Module Information
Course Delivery
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Workshop Exercises | 30% |
| Semester Assessment | Example Sheets | 20% |
| Semester Exam | 2 Hours Exam | 50% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Example Sheets | 20% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Workshop Exercises | 30% |
| Supplementary Exam | 2 Hours Exam | 50% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of EM waves generation, behaviour in free space and at dielectric boundaries.
Show critical understanding of EM guiding structures, both metallic and dielectric.
Show mastery in basic design and matching techniques of the microwave circuits involved in the process of high frequency signal transmission.
Solve complex problems related to impedance matching of the RF circuits using Smith charts.
Present the outcomes of the exercises performed in the workshops.
Brief description
This module develops an introduction to an EM theory and its applications in microwave devices. The full theory of transmission, reflection, dispersion and absorption of EM waves is developed for free-space, conductors and dielectrics. The module offers an in-depth knowledge of microwave circuits, transmission line theory, types of transmission lines and impedance matching of the RF networks. The theory underlying the generation of EM waves is presented, with discussions that consider the waveguides, Hertzian dipole and antennas.
Content
Electromagnetic Waves:
• Maxwell's equations, EM waves in free space, energy and Poynting vector, dispersion, absorption of plane waves in conductors, skin effect, reflection and transmission, dielectric and conducting boundaries.
Generation of electromagnetic waves:
Propagation between conducting plates, rectangular waveguides, cavities. Hertzian dipole, antennas.
Fundamentals of microwave devices:
Fundamental characteristics of microwaves and define common terms such as dB and dBm, Power loss, VSWR, Gain, Bandwidth, load, generator, transmission line, resistive loads, standing waves, waveguide components (Tees, attenuators, isolators).
Transmission line theory: Describe different types of transmission lines (Coaxial, planar transmission lines, waveguides etc.) and their properties, S-parameters and two port networks, Smith charts and impedance matching.
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Adaptability and resilience | Adaptability and resilience are required to lead the problem solving in the right direction. |
| Co-ordinating with others | This will be helpful in group discussions during workshops. |
| Creative Problem Solving | Problem solving is a key skill in engineering. |
| Critical and analytical thinking | Critical and analytical thinking is required for the exercises in example sheets. |
| Digital capability | Digital capability useful in the preparation of example sheets. |
| Professional communication | Written communication is developed in example sheets. |
| Real world sense | The module develops skills that may be applied in industry. |
| Reflection | The students will need to reflect on their practices when carrying out example exercises. |
| Subject Specific Skills | The module develops technical skills related to design of microwave devices and impedance matching networks. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 7