundation and private industry have provided valuable equipment. Laboratories along with department and University computer capabilities support education and research. Equipment is available for making spectral measurements. Computer hardware and software are available for the design, analysis and implementation of analog and digital signal processing systems. The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering has a continuing commitment to maintaining and upgrading this facility.

Research and Graduate Study

Departmental graduate students and faculty members are active in several areas of communication and signal processing research. Graduate studies leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees are offered in the department. Further details are available in the Graduate Bulletin.

Financial Aid

The NDSU Office of Student Financial Services will make every effort to provide adequate financial assistance to all students demonstrating financial need.

Contact Information

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

North Dakota State University
Electrical Engineering 101
Fargo, ND 58105

Tel: (701) 231-7019
Fax: (701) 231-8677
Email:info@ndsu.edu
Web: www.ece.ndsu.nodak.edu

Office of Admission

North Dakota State University
124 Ceres Hall
Fargo, ND 58105

Tel: (701) 231-8643
Fax: (701) 231-8802
Email: NDSU.Admission@ndsu.edu
Web: http://www.ndsu.edu/prospective/students/

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