Bøger i Applications of Communications Theory serien

The last ten years have seen a great flowering of the theory of digital data modulation. Now the older disciplines of detection theory and coding theory have been generalized and applied to the point where it is hard to tell where these end and the theories of signal design and modulation begin.

In response to the increasing interest in developing photonic switching fabrics, this book gives an overview of the many technologies from a systems designer's perspective. Optically transparent devices, optical logic devices, and optical hardware are all discussed in detail and set into a systems context.

There are many valuable and useful books on electrical communication (References 1-5 are some examples), but they have certain disadvantages for the beginner. The more advanced books present some things in a basic way, but they are very narrow for an introduction to communica­ tion. The introductory books are broader but still narrow by our stan­ dards. Further, they often pick things out of thin air rather than derive them. This book is aimed at giving the beginner a basic understanding of a wide range of topics which are essential in communication systems. These include antennas and transmission, thermal noise and its consequences, Fourier transforms, modulation and noise, sampling and pulse code modulation, autocorrelation and power spectrum, optimum filtering, gauss­ ian noise and errors in digital transmission, data transmission, limits on data rate including information theory and quantum limits, and source encoding. We have not included communications traffic, switching, and multiplexing, nor protocols for digital and computer communications. For these, Reference 6 is excellent. In general, our book does not discuss the circuits used for communication or the physics of radio propagation. We assume that these will be taught in specialized courses, but such courses are not prerequisites for this one. Chapter 1 introduces the transmission formula or antenna equation and antenna directivity. Only a very basic sophomore physics knowledge of electromagnetic theory is assumed. The radar equation is also treated.

The motivation for this book stems from an early exposure to the book Ap plied Mechanics by John Perry. The reader should not need to be able to derive formulas in order to apply them just as, to quote Professor Perry, "He should not have to be able to design a watch in order to tell time ...

Since the publication of the first edition of Fundamentals of Digital Switching in 1983, there has been substantial improvement in digital switching technology and in digital networks.

This book is an outgrowth of a course given by the author for people in industry, government, and universities wishing to understand the implica tions of emerging optical fiber technology, and how this technology can be applied to their specific information transport and sensing system needs.