MSc Communications and Signal Processing / Course details

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.

The programme unit aims to: 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

• Understand life-cycle assessments (LCA) of antennas, sustainability principles of antenna design, and the ethical and societal impacts of wireless communication systems
• 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.

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