Course Objectives

• The primary goal of this course is to develop a fundamental understanding of Maxwell's field theory as applied to high-frequency radiation, propagation and circuit phenomena and their practical implementation. In particular, the physical principles underlying radio-frequency (RF) and microwave (MW) communications will be thoroughly examined.
  
  
• After a brief review of Maxwell's equations in integral and differential forms, the course focuses on electromagnetic plane wave solutions and their exploitation in transmission line theory. Of central importance is the Smith Chart as a design tool to investigate the impedance behavior of transversal electromagnetic (TEM) wave propagation. Scattering parameter representation of transmission line networks will be used to characterize and conduct circuit performance analysis. As the frequency increases further, guided wave propagation effects in terms of transversal electric (TE) and transversal magnetic (TM) modes will be examined for rectangular and cylindrical guided structures. Waveguides are technically exploited for many applications such as resonators, power dividers, directional couplers, and filters. From a practical point of view, the course will discuss microwave circuits of interest in developing wireless telecommunication systems as used in personal communication systems (PCSs), direct broadcast satellite (DBS), and global positioning satellite (GPS) systems.
  
  
• All mathematical concepts beyond vector calculus and linear system analysis will be introduced throughout the course. In particular, basics of partial differential equations, modal solutions, signal flow graphs, and conformal mappings will be explained and placed in context with their respective physical origins.
  
  
• As a prerequisite it is assumed that the student possesses a background in signals and systems, as for instance covered in EE 504, a basic exposure to vector calculus and differential equations, and an undergraduate course in field theory.

	Syllabus EE_514_outline.doc ( 62464 Bytes )
	Smith_Chart_in_Z_form Smith_Chart_Z ( 224014 Bytes ) This is the standard impedance Smith Chart
	Smith_Chart_in_Y_form Smith_Chart_Y ( 955654 Bytes ) This is the standard admittance Smith Chart
	Smith_Chart_in_ZY_form Smith_Chart_ZY ( 987756 Bytes ) This is the standard ZY Smith Chart
	Introductory Lecture Lecture_01 ( 694782 Bytes )