MEng Aerospace Engineering

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The unit will cover the following:

Antenna and Propagation (9 credits)

• 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.

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 course unit aims to:

• Develop an understanding of the fundamental principles of antenna function and characteristics.
• Develop an understanding of the key parameters affecting the propagation of electromagnetic waves in free-space.
• 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.

On successful completion of the course, a student will be able to:

ILO 1: Differentiate and apply the effect of antenna gain, beam width, polarisation and the nearfield & farfield radiation.

ILO 2: Apply the key parameters when addressing the performance of antennas and the theory behind it.

ILO 3: Ability to do measurement procedures and use the equipment needed for Antennas and RF circuits.

ILO 4: Ability to use main modelling techniques available to model antenna performance.

ILO 5: Use and the Smith Chart effectively for antenna matching.

ILO 6: Describe and differentiate the materials and processes involved in antenna production, including their environmental and social impacts, while addressing energy-efficient and sustainable design strategies, case studies on performance optimisation, and ethical considerations such as accessibility, privacy, and the digital divide.

ILO 7: Apply the new understanding of transmission line theory, loading and discrete modelling.

Unseen Written Examination:

6 questions: 3 from "Antennas" and 3 from "RF System Analysis"

Answer all questions.

Duration, 3 hours.

Calculators are permitted.

The examination forms 70% of the unit assessment.

Coursework:

3 laboratory sessions.

Duration of each laboratory, 2 hours 50 minutes.

Two reports required; one for transmission line and matching CAD modelling and one for the antenna modelling laboratory using CST Microwave Studio.

Laboratory assessments are weighted 15% each.

Course work forms 30% of the unit assessment.

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