This module aims to introduce students to the fundamental concepts of high frequency electromagnetics; to present and develop the underlying theory of transmission lines (TX), including lossy TX; to introduce the Smith Chart as an important tool in TX design and analysis; to give an appreciation of the importance of computational electromagnetics its role in industrial applications; to give a clear understanding of impedance matching and related techniques; to introduce the concept of the scattering parameters for 2-port networks and their applications and measurements; to understand radio wave propagation, attenuation and reflection; and to enable students to appreciate the basic understanding of RF filter, antenna and amplifier design.

(LO1) The essentials of RF engineering and applied EM. The circuit and field concepts and their relevance to RF systems.

(LO2) The underlying theory and physical concepts behind transmission lines (TX) and the factors governing performance of real TEM transmission lines, and knowledge of various transmission lines in practice.

(LO3) Reflection coeffiecients, VSWR,and return loss in communication systems

(LO4) The methods of achieving matched conditions for maximum power transfer.

(LO5) S- parameters and their measurement and applications.

(LO6) An appreciation of radio propagation and antennas.

(LO7) Fundamental knowledge of RF components and devices, such as filters and amplifiers, for modern communicaiton systems.

(S1) Problem solving skills

(S2) Numeracy

(S3) Lifelong learning skills

- Introduction to RF systems and engineering. Electromagnetic spectrum, essential passive elements (such as antennas, transmission lines and filters) and active elements (including amplifiers and oscillators). Examples of wireless communication systems (such as mobile phones) and airborne RF systems (such as GPS and radar).

- Introduction to the circuit concepts and field concepts. Review of the necessary maths (dB, vectors and complex numbers), electromagnetic fields and waves. The wave equation and solution. The concepts of polarisation, intrinsic impedance and power density function. Skin depth and non-ideal behaviour of electrical components as a function of frequency.

- Transmission lines, Transmission line equation and theory; characteristic impedance; input impedance; phase velocity, group velocity and dispersion; attenuation and phase constants; loaded transmission lines and load reflection coefficients. VSWR, return loss; impedance matching: quarter wave transfo rmer and stub matching techniques. Comparison of various transmission lines. Equivalence of short sections of line to inductance or capacitance and application to high frequency filter design. The Smith Chart. Scattering matrix of simple 2-port networks; S-parameters of an RF element (such as a filter or transistor); application to S-parameter analysis. Vector network analyser and S-parameter measurements.

- Radio wave propagation and antennas; radio wave propagation in various media, path-loss and path-loss models; wave reflection and transmission; Antenna essential concepts and parameters (input impedance, directivity, gain, efficiency, polarisation and radiation pattern). Basic antennas (dipole and loop). Friis equation and applications.

Due to Covid-19, one or more of the following delivery methods will be implemented based on the current local conditions and the situation of registered students. It is anticipated that both a) & b) will be in operation for semester 1..
(a) Hybrid delivery, with social distancing on Campus
Teaching Method 1 - On-line asynchronous lectures
Description: Lectures to explain the material
Attendance Recorded: No
Notes: On average one per week

Teaching Method 2 - Synchronous face to face tutorials
Description: Tutorials on the Assignments and Problem Sheets
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: On average one per fortnight

(b) Fully online delivery and assessment
Teaching Method 1 - On-line asynchronous lectures
Description: Lectures to explain the material
Attendance Recorded: No
Notes: On average one per week

Teaching Method 2 - On-line synchronous tutorials
Description: Tutorials on the Assignments and Problem Sheets
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: On average one per fortnight

(c) Standard on-campus delivery with minimal social distancing
Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Lectures to explain the material
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: On average one per week

Teaching Method 2 - Tutorial
Description: Tutorials on the Assignments and Problem Sheets
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: On average one per fortnight