Course detail
Microwaves and RF Design
FEKT-GCVTAcad. year: 2019/2020
Students become familiar with principles and application of fundamental numerical methods (finite differences, finite elements, method of moments) for the analysis of microwave structures operating at frequencies from hundreds of MHz up to tens of GHz. Further, conventional and non-conventional optimization methods (gradient and Newton algorithms, genetic algorithms) and their application to the design of microwave circuits and antennas are described. In frame of an individual project, students will design, manufacture and measure a given planar structure.
Supervisor
Department
Learning outcomes of the course unit
The graduate is able (1) apply basic numerical methods to the analysis of microwave circuits and antennas, (2) use standard and non-standard optimization methods for the design of microwave structures, (3) manufactured and experimentally verified parameters of the designed structure.
Prerequisites
Fundamentals of electromagnetics (Maxwell equations) and fundamentals of numerical methods (numerical integration, numerical derivation, solution of matrix equations) are the pre-requisites.
Co-requisites
Not applicable.
Recommended optional programme components
Not applicable.
Recommended or required reading
SILVESTER, P.P., FERRARI, R.L. Finite Elements for Electrical Engineers. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1996. (EN)
GILL, P.E., MURRAY, W. Numerical methods for constrained optimization. London: Academic Press, 1974. (EN)
DAVIDSON, D.B. Computational electromagnetics for RF and microwave engineering, 2/E, Cambridge: Gambridge University Press, 2010. (EN)
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
Lectures, PC exercises, individual project.
Assesment methods and criteria linked to learning outcomes
Students can obtain 40 points for the activity in computer labs. An individual project is honored by 30 points (maximally), and the final test is honored by additional 30 points (maximally).
Language of instruction
English
Work placements
Not applicable.
Course curriculum
Lectures:
1. Introduction to computational electromagnetics, MATLAB.
2. Finite-difference method: potential distribution, wave propagation in waveguide.
3. Finite-element method: potential distribution, wave propagation in waveguide.
4. Finite elements: analysis of 2D and 3D structures.
5. Time domain finite differences: transients in waveguides.
6. Time domain finite elements: transients in waveguides.
7. Moment method: analysis of wire antennas.
8. Commercial software: ANSOFT HFSS, ANSOFT Designer.
9. Conventional optimization methods: steepest descent, Newton method, Optimization Toolbox of MATLAB.
10. Global optimization: genetic algorithms, swarm optimization, multi-objective optimization.
11. Design of planar filters.
12. Design of power dividers.
13. Design of other planar components.
Laboratory exercises:
1. MATLAB for computational electromagnetics.
2. Finite differences, modal analysis of resonators.
3. Finite elements: modal analysis of resonators.
4. Finite elements: wave propagation in waveguide.
5. Finite elements: arbitrarily shaped waveguide.
6. Time-domain finite elements.
7. Design of frequency filters.
8. Local optimization.
Aims
Lectures are aimed to present principles of basic numerical methods for the analysis of microwave circuits and antennas, and to explain conventional and non-conventional optimization methods for the design of microwave structures to students.
Specification of controlled education, way of implementation and compensation for absences
Evaluation of activities is specified by a regulation, which is issued by the lecturer responsible for the course annually.
Type of course unit
eLearning
eLearning: currently opened course