During initialization, ADSL modems transmit training data to enable to receiver to characterize the ADSL channel that connects them. The ADSL channel, which can be modeled as a finite impulse response filter, essentially spreads out the transmitted data in time (convolution effect). The receiver uses the knowledge of the transmitted and received training data to adapt a finite impulse response (FIR) filter to despread the received signal, i.e. to compensate for the channel distortion in time. The FIR filter is known as a time-domain equalizer (TEQ). The design of the TEQ has a dramatic impact on the bit rate of the ADSL connection. The impact can be as high as 1 Mbps for downstream ADSL.
The project would involve the design and implementation of low-complexity TEQ design methods on a digital signal processor. The senior project team would work closely with a graduate student who is conducting research in this area.
Related courses: EE 313, EE 345S, EE 351M
Resources: ADSL Project Page
References:
Graduate Student Contact: Mr. Ming Ding (ming@ece.utexas.edu)
Faculty Contact: Prof. Brian L. Evans (bevans@ece.utexas.edu)