RF Engineering II

(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: ECE4415 [min C]

Corequisites: None.

Catalog Description

Radio frequency (RF) electronics concentrating on transmitter components and architecture from 1 MHz to 1 GHz, including power amplifiers, oscillators, phase-locked loops, and transmitters.

Textbook(s)

Planar Microwave Engineering, RF Power Amplifiers for Wireless Communications, RF and Microwave Transistor Oscillator Design

Course Outcomes

  1. Design low-loss, high power matching networks
  2. Model transistors for large-signal (nonlinear) operation
  3. Analyze distortion contribution from components
  4. Design, simulate, fabricate and test a multi-stage PA
  5. Design, simulate, fabricate and test a VCO
  6. Design, simulate, fabricate an FM transmitter

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
Communication Systems
Noise in Communications Systems
Methods of Modulation
Radio Receivers
FCC Rules

Linear and Non-Linear Amplifiers
Amplifier Classes and Efficiency
Dynamic Range
Intermodulation Distortion

Small-Signal Amplifier Design
Gain, Stability, and Noise Circles
Low-Noise Design
Design of Feedback Amplifiers

Frequency Mixers
Definitions and Terms
Diode Mixers
Transistor Mixers
Spurious Responses

Detectors
AM Detectors
FM and PM Detectors
Noise Considerations
Dyinamic Range

Oscillator Design
Criteria for Oscillations to Occur
Build-Up of Oscillations
Oscillator Analysis
Resonator Theory
Negative Resistance Oscillators
Feedback Oscillators
Tuned Oscillators
Crystal Oscillators
Frequency Synthesizers

Large Signal Amplifiers
Amplifier Classes and Efficiency
Dynamic Range
Intermodulation Distortion
Design of Large Signal Amplifiers

Transmitter Circuits
Power Amplifiers
AM Transmitters
FM Transmitters
High-Power Vacuum Tube Amplifiers
Power Combining Techniques