Learning objectives
Knowledge and understanding:
through the class lessons the student will acquire the basic theoretic knowledge of the guided electromagnetic propagation and of the electromagnetic propagation in free space; he will know and know how to use the analysis and design tools of transmission lines and of free space radiofrequency links.
Applying knowledge and understanding:
through the class practice exercises, related to all the program topics, the student will learn how to use and apply, in the frame of actual situations, the analysis and design tools of transmission lines, of antennas and of radiofrequency links.
Autonomous judgment:at the end of the course the student must be able to critically understand the behavior of transmission lines and of radiofrequency links and to evaluate the performances and the suitability in terms of the used materials, devices and frequency range. He must be also able to process data in order to verify the required performances.
Communication ability: through the class lessons and the academic debates, the student will acquire the specific terms used in electromagnetism and in the different propagation systems. At the end of the course, the student is expected to orally communicate the main contents of the course, including ideas, engineering problems and solutions. The student must also communicate his/her knowledge with proper tools, like diagrams, electrical schemes and actual description of the devices.
Learning ability: after following the course, the student will be able to autonomously deepen his/her knowledge in electromagnetism through specialist textbooks and journals, even for topics not investigated in detail during the lessons. This in order to successfully face future job or educational activities.
Prerequisites
Fisica generale 2, Principi e applicazioni dell’ingegneria elettrica.
Course unit content
Maxwell’s equations in integral and differential form. Differential operators. Wave equation, propagating waves. Phase velocity. Frequency domain and Fourier transformation. Helmholtz equation. Properties of matter. Active and reactive power and Poynting theorem. Uniform and evanescent plane waves.
Guided propagation. Telegrapher’s equations and Telephone equations. Description of transmission lines and its parameters. Short and open circuit transmission lines. Smith’s Chart. Power and impedance matching. Stub, double stub and /4 matching network. Scattering parameters. Transients on transmission lines and Bounce diagrams. Overview on metallic waveguides, dielectric waveguides and optical fibers.
Different kinds of antennas. Characteristic antenna parameters. Design of a radio link and Friis transmission formula. Radar equation. The short dipole. Loop antenna. Antenna arrays. Boundary condition for electromagnetics. Yagi-Uda and Log-periodic antennas. Radiation by large aperture and parabolic antennas. Antenna bandwidth. Electromagnetic compatibility.
Full programme
Maxwell’s equations in integral and differential form (4h). Differential operators. Wave equation, propagating waves. Phase velocity (6h). Frequency domain and Fourier transformation. Helmholtz equation (6h). Properties of matter. Active and reactive power and Poynting theorem (4h). Uniform and evanescent plane waves (6h).
Guided propagation. Telegrapher’s equations and Telephone equations. Description of transmission lines and its parameters (8h). Short and open circuit transmission lines. Smith’s Chart. Power and impedance matching. Stub, double stub and /4 matching network. Scattering parameters (10h). Transients on transmission lines and Bounce diagrams (3h). Overview on metallic waveguides, dielectric waveguides and optical fibers (3h).
Different kinds of antennas. Spherical system. The short dipole. Characteristic antenna parameters (6h). Design of a radio link and Friis transmission formula. Radar equation (4h). Loop antenna. Antenna arrays (6h). Boundary condition for electromagnetics. Yagi-Uda and Log-periodic antennas. Radiation by large aperture and parabolic antennas. Antenna bandwidth (6h).
Bibliography
Fawwaz T. Ulaby, “Fundamentals of Applied Electromagnetics”, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, 2004.
Fawwaz T. Ulaby, Fondamenti di Campi Elettromagnetici”, McGraw-Hill, Italian Edition, Milano, 2005. - John D. Kraus, Daniel A. Fleisch, “Electromagnetics with Applications”, McGraw-Hill, Singapore 1999.
Constantine A. Balanis, “Antenna Theory”, Wiley, New York, 1982.
Teaching methods
Lessons (60%);
Classroom exercises and lab (35%);
Seminars given by external experts (5%)
Assessment methods and criteria
The exam comprises a written test and an oral discussion to be given during the same session. The final score is given by the average of the written and the oral exams. The student can attend the oral exam only if the written test achieves a score higher than 18/30.
The written test will present between 6 and 8 exercises to allow the student to apply knowledge and understanding of analysis and design tools on transmission lines, antennas and radiofrequency links.
The oral discussion is aimed to verify the student knowledge and understanding of basic electromagnetic guided and free space propagation as well as the working principles of transmission lines and antennas.
Other information
