48
Electromagnetic Fields
REGGIO DI CALABRIA
Overview
Date/time interval
Syllabus
Course Objectives
The training objective of the course is to transfer to students the methodologies for the analysis, the design and the characterization of devices working at microwave and optical frequencies.
Course Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of electromagnetic field theory with particular reference to free propagation, guided propagation and radiation.
Teaching Methods
Lectures
Computer-based exercises
Assessment Methods
The examination consists of the preparation of a short thesis, agreed upon with the Instructor, related to the design and analysis of a microwave or optical circuit, consistent with the topics covered during the course (e.g., microwave networks, impedance matching techniques, microwave filters, or high-frequency passive devices).
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 circuit models of microwave engineering;
- analyze and interpret the performance of high-frequency networks and devices;
- critically evaluate the adopted design choices;
- communicate the acquired knowledge using appropriate scientific language and clearly and rigorously present the theoretical and applied contents of the course.
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 theoretical or design-related 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 and analysis of microwave and/or optical circuits.
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 circuit performance.
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 analytical 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
Collin, Foundations for Microwave Engineering (IEEE PRESS).
Pozar, Microwave Engineering, Wiley, 2001.
Sorrentino R., Bianchi G., Ingegneria delle microonde e radiofrequenze, McGraw-Hill, 2005.
Contents
The course aims to provide advanced theoretical and applied training in the field of microwave engineering, with particular emphasis on the analysis and design of high-frequency passive networks and devices. The course introduces the main circuit and distributed-parameter models, impedance matching techniques, passive microwave devices, and numerical methods for electromagnetic analysis, with attention to modern high-frequency applications, including millimeter-wave technologies and integrated systems.
The main teaching activities include:
- Microwave networks and scattering parameters (1.5 ECTS): matrix representations of microwave networks; Z-matrix, ABCD matrix, and S-matrix; properties of the S-matrix; reciprocal and lossless devices; relationship between S- and Z-matrices; reference plane shifting; applied exercises.
- Impedance matching and Smith chart (1.5 ECTS): use of the Smith chart and exercises; quarter-wave transformer and bandwidth; transfer function of a cascade of N transmission lines; small-reflection theory; multisection transformers; binomial multisection impedance transformers; single-, double-, and triple-stub matching networks.
- Resonators and passive microwave devices (1 ECTS): review of resonators and exercises; passive microwave devices; power dividers; directional couplers; circulators.
- Microwave filters and periodic structures (1 ECTS): review of periodic structures; Floquet theorem; microwave filter design techniques; applied exercises.
- Numerical methods for electromagnetics (0.5 ECTS): introduction to the main numerical methods for electromagnetic analysis: Method of Moments (MoM), Finite Element Method (FEM), Finite Difference Method (FDM).
- Applications of microwave engineering (0.5 ECTS): millimeter-wave and/or optical devices; Substrate Integrated Waveguide (SIW); beam-forming network design; Wireless Power and Information Transfer.
EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Knowledge and understanding: Upon successful completion of the examination, the student has knowledge and understanding of theoretical and circuit models for the analysis of microwave networks, scattering-parameter representations, impedance matching techniques, and the operating principles of the main passive microwave devices, as well as the fundamentals of numerical methods for electromagnetic analysis and the main applications of microwave engineering at high frequencies.
Applying knowledge and understanding: Upon successful completion of the examination, the student is able to analyze and design passive microwave networks and devices, apply impedance matching and filter synthesis techniques, use distributed-parameter models and numerical analysis tools, and evaluate the performance of devices and systems operating at microwave and millimeter-wave frequencies.
Making judgments: To successfully pass the examination, the student must be able to independently assess the performance of microwave networks and devices, compare different design solutions for matching, filtering, and power distribution, and select appropriate models and analysis methodologies according to design requirements and application scenarios.
Communication skills: The course and the examination help the student to develop the ability to clearly and rigorously describe and discuss issues related to the analysis and design of microwave devices, using appropriate technical terminology and coherently presenting the results of exercises, analyses, and design activities.
Learning skills: Upon successful completion of the examination, the student is able to autonomously update their knowledge through the study of specialized textbooks and technical documentation, including materials in English, and to apply the acquired methodologies to new devices, technologies, and application scenarios in the field of microwave and high-frequency engineering.
More information
Teams code: ddet4bx