RF AND MICROWAVE FUNDAMENTALS - 2020/1

Module Overview

Expected prior learning: None.




Module purpose:  Radio frequency (RF) and microwave engineers require proficiency in a specific set of skills to in electronic circuitry that does not exist for other typical applications. Therefore a good grounding in the electronics associated with RF and microwave devices and important underlying essential fundamentals are delivered for any form of RF or microwave engineering. 





 

Module provider

Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Module Leader

BROWN Tim (Elec Elec En)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 6

Module cap (Maximum number of students): 27

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None.

Module content

Indicative content includes the following:

• transmission line theory, S-parameters and two port networks, pulse filtering


• Smith charts and impedance matching.


• RF filter design and characteristics.


• Antenna theory and propagation in free space.


• Low noise amplifier design and noise source calculations.


• RF receiver design, superhet receivers.


• Case study: radio deployment in pulse and carrier wave radar.


• Laboratory experimentation with low noise amplifiers and CAD-based design laboratories based on the indicative content of the module.

 

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

Not applicable: students failing a unit of assessment resit the assessment in its original format.

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy for this module is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their competence in explaining and using fundamentals of RF and microwave in practical test and measurement, simulation of RF circuits and problem solving tasks for real life applications. This is therefore tested in real life hands on practical and computer aided design (CAD) simulation laboratories. The examination includes both testing the knowledge and understanding of fundamentals in RF and microwave, while also it includes problem solving tasks in designing and deploying radio receivers.

 

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of the following.

• 
  A two-hour, closed-book written examination where there is a choice of three questions to answer out of the four available questions. The marks from this examination contribute 80% of the module mark.
  


• 
  Submitted coursework will be undertaken relating to the flipped classes, CAD laboratory sessions and one practical laboratory session. The marks make up 20% of the module mark
  

 

           Any deadline given here is indicative. For confirmation of exact dates and times, please check the Departmental assessment calendar issued to you.


Formative assessment and feedback

For the module, students will receive formative assessment/feedback in the following ways.

• 
  During lectures, by examples
  


• 
  During lectures, by peer instruction
  


• 
  During tutorials
  


• 
  During supervised laboratory sessions
  


• 
  During supervised computer laboratory sessions
  


• 
  Via assessed coursework
  

Module aims

• Students will gain knowledge of the fundamentals in designing RF and microwave circuits, hands on experience of RF test and measurement as well as gain appreciation for the practical challenges in building such circuits.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to achieve the following aims:

• 
  To build knowledge in the fundamentals and use of RF and microwave theory including scattering parameters, Smith charts, RF propagation, RF transistor circuits and noise.
  


• 
  To use the knowledge of the fundamentals in designing radio receivers.
  


• 
  To realise the application of fundamentals in RF and microwave in undertaking hands on practical test and measurement tasks as well as computer aided design (CAD) simulations.
  

 

Learning and teaching methods include the following.

• 
  A combination of lectures and flipped class interactive learning in two hour blocks for nine weeks, including use of electronic voting and peer instruction, recordings of lectures and examples.
  


• 
  Three weeks of supervised three hour CAD laboratory classes with in class assessment..
  


• 
  One week with a three hour practical laboratory class with in class assessment.
  

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: EEE3033

Other information

This module has a capped number and may not be available to ERASMUS and other international exchange students. Please check with the International Engagement Office email: ieo.incoming@surrey.ac.uk

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2020/1 academic year.