Microwave circuits

About this course

This subject provides the student with the basic tools to analyze components and analog subsystems (active and passive) that operate in the band of the microwaves, as well as to evaluate his specifications and performance. The microwave subsystems are part, among others, of the modern communications systems transceivers (cellular telephony, wireless networks, satellite communications, and so on), thus the importance for the student to get some knowledge and background about these components. On the other hand, this subject complements the knowledge the student has, due to previous subjects, in electronics for communications, since when working in the microwave range, we need to use different tools for an accurate circuit analysis and design.

Expected learning outcomes

Knowledge of basic subjects and technologies that enables the student to learn new methods and technologies, as well as to give him great versatility to confront and adapt to new situations.

Ability to solve problems with initiative, to make creative decisions and to communicate and transmit knowledge and skills, understanding the ethical and professional responsibility of the Technical Telecommunication Engineer activity.

Knowledge to perform measurements, calculations, assessments, appraisals, technical evaluations, studies, reports, task scheduling and similar work to each specific telecommunication area.

Ability to work in multidisciplinary groups in a multilanguage environment and to communicate, in writing and orally, knowledge, procedures, results and ideas related with Telecommunications and Electronics.

Ability to analyze the components and their specifications for guided and non-guided communications systems.

Ability to select circuits, subsystems and systems of radiofrequency, microwaves, broadcasting, radio link and radio determination.

Ability to select transmission antennas, equipment and systems, propagation of guided and non-guided waves, with electromagnetic, radiofrequency and optical media, and their corresponding radio electric spectrum management and frequency designation.

Understanding Engineering within a framework of sustainable development.

Awareness of the need for long-life training and continuous quality improvement, showing a flexible, open and ethical attitude toward different opinions and situations, particularly on non-discrimination based on sex, race or religion, as well as respect for fundamental rights, accessibility, etc.

Encourage cooperative work, and skills like communication, organization, planning and acceptance of responsibility in a multilingual and multidisciplinary work environment, which promotes education for equality, peace and respect for fundamental rights.

Indicative Syllabus

1.Introduction to microwave circuits.
A. Microwaves and their advantages for communications.
B. Microwave Subsystems. Solutions for applications in the different frequency bands for wave guided and wireless transmissions.
C. Integrated technologies for high frequencies. MICs.
2. Basic concepts.
A. Transmission Lines Theory. Travelling waves, characteristic impedance and reflection coefficient.
B. Smith Chart.
C. Coaxial cable and planar transmission lines.
3. S-parameters.
A. Definition and properties.
B. Signal Flow Charts.
C. Power and Gain.
D. Stability.
4. Impedance Matching.
A. Basic matching networks (discreet and distributed) for narrowband applications.
5. Microwave passive components.
A. Filters, couplers, phase shifters and resonators.
6. Microwave active devices for integrated circuits.
A. Semiconductors for microwave active devices. Heterostructures.
B. High Frequency Diodes
C. Bipolar and FET Transistor technologies for high frequencies.
7. Circuits for microwave transceivers.
A. Linear microwave amplifiers.
B. Circuits for optical receivers and transmitters.
8. Linear analysis of microwave active and passive components, and circuits with a commercial simulator.
A. Practice to analyze basic microwave components: microwave transistor equivalent circuit, matching networks, etc.
B. Practice to analyze attenuators and various types of couplers.
C. Practice to analyze linear amplifiers.
9. RF measurements of microwave devices and circuits. Microwave lab instruments.
A. Coaxial wires and adapters.
B. Vector Network Analyzer. Calibration.
C. RF measurements using a Vector Network Analyzer.
D. Analysis of the RF performance of various microwave components

Teaching / Learning Methodology

7hrs of work in the lab + 12hrs of remote work + 19hrs of lecturing + 4hrs of problem solving + 108 of student autonomous work

Recommended Reading

TBA