RF Engineering I
(3-0-0-3)
CMPE Degree: This course is Elective for the CMPE degree.
EE Degree: This course is Elective for the EE degree.
Lab Hours: 0 supervised lab hours and 0 unsupervised lab hours.
Technical Interest Group(s) / Course Type(s): Electronic Design and Applications
Course Coordinator: James Stevenson Kenney
Prerequisites: ECE3025 [min C] and ECE3050/3400
Corequisites: None.
Catalog Description
Radio frequency (RF) electronics concentrating on receiver components and architecture from 1 MHz to 1 GHz, including Smith charts, low noise amplifiers, and mixers.Course Outcomes
- Design matching networks using the Smith chart
- Model transistors for small-signal operation
- Analyze noise contribution from components
- Design, simulate, fabricate and test a multi-stage LNA
- Design, simulate, fabricate and test a double-balanced mixer
Student Outcomes
In the parentheses for each Student Outcome:"P" for primary indicates the outcome is a major focus of the entire course.
“M” for moderate indicates the outcome is the focus of at least one component of the course, but not majority of course material.
“LN” for “little to none” indicates that the course does not contribute significantly to this outcome.
1. ( P ) An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
2. ( LN ) An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
3. ( LN ) An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
4. ( LN ) An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
5. ( P ) An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
6. ( P ) An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
7. ( LN ) An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
Strategic Performance Indicators (SPIs)
Not Applicable
Course Objectives
Topical Outline
Introduction
Analog vs. RF Engineering
Systems and Circuits
High Frequency Measurements
Circuit Fundamentals
Sources and Available Power
Balanced (Differential) vs. Unbalanced (Single-ended) Networks
Y, Z, ABCD, and s-parameter Two-Ports
Transmission Line Analysis using the Smith Chart
L/C/T Lossless Matching Network Design
Losses, Resonant Circuits, and Bandwidth
Practical Limitations of Lumped Element Components
Planar Transmission Lines and their Limitations
Resonant Circuits and Quality Factor (Q)
Bandwidth and Attenuation
Resistive Attenuators and their Uses
Practical Lumped-Element Filter Design
Low-Pass and High-Pass Filters
Bandpass Filters
Notch Filters
Active Device Modeling
Hybrid-Pi model at High Frequencies
Package Models
s-parameter Models
Amplifier Fundamentals
Amplifier Topologies
S-parameter Design of RF Amplifiers
Gain and Stability Circles
Power Gain
Maximum Stable Gain
Noise Analysis
Noise Mechanisms in Devices
Noise Factor and Noise Figure
Noise Models for Active Devices
Multi-stage (Cascaded) LNA Design
Mixers and Frequency Conversion
Ideal Frequency Conversion
Shottky Diodes and Nonlinear Models
Linear, Time-varying (Switching) Models for Mixers
RF Transformers
Practical Mixer Design