In this module you will explore the cutting-edge techniques and latest developments in HF and RF engineering. The module will give a contemporary account of passive and active components associated with high frequency communication systems, with a focus upon the electromagnetic and circuit design aspects.  The additional circuit design techniques that must be used in the design of high frequency circuits and systems will be introduced, and in addition you will consider emerging interdisciplinary applications and critical technologies in communications including 5G/6G. 

• LO1. Classify types of guided transmission structure and sketch their associated EM fields. 
• LO2. Articulate how EM theory can be used to design passive microwave components (e.g. simple resonators and filters) (AHEP C1/M1, C3/M3, C13/M13) 
• LO3. Practice the concept of impedance matching and distributed circuit design problems (AHEP C3/M3).  
• LO4. Understand scattering parameters and their measurement and application in active circuit design. (AHEP C1/M1, C13/M13) 
• LO5. Design and critically assess the performance of HF components and coupling structures. (AHEP C1/M1, C3/M3, C4/M4, C12/M12)  
• LO6. Derive EM fields in important waveguide structures and demonstrate understanding of their behaviour. (AHEP C1/M1) 

The Engineering Council sets the overall requirements for the AHEP (Accreditation for Higher Education Programmes). It is the standard used by the UK engineering profession to assess the competence and commitment of individual engineers and technicians and is in its 4th iteration. Link: ahep-fourth-edition 

The module will be delivered through a blend of interactive teaching sessions, guided study, and lab-based tutorials and feedback sessions. 

The face-to-face lectures will focus upon developing understanding of the fundamental physical behaviours of the HF materials and components and explain design principles and cutting-edge practical techniques used in a modern context. 

Practical laboratory simulation exercises will complement the theoretical concepts introduced in lectures, fostering a thorough grasp of electromagnetic and circuit design aspects of HF and RF engineering with real-world applications. To support learning, you will have access to guided study sessions, worked numerical examples, and tutorial exercises designed to enhance your ability to apply key concepts effectively. 

A detailed week-by-week outline of the module, including teaching topics, learning activities, and laboratory sessions, will be provided. This module guide will detail how each component relates to the overall assessment. 

Subject-Specific Skills: 

• Apply Maxwell's equations to derive the EM propagation characteristics of common guided structures 

• Design simple passive microwave components and structures 

• Use the Smith Chart to solve high frequency engineering problems 

• Perform simple calculations relating to passive and active devices using scattering parameters 

Professional & Practical Skills (AHEP4): 

• C1 Apply knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Some of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study 
  • M1 Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Much of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study and informed by a critical awareness of new developments and the wider context of engineering 
• C3 Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems, recognising the limitations of the techniques employed 
  • M3 Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed 
• C4 Select and evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to address complex problems 
  • M4 Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to solve complex problems 
• C12 M12 Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate complex problems 
• C13 M13 Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations 

Transferable/Employability Skills (Graduate Attributes): 

Collaboration Skills: 

• C1: Contribute positively and effectively when working in a team, having an impact from the outset 

• C3 - Be respectful of the roles of others and acknowledge the limits of their own skills/experience 

Effective Communicators: 

• EC2: Communicate complex ideas effectively to diverse audiences 

• EC3: Contribute to discussions, negotiate and present with impact 

• EC4: Deliver, accept and act on constructive feedback 

Ethically, socially and environmentally aware: 

• ESA1: Consider own personal and professional ethical, social and environmental responsibilities, and act as global citizens 

• ESA2: Demonstrate personal and professional integrity, reliability and competence 

• ESA3: Understand organisations, their stakeholders and their impact on the community 

Independent and critical thinkers 

• ICT1: Identify, define and analyse complex issues and ideas, exercising critical judgement in evaluating sources of information 

• ICT2: Demonstrate intellectual curiosity and engage in the pursuit of new knowledge and understanding 

• ICT3: Investigate problems and offer effective solutions, reflecting on and learning from successes and failures 

Reflective & Resilient 

• RR2: Demonstrate resilience, adaptability and creativity in dealing with challenges, and be open to change 

• RR4: Engage with new ideas, opportunities and technologies, building knowledge and experience to make informed decisions about own future 

SUMMATIVE ASSSSMENT  

This module is assessed via:  

• Laboratory work worth 40% of the module (LO 2, 5). This is in the form of a 15-minute oral assessment in the lab in week 6, followed by a submitted worksheet in week 12; 

• A formal 1.5-hour examination at the end of the Autumn semester worth 60% of the module (LO 1-6).   

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT  

Students will have access to support and feedback on progress on their coursework within the timetabled laboratory sessions.  

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

Reassessment will be via successful completion of the failed components.  

The opportunity for re-assessment is only permitted provided you have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by your programme.  If the amount of credit you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme.  You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period. 

All resit assessments will be held in the Resit Examination period, prior to the start of the following academic session. 

• EM wave propagation in guided structures 

• Attenuation in waveguides: conductor and dielectric losses 

• Resonator design: calculation of resonant frequencies and quality factors, coupling, packaging 

• Rectangular waveguide theory and review of transmission line structures: propagation, characteristic impedance, reflection coefficient 

• Review of high frequency circuit design problems, impedance matching techniques and use of the Smith Chart 

• Scattering (S) parameters, their definition, measurement and use for example in amplifier design