Back to Teaching
ECOM 451

Digital Signal Processing

Comprehensive study of discrete-time signals and systems, Fourier and z-transforms, DFT, FFT algorithms, and FIR/IIR digital filter design

United Arab Emirates University
College of Engineering
Department of Electrical & Communication Engineering
👨‍🏫 Dr. Mohammad Al Bataineh
📚 3 Credit Hours (3+0)
🎓 Undergraduate
📅 Spring 2026
📋 Prerequisite: ECOM 360
📍

Class Section

↑ Go Up

📌Section 01

Time: Tuesday/Thursday
2:00 PM - 3:15 PM

Location: F3-034

🏢Office Hours

Days: Tuesday/Thursday

Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Office: F1-1175

📖

Course Overview

↑ Go Up

🎯 Course Description

Overview of discrete-time signals and systems, representation of discrete-time systems by means of difference equations. Analysis of discrete-time signals and systems using Fourier and z-transforms. The sampling theory of continuous-time signals, digital processing of continuous-time signals using A/D and D/A conversion. Transform-based analysis of linear time-invariant (LTI) FIR and IIR systems and their structures. Discrete Fourier transform (DFT) and fast algorithms for its computation. FIR and IIR digital filter design.

📚 Required Textbook

Sanjit K. Mitra
Digital Signal Processing – A Computer Based Approach
4th Edition, McGraw Hill, 2011

📋 Prerequisite Requirement

ECOM 360 (Signals and Systems) with a minimum grade of D

🎓

Course Learning Outcomes

↑ Go Up

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

01
📊

Discrete-Time Signals & Systems

Describe discrete-time signals and systems as mathematical functions and transformations, respectively.

PLO-1
02
🔄

z-Transform Analysis

Apply z-Transform for the analysis and design of DSP systems.

PLO-1
03
📈

DTFT Applications

Apply Discrete-Time Fourier Transform (DTFT) in the analysis of discrete-time signals and systems.

PLO-1
04
🔢

DFT Applications

Apply Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) in the analysis of discrete-time signals and systems.

PLO-1
05
🔧

Filter Fundamentals

Identify basic filters' design and their structures.

PLO-2
06
⚙️

Digital Filter Design

Design FIR and IIR digital filters using various techniques, and realize using various structures.

PLO-2
📋

Course Topics

↑ Go Up
  • Week 1: Introduction to DSP Introduction to digital signal processing and its applications in communications, audio, image processing, and control systems
  • Weeks 2-3: Discrete-Time Signals and Systems Discrete-time signals and systems, convolution sum, correlation, and their properties
  • Week 4: Discrete-Time Fourier Transform DTFT definition, properties, frequency response of LTI systems, and spectral analysis
  • Weeks 5-6: Digital Processing of Continuous-Time Signals Sampling theory, aliasing, reconstruction, A/D and D/A conversion, practical considerations
  • Weeks 7-8: Discrete Fourier Transform DFT and its properties, relationship to other transforms, FFT algorithms and efficient computation
  • Weeks 9-10: z-Transform z-Transform definition, properties, inverse z-transform, ROC, and system analysis
  • Week 11: LTI Systems in Transform Domain Discrete-time LTI systems in the transform domain, transfer functions, stability analysis
  • Weeks 12-15: Digital Filter Design Basic digital filter structures, FIR and IIR filter design techniques, realization structures, implementation considerations
📊

Assessment & Grading

↑ Go Up
20% Hour Tests (×2) T1: 03/02 | T2: 17/03
25% Midterm Exam Week 9 - 03/03/2026
15% Quizzes Weekly
5% MATLAB Assignments Week 14
35% Final Exam Final Exam Period

⚠️ Important Policies

  • Attendance: Students who miss 15% of classes will be awarded an "FA" grade
  • Academic Integrity: Plagiarism and cheating result in serious penalties including dismissal from the university
  • Feedback: Regular feedback on progress will be provided to help improve performance
  • Rubrics: Will be provided for grading direct assessment works such as reports and assignments
📚

Learning Resources

↑ Go Up

Instructional Materials: Textbook, lecture slides, handouts, MATLAB software, e-learning (Blackboard), Smart Board instructions.

📝Course Materials

All lecture slides, handwritten notes (iPad), and supplementary materials available on Blackboard at the start of the semester.

Access Blackboard Updated Weekly

🎥Video Lectures

Complete recorded lectures from MS Teams and YouTube channel for flexible learning and review.

Watch on YouTube 24/7 Access

💻MATLAB Resources

Sample codes, hands-on tutorials, programming exercises, and MATLAB assignment materials to reinforce theoretical concepts.

MATLAB Tutorial 5% of Grade

🐍Python Resources

Python tutorials using NumPy, SciPy, and Matplotlib for DSP implementation, signal analysis, and filter design visualization.

Python Tutorial Alternative

🎧Multi-Format Content

Podcasts, mental maps, and video overviews generated using NotebookLM for diverse learning styles.

Explore Formats New!

📖Main Textbook

Sanjit K. Mitra - Digital Signal Processing – A Computer Based Approach, 4th Edition, McGraw Hill (2011)

Book Info Required

🔬Interactive Tools

GeoGebra applications and Python visualizations for understanding DSP concepts like FFT, filtering, and system responses.

Try GeoGebra Interactive
💬

Communication & Support

↑ Go Up

💬WhatsApp Group

Join the course WhatsApp group for instant communication, questions, and discussions available 24/7.

Join Group

👥MS Teams Class

Access recorded lectures, participate in discussions, and submit assignments through MS Teams.

Open Teams

Office Hours

In-person and virtual office hours available for one-on-one support and clarification.

Book Appointment
🌟

Tips for Success

↑ Go Up

📌 Recommended Study Strategy

  • Before Class: Review the posted lecture slides to familiarize yourself with DSP topics
  • During Class: Actively participate, take notes, and ask questions about transform techniques
  • After Class: Watch recorded lectures for review and practice filter design problems
  • Weekly: Complete assignments early and work through MATLAB examples
  • Hands-On: Practice with MATLAB code examples for DFT, FFT, and filter implementation
  • Visual Learning: Use visualizations to understand frequency domain concepts
  • Build on Prerequisites: Review ECOM 360 concepts as DSP builds directly on them

⚡ Key Topics to Master

  • z-Transform: Essential for system analysis - practice ROC determination
  • DFT/FFT: Understand the relationship between time and frequency domains
  • Filter Design: Both FIR and IIR methods are crucial for the final exam
  • Sampling Theory: Nyquist theorem and aliasing effects are fundamental
  • MATLAB: Hands-on implementation reinforces theoretical concepts
📧

Contact Information

↑ Go Up

Dr. Mohammad Al Bataineh

Email: mffbataineh@uaeu.ac.ae

Office: F1-1175

Phone: +971 3 713 5146

Website: Faculty Page

Office Hours

Days: Tuesday & Thursday

Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Location: F1-1175

Also available via email appointment and WhatsApp group

🔗

Additional Support

↑ Go Up

♿ Special Needs Services

Students with special needs should contact the Special Needs Services Center for accommodations.

Phone: +971 3 713 4264
Email: disabilityservices@uaeu.ac.ae

📚 Student Academic Success

Access academic support services including Independent Learning Centers, Tutorials, Writing & Speaking Centers.

Visit SASP

⚖️ Academic Integrity

Review the UAEU Code of Academic Honesty for policies on plagiarism and academic misconduct.

View Policy