Master Course Syllabus for EE 480 (ABET sheet)

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:

Textbook:

References:

Prerequisites by Topic:

  1. Basic electromagnetic theory
  2. Basic transmission line theory

Topics:

1.                  Review: Microwave transmission lines (1 week)

Analysis of microwave circuits using S-parameters

Microstrip TL

 

2.                  Electrical properties of materials (2 weeks)

Physical properties

TL formulation (forward problem)

Estimation of dielectric constant from S11 and S21 (inverse problem)

Reflection method and lumped element model

Dielectric constant measurement and inversion techniques

 

3. Time-domain analysis of TL with complex loads (1 week)

Unit step function signal response

Finite rise-time signal response

 

4. Time-domain analysis of lossy TL and dispersion effects (1 week)

 

5. High-speed circuits and signal coupling effects (1 week)

Forward and backward coupled signals on TL

 

6. Discontinuity in high-frequency and high-speed circuits (1 week)

Parameter extractions

 

7. Review: TEM, TE, and TM modes on parallel plate waveguides (1 week)

Phase and group velocities

Conductor and dielectric loss

 

8. Waves on rectangular and circular waveguides (1 week)

Derivation of fields in waveguides and wave mode structures

Bessel differential equations and Bessel functions

Loss in waveguides

Dielectric waveguides and surface waves

 

9. Special topics (1 week)

RF/Microwave in communication systems

Angle of arrival

Wave propagation in urban and suburban areas

 

Course Structure:

Lectures are organized so that students can analyze and design 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 Time- and frequency-domain analysis of a TL model

Implementation of inverse chirp-Z transform

Lab 2 Dielectric constant estimation using transmission method

Forward and inverse problem in EM

Estimation of the dielectric constant from S11 and S21 measurements

Error analysis and ill-posed problem

Lab 3 Dielectric constant estimation using reflection method

Lumped element model and its approximation

Estimation of the dielectric constant from S11 measurement

Error analysis and ill-posed problem

Lab 4 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 5 Coupled noise analysis

Forward and backward coupled noise

Analysis using the circuit model

Final Projects: Some examples are

Analysis of waveguide discontinuity using HFSS

Time-domain simulation model of non-uniform microstrip TL

Design of a microwave stud finder

Implementation of the TRL calibration method

Computer Resources:

Laboratory Resources:

Vector network analyzer (VNWA)

TEK TDR for the time-domain measurements

 

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

 

Outcome Coverage:

(a) An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering. The majority of the lectures, homework and projects deal with the application of electromagnetic theory. Mathematical formulations are commonplace throughout the course. (H)

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

(c) An ability to design a system, component or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability and sustainability. 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 will involve a design of a simulation tool. (M)

(d) An ability to function on multidisciplinary teams. N/A

(e) An ability to 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)

(f) An understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities. N/A

(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 a need for the professional to maintain a 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)

Preparer: Yasuo Kuga

Date: 12/5/2012