Understanding Signals and Communication: A Comprehensive Look

Understanding Signals and Communication

Key Competencies:

  • LC: Linguistic communication
  • MCST: Mathematical competence and basic competences in science and technology
  • DC: Digital competence
  • LL: Learning to learn
  • SIE: Sense of initiative and entrepreneurship
  • CAE: Cultural awareness and expression
  • SCC: Social and civic competence

Analogue vs. Digital Signals

Analogue signals have an almost infinite number of values, such as frequency and amplitude. They are continuous signals which are similar (analogous) to

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Effective Communication Systems: Types, Technologies, and Methods

Communication: An Introduction

Communication is the transmission of information from one place to another. In terms of technology, communication requires a system with a message sender and a receiver.

The communication channel is the means by which the message is transmitted. Transmission occurs through environmental perturbations (signals) that originate in the transmitter until they reach the receiver. Key features include:

  • The means by which it is transmitted (atmosphere, water, vacuum, optical
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Error Control Codes: Detection and Correction

Error Control Codes in Computer Communication

To enable communication between two different computers, a code is necessary. This code consists of a limited set of symbols combined by specific rules known to both the sender and receiver. When a recipient receives a message coded in natural binary, it contains only digits that can have two values: 0 and 1. Each digit is called a bit.

Error Detection Codes

Binary code is suitable for representing decimal numbers. However, it’s very sensitive to errors

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Dynamic Positioning Systems in Maritime Operations

Dynamically Controlled Vessels

These vessels are capable of maintaining position at sea without the use of moorings or anchors. This is achieved by using propulsion units called computer-controlled thrusters. It is common to see several tunnel thrusters side by side, either at the bow or stern. While tunnel thrusters are fixed, azimuth thrusters can rotate 360 degrees. All these vessels still retain their main thrusters and rudders.

Dynamic Positioning: Principles of Operation

Dynamic Positioning (

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Understanding Control Systems: Proportional, Integral, Derivative & More

Understanding Control Systems

Proportional Control

A proportional (P) control system responds to an error signal, providing a symmetrical correction proportional to the error. A constant error signal results in a constant corrective action. Sudden changes in the error signal lead to a fast response from the controller.

Proportional-Integral Control

In proportional-integral (PI) control, the error signal causes a growing response due to the integral action of the controller. This type of control is suitable

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Understanding Control Actions: Integral, Derivative, Proportional

Integral Action

Moves the valve at a rate proportional to the integral area obtained between the variation of the variable and the set point over time.

Time Integral Action

The interval of time during which, when a step input signal is applied, the output signal due to the integral action equals that due to the proportional action.

Reset Windup

This is the phenomenon that occurs when the error decreases while the area under the integral action continues to increase. This may lead to saturation of the

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