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. 

1. Classify types of guided transmission structure and sketch their associated EM fields. 
2. Articulate how EM theory can be used to design passive microwave components (e.g. simple resonators and filters) 
3. Discuss the concept of impedance matching and distributed circuit design problems. 
4. Understand scattering parameters and their measurement and application in active circuit design. 
5. Design and critically assess the performance of HF components and coupling structures. 
6. Derive EM fields in important waveguide structures and demonstrate understanding of their behaviour.  

The module will be delivered through a blend of interactive on-campus face-to-face teaching sessions, guided study, and lab-based tutorials and feedback sessions. It will include tutorial demonstrations/mini vivas on the use of COMSOL’s RF simulation software to simulate HF and RF devices such as microstrip lines. All the learning material delivered by the module staff including the links to the lecture recordings will be available on the Learning Central. 

In addition to developing your problem solving, critical thinking, reflection and communication skills, the module will support you in developing skills in: 

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

• Designing simple passive microwave components and structures 

• Using the Smith Chart to solve high frequency engineering problems. 

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

• 1 hour 30 min written examination (answer 4 questions from 4) - 60%  

This exam will cover all taught material. It is a graded exam that covers transmission lines, loss, EM theory, structures and equivalent circuits, matching, waveguides and resonators (LO 1,2(p),3(p),4(p),5(p),6(p)). 

• Coursework consisting of two components - 40%  

Coursework 1 (LO 2(p), 5(p), 6(p)) 

This will be an in-person ‘demonstration’ or ‘mini-viva’ in which students are expected to demonstrate the function of a working simulation and answer questions related to the theory and tasks of the coursework. Feedback is given immediately and directly to students at the end of their assessments. 

Using COMSOL’s RF module, the students simulate a microstrip line, then add a discontinuity to represent physical damage, and use ports at each end of the microstrip to analyse signal propagation. 

Coursework 2 (LO 3(p), 4(p)) 

Coursework 2 is a written assessment, where students are asked to characterise a simple 2-port structure using S-parameters and discuss the results. This is followed by a design exercise, using the datasheet of a modern high-frequency power transistor as the starting point. Students need to interpret design information and apply this to the design of matching networks, using different matching approaches. Reports are assessed against the specific criteria to test depth of understanding and approach to design. General and criteria specific feedback is provided using a marking sheet that is returned to students, along with their submitted coursework. 

Note (p) denotes partial coverage of LO. 

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

The opportunity for reassessment in this module will be set at component level. The remit of the reassessment will be set by the module leader mapped against the module learning outcomes (LO 1-6).    

Opportunities 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 
 
Basic filter design and applications 
 
Rectangular waveguide theory 
 
Review of transmission line structures: propagation, characteristic impedance, reflection coefficient 
 
Review of HF and RF circuit design problems: impedance matching 
 
HF and RF design: Smith Chart 
 
Measurement of impedance: slotted line 
 
Matching networks both lumped and distributive: design and analysis 
 
Scattering parameters: definition and measurement 
 
Circuit analysis using scattering parameters: flow diagrams 
 
Amplifier design using scattering parameters: gain definitions and matching