MICROWAVE DESIGN TECHNIQUES - 2021/2

Module Overview

Expected prior learning: EEE3033–RF and Microwave Fundamentals, or equivalent learning.

Module purpose: At Gigahertz frequencies the operating wavelength is small. Devices operating in the Gigahertz frequency range are therefore electrically large compared to the operating wavelength. In such cases, it is no longer appropriate to use traditional lumped element circuit components. The passive devices used at Gigahertz frequencies thus have to be made either using printed transmission lines (e.g. microstrip, coplanar waveguide) or waveguide. This module will present microwave design and analysis concepts for a range of commonly used passive circuits using both microstrip lines and waveguides, including: transmission lines, coupling networks, antennas and filters.

Module provider

Computer Science and Electronic Eng

Module Leader

XIAO Pei (Elec Elec En)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 7

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None.

Module content

Indicative content includes the following.

• 
  Revision of prerequisite background material, including: S-parameters, decibels, transmission line theory, smith charts.
  


• 
  Common transmission line technologies: waveguide, micro strip lines, and coplanar waveguides
  


• 
  Waveguide structures, propagation within waveguides.
  


• 
  Applications of waveguides, including: couplers, tee junctions, slots, horn antennas
  

• Microwave network analysis


• 
  Printed micro strip devices, including: splitters, couplers
  


• 
  Impedance matching
  


• 
  Microwave filters
  

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

Alternative assessment: Not applicable: students failing a unit of assessment re-sit the assessment in its original format.

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy for this module is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate the competence in the design and analysis of passive microwave circuits. The written examination is designed to test the students' ability to design and analyse circuits as well as communicate their understanding of the microwave principles presented in class.

 

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

• 
  Closed book written examination, 2 hours in which students have a choice of three questions out of four available questions.
  
   
  
  Formative assessment and feedback
  
  For the module, students will receive formative assessment/feedback in the following ways.
  


• 
  During lectures, by question and answer sessions.
  


• 
  During lectures, by peer instruction (subject to a large enough class size).
  


• 
  During tutorials/tutorial classes.
  

Module aims

• To provide a foundation of knowledge and understanding in the area of passive microwave circuit and systems design.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to have the students develop an understanding of each of the items listed in the module content. The teaching strategy is to present these topics through formal lectures, with interactive in-class problem solving and through additional tutorial sessions.

 

Learning and teaching methods include the following.

• 
  Lectures 3 hours per week x 9 weeks
  


• 
  Tutorials 3 hours
  


• 
  Lab 3 hours
  

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: EEEM064

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 2021/2 academic year.