Master Course Description

No: EE480

Title: MICROWAVE ENGINEERING I

Credits: 4

UW Course Catalog Description

Coordinator: Yasuo Kuga, Professor of Electrical Engineering

Goals: To expose students to microwave theory, analysis, simulations and measurements.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

Use microwave CAD software and measurement techniques.
Understand transmission line matching techniques
Understand microwave waveguides and circuits
Understand microwave magnetic devices

Textbook:

D. Pozar, Microwave Engineering, Addison Wesley, 2005, ISBN 0-471-44878-7

Reference Texts:

Lab handout
Lecture notes

Prerequisites by Topic:

Basic electromagnetic theory
Basic transmission line theory

Topics:

Review: Microwave transmission lines (3 lectures)
- Matching techniques
- Analysis of microwave circuits using S-parameters
Electrical properties of materials (3 lectures)
- TL formulation (forward problem)
- Estimation of dielectric constant from S11 and S21 (inverse problem)
- Dielectric constant measurement and inversion techniques
Time-domain analysis of TL with complex loads (2 lectures)
Time-domain analysis of lossy TL and dispersion effects (2 lectures)
High-speed circuits and signal coupling effects (3 lectures)
- Forward and backward coupled signals on TL
Discontinuity in high-frequency and high-speed circuits (2 lectures)
- Parameter extractions
Review: TEM, TE, and TM modes on parallel plate waveguides (1 lecture)
- Phase and group velocities
- Conductor and dielectric loss
Waves on rectangular and circular waveguides (4 lectures)
- Derivation of fields in waveguides and wave mode structures
- Bessel differential equations and Bessel functions
- Loss in waveguides
- Dielectric waveguides and surface waves
Special topics:
- RF/Microwave in communication systems
- Angle of arrival
- Wave propagation in urban and suburban areas

Course Structure:

Lectures are organized so that the students can analyze and design the microwave circuits assigned in each lab project. The first few weeks cover basic electromagnetic theory in transmission lines and waveguides. Different techniques such as ABCD- and S-parameter approaches are presented to analyze the microwave circuits. Each lab project is designed so that the students are able to apply the theory studied in class to practical problems.

Laboratory projects:

Lab 1 Network analysis using a vector network analyzer: One- and two-port calibration techniques; Unknown impedance measurements; Port extension (embedding and de-embedding)
Lab 2 Dielectric constant measurements: Forward and inverse problem in EM; Estimation of the dielectric constant from S11 and S21 measurements; Error analysis and ill-posed problem
Lab 3 Time- and frequency-domain analysis of unmatched TL: Reflection from inductive, capacitive, and resistive loads.; Reflection from a non-uniform TL; Data analysis using Laplace transform
Lab 4 Coupled noise analysis: Forward and backward coupled noise; Analysis using the circuit model
Lab 5 HFSS simulations of waveguide discontinuities: Frequency responses of a rectangular waveguide; Design of a high-pass filter and simulations using HFSS
Final Project: Time-domain simulation model of non-uniform microstrip TL: Estimation of parasitic impedance using HFSS (frequency-domain); Development of a realistic circuit model using SPICE; Simulation of the time-domain response

Computer Resources:

CAD software:

Ansoft HFSS microwave design software on PC

Laboratory Resources:

Vector network analyzer: Hp8753
TEK TDR for the time-domain measurements

Grading: 50% midterm and final exams, 50% lab projects and homework assignments

Outcome Coverage:

(a) Apply math, science and engineering knowledge. The vast majority of the lectures, homework and projects deal with the application of electromagnetic theory. Mathematical formulations are commonplace throughout the course. (H)

(b) Design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data. This course uses microwave equipment which has to be calibrated carefully to obtain good results. (H)

(c) Design a system, component or process to meet desired needs. The course materials are organized so that students will be able to analyze and test microwave devices. Each project will start with a detailed analysis. The final project involved the design of a simulation tool. (M)

(e) Identify, formulate and solve engineering problems. The lab projects are designed so that students are required to solve problems using microwave CAD and measurement systems. (M)

(g) An ability to communicate effectively. Students must prepare extensive written project reports. They will also be asked to make an oral presentation of progress. Grades are given for writing quality as well as technical content of the reports. (M)

(h) The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental and societal context. Microwave engineering is important for understanding the functions of wireless devices. Students will be able identify the problems associated with high-speed and high-frequency devices. (L)

(i) A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning. The course emphasizes the rapid change in technologies employed in the microwave industry and the need for the professional to maintain state-of-the-art knowledge. (L)

(j) Knowledge of contemporary issues. Contemporary issues discussed include the problems with the current high-speed and high-frequency devices. (L)

(k) An ability to use the techniques, skills and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice. Students use microwave CAD software (Ansoft HFSS, PSPICE) and modern microwave measurement systems (network analyzer, TDR). (M)

(m) Knowledge of differential equations, linear algebra, complex variables and discrete mathematics. Solution methods for the wave equation are discussed. (M)

Prepared By: Yasuo Kuga

Date: 5/4/07