Radio to Optical Frequency Engineering (H6109)
Radio to Optical Frequency Engineering
Module H6109
Module details for 2021/22.
15 credits
FHEQ Level 6
Pre-Requisite
Analogue Communication and Propagation
Module Outline
Radio Frequency (RF) circuits are the fundamental building blocks in a vast array of consumer electronics and wireless communication devices. Fibre optic communications is the backbone of the internet and enabler also from mobile communication systems. Using a combination of theory and practice, and drawing on industry-grade software tools and hardware, this modules provides insight into the principles of operation, together with guidance to developing RF circuit designs as well as fundamental principles and design of fibre optics. It introduces established high frequency circuit design techniques along with a coverage of electromagnetic transmission to millimetre wave and optical frequencies. Key concepts of broad and narrow band small signal amplifiers, mixers, and high-efficiency broadband power amplifier design are taught, together with the underlying mathematical models, complemented by PCB design, fabrication and laboratory implementation
Topics covered include:
• high frequency devices and equivalent circuit models
• the Smith chart
• two-port systems
• S-parameters
• biasing
• linearity
• stability and matching
• RF noise
• RF circuits PCB software design
• RF circuit PCB implementation and measurements
• high frequency measurements using vector network analyser
• fundamentasl and design of waveguides
• fundamentals and design of optical fibres.
AHEP4 Learning outcomes: C1, C2, C6, C12, M1, M2, M6, M12
Library
Ludwig, R. and Bretchko, P., RF Circuit design: Theory and Applications, Prentice Hall 2000, ISBN 0-13-095323-7
Bowick, C. RF Circuit Design, Newnes, 1997, 075069946-9
Pozar, D.M, Microwave Engineering, 3rd ed. , Wiley, 2005, ISBN 0-471-44878-8
Olver, A.D. Microwave and Optical Transmission Wiley 1992 047193416
Module learning outcomes
Apply fundamental knowledge and principles of radio to frequency (RF) and optical circuits to design of RF circuits, waveguides and fibre communication networks.
Analyse and design RF circuit matching networks using Smith Charts
Perform stability analysis of RF two-port systems and design stable and low-noise RF amplifiers
Use software laboratory, industry-grade PCB design tools and HW prototyping appropriate programming language to design and evaluate low-noise RF amplifier circuits.
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Unseen Examination | Semester 2 Assessment | 70.00% |
| Coursework | 30.00% | |
| Coursework components. Weighted as shown below. | ||
| Report | T2 Week 4 | 33.00% |
| Report | T2 Week 10 | 67.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Semester | Laboratory | 2 hours | 00111111000 |
| Spring Semester | Lecture | 2 hours | 11111111111 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Prof Maziar Nekovee
Assess convenor
/profiles/410738
Please note that the University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver courses and modules in accordance with the descriptions set out here. However, the University keeps its courses and modules under review with the aim of enhancing quality. Some changes may therefore be made to the form or content of courses or modules shown as part of the normal process of curriculum management.
The University reserves the right to make changes to the contents or methods of delivery of, or to discontinue, merge or combine modules, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the University. If there are not sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the University reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the University withdraws or discontinues a module, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative module.