Master Course Syllabus for EE 481 (ABET sheet)

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:

Textbook:

References:

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 (1.5 week)

2. Quadrature and 180 degree hybrid analysis and design (2 weeks)

3. Low-pass and high-pass filter analysis and design (2 weeks)

4. Noise analysis (1.5 week)

5. Design and fabrication of a microwave amplifier (2 weeks)

6. Microwave systems (1 week)

Course Structure:

Lectures are organized so that the students can analyze and design the passive and active microwave circuits assigned for 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:

Computer Resources:

Laboratory Resources:

Vector network analyzer

Other microwave equipment:

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 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 designs meet specifications. This course uses microwave equipment which must 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 the design. The result is documented in a project report. (H)

(d) An ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams. Students will work together to exchange ideas and compare different designs. Collaboration is highly encouraged by the instructor. However, a report is prepared by each student so that he/she 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. The instructor will discuss 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 will discuss the history of radio engineering and how it 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). Similar equipment and software are widely used in industry. (H)

 

Preparer: Yasuo Kuga

Date: 12/5/2012