Coding and modulation tradeoffs for limiter-discriminator based CPM transceivers are examined in Rayleigh, fast fading environments. Comparisons are made on the basis of a fixed bandwidth to information rate ratio, so coded schemes and uncoded schemes can be compared fairly. It is shown that using the proper balance of modulation and coding is important to achieve good performance. It is found that combining bandwidth efficient modulation with convolutional coding achieves better performance than trellis coded modulation (TCM). The increase in performance as the code complexity is increased is also found to be larger for convolutional coding than for TCM.

This article briefly looks at the future of telecommunication education in the universities as it evolves from present concerns and trends. Five year bachelor's programs and top-down curricular design will be common. Textbooks supplemented by advance organizers, instruction and testing according to individual learning styles and global integration of education using multi-media services and broadband technology will be some of the other features. Finally, the importance of industry-university partnership in all aspects of engineering education is emphasized.