Radio to Optical Frequency Engineering (H6109Z)
Radio to Optical Frequency Engineering
Module H6109Z
Module details for 2025/26.
15 credits
FHEQ Level 6
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 latest research and industry standards 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. Undergraduate and postgraduate (masters) students in Electrical and Electrical Engineering, Physics and Applied Mathematics will benefit from the practical and highly illustrative approach combined with simplified mathematical theory, analysis, design and operation of RF and microwave circuits and optical fibres.
Topics covered include high frequency devices and equivalent circuit models, S-parameters, biasing, linearity, stability and matching, the Smith chart, RF noise, key concepts of broad and narrow band small signal amplifiers, mixers, and high-efficiency broadband power amplifier design complemented by PCB fabrication and laboratory implementation, high frequency measurements using vector network analyser, fundamentals and design of optical fibres
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 30.00% | |
| Coursework components. Weighted as shown below. | ||
| Report | T2 Week 10 | 13.00% |
| Report | T2 Week 11 | 34.00% |
| Report | A2 Week 1 | 53.00% |
| Unseen Examination | Summer Vacation Week 3 Mon 08:40 | 70.00% |
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.
Dr Leila Yousefi
Assess convenor
/profiles/628982
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