MSc Communications and Signal Processing

Brief Description of the Unit

1. Antenna and Propagation (9 credit)
General introduction to antennas systems and propagation in free space.
Antenna parameters: Antenna gain, beamwidth, bandwidth, efficiency and size.
Polarisation: Polarisation-linear, circular and elliptic, multipath effects.
Antenna Radiation: Near field and far fields radiation and basic antenna measurements.
Antenna types: Multiple antennas forming arrays and array factor. Feed structures.
Antenna modelling: High-frequency methods, FDTD, MoM.
Propagation: Radio wave propagation and electromagnetics.

2. RF Systems (6 credits)
Transmission line theory, Telegrapher’s equations. The Smith Chart, ABCD parameters and S-parameters. VSWR and reflection coefficient. Circuit analysis of lumped RF and distributed microwave components. Analysis of lossless reciprocal and non-reciprocal networks. Unitary condition. Worked examples – simple matching networks quarter-wave and lumped LC. Basics of the Smith Chart.

• Develop an understanding of the fundamental principles of antenna function and characteristics. 
• An understanding of the key parameters affecting the propagation of electromagnetic waves in free-space will be developed.
• Develop awareness and understanding of the available methods used to model antenna systems.
• Examine the basic analysis techniques for RF and microwave network analysis.
• Show how Smith Chart is used to analyse a circuit and to undertake some basic matching. 

Knowledge and understanding

• Understanding of the key parameters when addressing the performance of antennas and the theory behind it.
• Understand the effect of antenna gain, beam width, polarisation and the nearfield & farfield radiation.
• Develop the knowledge of the main modelling techniques available to model antenna performance.
• Develop the knowledge of  the measurement procedures and equipments needed for Antennas and RF circuits.
• Understand transmission line theory, loading and discrete modelling.
• Understand the application of the Smith Chart.

Intellectual skills

• The ability to demonstrate knowledge of antennas used in various communication systems and their key performance parameters.
• Ability to discriminate between antennas on the basis of their electrical performance and their application.
• Identify the appropriate measurement equipment needed for a particular antenna or RF function test.
• Understand the fundamentals of using a microwave circuit simulator such as Keysight's ADS and CST Microwave Studio 3-D modelling tool.

Practical skills

• Develop the ability to use industry standard tools such as Keysight's ADS and CST Microwave Studio for 3D EM modelling.
• Use engineering understanding to interpret modelling results.

Transferable skills and personal qualities

• The ability to work within a small group to design and build a project within an allocated time.
• Appreciation of the engineering and analytical thinking on addressing and resolving practical problems
• Report writing.