48
Electromagnetic Fields
REGGIO DI CALABRIA
Overview
Date/time interval
Syllabus
Course Objectives
The course aims to provide students with advanced theoretical and practical skills in the design, simulation, and realization of innovative electromagnetic devices.
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Design and model complex electromagnetic devices using numerical methods and CAD software tools;
- Analyze and optimize components based on reconfigurable surfaces and metamaterials;
- Apply advanced simulation techniques and performance evaluation methodologies in realistic scenarios.
Course Prerequisites
Basic understanding of electromagnetic fields and the fundamental principles of radio waves, including concepts of wave propagation and reflection in complex environments. Telecommunications antennas.
Teaching Methods
- Lectures
- Computer-based exercises
- Laboratory exercises
Assessment Methods
The examination consists of the preparation of a short thesis, agreed upon with the instructor, related to the design and simulation of an advanced electromagnetic device, consistent with the topics covered during the course (e.g., devices based on metamaterials, reconfigurable intelligent surfaces, advanced arrays, or propagation analysis in complex environments).
The oral examination includes the discussion of the thesis and an interview on the course topics, with the aim of assessing the student’s ability to:
- understand and apply the theoretical and methodological contents of the course;
- analyze and interpret the results of numerical simulations;
- critically evaluate the adopted design choices;
- communicate the acquired knowledge using appropriate scientific language and clearly and rigorously present the theoretical and applied contents.
Typically, two questions are asked, each of which is evaluated with a score ranging from 18 to 30. The final grade corresponds to the arithmetic mean of the scores obtained in the different questions. It is possible that one of the answers may be required in written form during the oral examination, limited to the discussion of design or numerical aspects.
Evaluation criteria
30 – 30 cum laude: Complete, in-depth, and critical knowledge of the course topics; excellent command of scientific terminology; original and in-depth interpretative ability; full autonomy in applying the acquired knowledge to the design, simulation, and analysis of advanced electromagnetic devices.
26 – 29: Complete and in-depth knowledge of the topics covered; excellent command of scientific terminology; effective interpretative ability; autonomy in applying the acquired knowledge to the solution of design problems and to the analysis of simulation results.
24 – 25: Good knowledge of the course topics; good command of scientific terminology; correct and confident interpretative ability; ability to correctly apply most of the acquired knowledge in design and simulation activities.
21 – 23: Adequate knowledge of the topics, with limited mastery of some contents; satisfactory command of scientific terminology; correct interpretative ability; limited ability to independently apply the acquired knowledge.
18 – 20: Basic knowledge of the main topics of the course; elementary understanding of scientific terminology; sufficient interpretative ability; ability to apply the basic notions acquired.
Fail: Serious gaps in the knowledge and understanding of the topics covered during the course and inability to apply the basic knowledge acquired.
Texts
Constantine A. Balanis, “Advanced Engineering Electromagnetics,” Wiley & Sons.
C. A. Balanis, “Antenna Theory: Analysis and Design,” Wiley & Sons.
Andrea Alù, Nader Engheta, “Metamaterials: From Physics to Applications,” Springer.
Eugene Hecht, “Optics,” Pearson Education.
Ulrich Rohde, Ajay Poddar, Georg Böck, “The Design of Modern Wireless Circuits,” Wiley & Sons.
Contents
The course, project-oriented and laboratory-based in nature, aims to provide a solid theoretical and applied background in the design, simulation, and analysis of advanced electromagnetic devices. Through a hands-on approach, the course enables students to acquire skills in the use of modern tools and techniques for the synthesis, modeling, and optimization of innovative devices, with particular emphasis on the use of advanced commercial electromagnetic simulators.
The course focuses on the design and numerical analysis of electromagnetic devices and systems through full-wave electromagnetic simulation. The main teaching activities include:
- Fundamentals of electromagnetic design and simulation (1 ECTS): introduction to numerical design workflows; use of commercial electromagnetic simulators; model setup, definition of boundary conditions, and analysis of simulation results.
- Refractive and reflective devices (1 ECTS): study and simulation of electromagnetic lenses; analysis of complete reflector systems and their electromagnetic performance.
- Metamaterials and advanced electromagnetic surfaces (1.5 ECTS): simulation and modeling of metamaterials; study and analysis of frequency selective surfaces (Frequency Selective Surfaces, FSS).
- Reconfigurable intelligent surfaces and advanced arrays (1.5 ECTS): design and optimization of reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces, RIS); synthesis of reconfigurable arrays for radar applications.
- Electromagnetic propagation in complex environments (1 ECTS): simulation of wireless propagation in complex environments; analysis of the interaction between electromagnetic devices and the propagation scenario.
EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Knowledge and understanding: Upon successful completion of the examination, the student has knowledge of the physical and mathematical principles underlying the operation of advanced electromagnetic devices and understands full-wave electromagnetic modeling and simulation methodologies, as well as the main computer-aided design techniques for the synthesis and analysis of microwave, optical, and terahertz devices.
Applying knowledge and understanding: Upon successful completion of the examination, the student is able to design, model, and simulate advanced electromagnetic devices and systems using commercial electromagnetic simulators, to analyze the performance of lenses, reflectors, metamaterials, frequency selective surfaces, reconfigurable intelligent surfaces, and advanced arrays, and to evaluate the interaction between electromagnetic devices and complex propagation environments.
Making judgments: To successfully pass the examination, the student must be able to independently assess design choices, numerical models, and simulation results, identifying the most effective solutions for performance optimization and for reducing computational complexity and cost.
Communication skills: The course and the examination help the student to develop the ability to clearly and rigorously communicate the results of laboratory and project activities, using appropriate technical and scientific terminology and interacting effectively with peers and field specialists.
Learning skills: Upon successful completion of the examination, the student is able to autonomously update their competencies through the use of technical and scientific documentation, including materials in English, and to apply new methodologies and simulation tools to the design of innovative electromagnetic devices.
More information
Teams code: 96ttr4j