Master Course Description

No: EE481

Title: MICROWAVE ELECTRONIC DESIGN

Credits: 4

UW Course Catalog Description

Coordinator: Yasuo Kuga, Professor of Electrical Engineering

Goals: To expose students to microwave circuit analysis, design, fabrication, and testing.

Learning Objectives:

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

1. Understand and use microwave CAD software and measurement techniques.
2. Design simple passive and active microwave circuits.
3. Design, fabricate, and test a microwave amplifier.

Textbook:

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

References:

• Lecture notes
• Lab handout
• Ansoft Designer references
• Journal paper on microstrip antenna design

Prerequisites by Topic:

1. Electromagnetic theory of transmission lines
2. Smith chart and matching techniques
3. Basic circuit analysis

Topics:

1. Introduction to microwave transmission lines and matching techniques (3 lectures)
   • Microstrip transmission lines
   • Single and double stub tuning circuits
   • Quarter-wave impedance matching circuits
2. Quadrature and 180 degree hybrid analysis and design (6 lectures)
   • Even- and odd-mode analysis of hybrids
   • Reciprocal and lossless networks
   • Cascaded network using ABCD parameters
   • Frequency responses
3. Low-pass and high-pass filter analysis and design (6 lectures)
   • Filter design by insertion loss method
   • Stepped impedance filter
   • Filter transformation
   • Filter implementation using microstrip lines
4. Noise analysis (3 lectures)
   • Noise in devices and systems
   • Noise figure and noise temperature
   • Non-linear responses of microwave circuits
5. Design and fabrication of a microwave amplifier (6 lectures)
   • Gain and stability analysis
   • Input and output matching circuits
   • Dynamic range, noise and non-linearity
6. Microwave systems (2 lectures)
   • Radar
   • Radiometers
   • Microwave communication systems

Course Structure: Lectures are organized so that the students can analyze and design the passive and active microwave circuits assigned in each lab project. The first two weeks cover basic transmission line theory and S-parameter analysis. The following eight weeks are divided into lab projects and a final project. Each project starts with analysis followed by simulations using CAD programs. Students must also fabricate the circuits and evaluate the performance.

Laboratory Projects:

Lab1 - Introduction to network analyzers

• One- and two-port calibration techniques
• Time- and frequency-domain analysis
• Unknown impedance measurements

Lab 2 - Matching circuit design by Designer

• Single- and double-stub matching circuit design using CAD
• Smith chart analysis
• Circuit optimization using Designer

Lab 3 - Quadrature hybrid design and fabrication

• Design of a 90-degree or 180-degree hybrid
• Circuit fabrication using a CAD program and copper tape
• S-parameter measurements using a network analyzer

Lab 4 - Low-pass filter design and fabrication

• Design of Butterworth, Chebysheb, Stepped impedance LPFs
• Circuit fabrication using a CAD program and copper tape
• S-parameter measurements using a network analyzer

Final Project: Amplifier design and fabrication

• Narrow-band amplifier design using Designer and ERA-3SM
• Circuit fabrication using a CAD program
• Gain measurements using a network analyzer
• Stability check and dynamic range measurements

Computer Resources:

CAD software:

• Ansoft Designer on PC
• Antenna design programs on PC
• CAD programs on PC

Laboratory Resources:

• Vector network analyzer: Hp8753
• Other microwave equipment:
  • Spectrum analyzer
  • Signal generator

Grading: 30% midterm and final exams, 40% lab projects, 30% final project

Outcome Coverage:

(a) An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering. The vast majority of the lectures, homework and projects deal with the application of electromagnetic theory. Mathematical formulations are commonplace throughout the course. Most design projects in EE481 start with the mathematical and engineering analysis. (M)

(b) An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data. All design projects have an analysis step in which the students must design and conduct experiments, and interpret the results to determine whether their design meets specifications. This course uses microwave equipment which has to be calibrated to obtain good results. During the calibration process, students will learn how to analyze and interpret data. (M)

(c) An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs. The course materials are organized so that students will be able to analyze, design and test microwave devices. Each project will start with a detailed analysis based on an ideal TL model. Then simulation, fabrication and testing will be conducted to verify their design. The result is documented in the project report. (H)

(d) An ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams. Students will work together to exchange ideas and compare different designs. Their collaboration is highly encouraged by the instructor. However, the report is prepared by each student so that they can practice technical writing. (L)

(e) An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems. The lab projects are prepared so that students are able to develop functional microwave devices. The required design specifications are given and students must satisfy them. This is similar to the product design process in industry. (M)

(f) An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility. An instructor discusses the professional ethics and responsibility in class. (L)

(g) An ability to communicate effectively. Students must prepare extensive written project reports. 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 and societal context. Wireless communication is an important technology in recent years. Most design projects are related to wireless technology. Their impact on society is discussed in class. (L)

(i) A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning. Although most design projects are related to current wireless technology, RF/radio engineering is also an old subject. The instructor discusses the history of radio engineering and how it was changed into the modern wireless technology. The emphasis is placed to recognize the changing technology and adapting to a new area. (L)

(j) A knowledge of contemporary issues. Wireless communication is an important technology in recent years. Most design projects are related to wireless technology. (L)

(k) An ability to use the techniques, skills and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice. Students use microwave CAD software (Ansoft Designer) and modern microwave measurement systems (network analyzer, signal generators, spectrum analyzer). The similar equipment and software are widely used in industry. (H)

(l) Knowledge of probability and statistics, including applications appropriate to electrical engineering. The practical design process always includes the uncertainty due to error in fabrication and variation in device characteristics. Students are encouraged to study the statistical microwave circuit design process which is very important in industry. (M)

(m) Knowledge of differential equations, linear algebra, complex variables and discrete mathematics. Microwave circuit design process often includes the solution of the wave equation, complex algebra, and matrix manipulations (M)

Prepared By: Yasuo Kuga

Date: 5/4/07