Aims

To provide a sound basis for microwave system design, including:

1. A thorough understanding of transmission line and waveguide theory.

2. The ability to solve problems related to matching, power flow and dissipation.

3. The design and application of common TEM and waveguide devices.

Outline Of Syllabus

1. A review of transmission line theory leads to a description of power flow and power losses. Potential dangers in high power systems are investigated.

2. A brief theoretical justification of the Smith chart is followed by its use in a range of line matching problems, including reactive matching and the use of stubs. The effect of frequency change is investigated and solutions for maximum frequency tolerance are derived. A software based Smith chart package is introduced.

3. The ABCD matrix is introduced and used to obtain transducer, mismatch and dissipation losses in cascaded circuits, including both lumped and distributed elements.

4. The scattering matrix is introduced and flow graph analysis is used to develop expressions for loss quantities. A hybrid coupler is used as an example and its use in forward and reflected power measurement is described.

5. Waveguide theory is introduced, using geometric and boundary considerations to derive the main parameters. Current distribution, modes and waveguide mode designation are described. Waveguide high pass filters and multi-hole couplers are described, their design equations are derived and applications discussed.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The lectures will assist the student in understanding advanced concepts in high frequency circuits and systems and in relating to the past experience and practical studies.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Assessment consists of a closed book exam at the end of the semester. The assessment syllabus is limited to material covered in the lectures, as well as being provided in notes and as worked examples. The assessment objectives are to recognise the students' understanding and expression of engineering principles, soundness in problem solving and working accuracy.