- UCAS course code
- H601
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Master of Engineering (MEng)
MEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Industrial Experience
*This course is now closed for applications for 2025 entry.
- Typical A-level offer: AAA including specific subjects
- Typical contextual A-level offer: AAB including specific subjects
- Refugee/care-experienced offer: ABB including specific subjects
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer: 36 points overall with 6,6,6 at HL, including specific requirements
Course unit details:
Antennas and RF Systems
Unit code | EEEN40121 |
---|---|
Credit rating | 15 |
Unit level | Level 4 |
Teaching period(s) | Semester 1 |
Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
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.
Pre/co-requisites
Unit title | Unit code | Requirement type | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Transmissions Lines & Optical Fibres | EEEN30212 | Pre-Requisite | Recommended |
Aims
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.
Learning outcomes
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.
Assessment methods
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.
Feedback methods
.
Study hours
Scheduled activity hours | |
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Lectures | 24 |
Practical classes & workshops | 12 |
Tutorials | 4 |
Independent study hours | |
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Independent study | 110 |
Teaching staff
Staff member | Role |
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Laith Danoon | Unit coordinator |