Computers Control Information Theory

A Student's Guide to Coding and Information Theory

This easy-to-read guide provides a concise introduction to the engineering background of modern communication systems, from mobile phones to data compression and storage. Background mathematics and specific engineering techniques are kept to a minimum so that only a basic knowledge of high-school mathematics is needed to understand the material covered. The authors begin with many practical applications in coding, including the repetition code, the Hamming code and the Huffman code. They then explain the corresponding information theory, from entropy and mutual information to channel capacity and the information transmission theorem. Finally, they provide insights into the connections between coding theory and other fields. Many worked examples are given throughout the book, using practical applications to illustrate theoretical definitions. Exercises are also included, enabling readers to double-check what they have learned and gain glimpses into more advanced topics, making this perfect for anyone who needs a quick introduction to the subject.

An Introduction to Single-User Information Theory

This book presents a succinct and mathematically rigorous treatment of the main pillars of Shannon’s information theory, discussing the fundamental concepts and indispensable results of Shannon’s mathematical theory of communications. It includes five meticulously written core chapters (with accompanying problems), emphasizing the key topics of information measures; lossless and lossy data compression; channel coding; and joint source-channel coding for single-user (point-to-point) communications systems. It also features two appendices covering necessary background material in real analysis and in probability theory and stochastic processes. The book is ideal for a one-semester foundational course on information theory for senior undergraduate and entry-level graduate students in mathematics, statistics, engineering, and computing and information sciences. A comprehensive instructor’s solutions manual is available.

Publications of the National Institute of Standards and Technology 1988 Catalog