EE104 - Introduction to RF/Microwave Concepts

This course introduces some of the basic concepts that are involved with RF and Microwave measurements and devices. The fundamental difficulty with RF and Microwave measurements and design is that the wavelength of the electromagnetic fields involved are the same size as the devices used. Thus, approximations used in DC and AC electronics, or optical and beyond at the other end of the spectrum can not be used. This course will introduce the following concepts:

• Introduction
• The problem with Voltage
• Power
• Wavelength and the finite speed of light
• Wave amplitudes
• Reflections and their measure
  • Impedance (and its problems)
  • Reflection Coefficient
  • VSWR
  • Return Loss
• Attenuation and its measure
  • Insertion Loss
  • Attenuation (characteristic insertion loss)
  • Nepers
  • dB
• S-parameters
• Noise, Noise Temperature, and Noise Figure
• Coaxial Cable
  • Characteristic impedace
  • Connector Types
  • Multi-moding problems
  • The measurement plane issue
• Waveguides
  • Introduction to Waveguides
  • Waveguide Modes
  • Cutoff frequency
  • Designation of Waveguides
  • Guide Wavelength
  • Dispersion

It is assumed that EE101, EE102, and EE103, or the equivalent material is understood by the student before attempting this course. In addition, because of the inherently complex values of the quantities that appear in the RF and microwave arena, we are recommending that MATH110 - Introduction to Complex Arithmetic is taken as well before taking this course.

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