Units
RF Techniques and Modern Applications
Unit code: ENB440
Contact hours: 5 per week
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
This unit addresses the following: lumped and distributed microwave and RF circuits, including [y], [t] and [s] parameters; impedance matching techniques; passive and active microwave devices; RF circuit design techniques; microwave and RF measurement techniques; linear antennas and microwave antennas; analysis and synthesis of antenna arrays; specialised antennas and antenna measurements; EMC definition, standards and regulations; test plan; measurements; interference coupling; susceptibility; EMC design techniques, component selection, circuit layouts, grounding, shielding, filters, suppressors, isolation and safety; EMC management; propagation of electromagnetic fields in electrical materials; application of numerical methods.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 1 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
Modern wireless telecommunication systems, wireless computer networks, radar, avionics, medical diagnostic equipment, telemetry and many other industrial applications require engineers to understand electromagnetic waves. Emerging technologies such as RFID, WiMax and airport body scanners are pushing applications to new levels. In order to be able to specify, design and maintain the operation of these systems, an engineer must understand the theory of operation of radio-frequency (RF) components, circuits and systems. This unit further develops the basic concepts of the electromagnetic field and wave theories studied in the prerequisite unit (ENB343) to a number of application areas.
Aims
The aim of the unit is to provide you with an understanding of the theories, techniques and technologies used in radio-frequency (RF) circuits in modern applications. You will learn about impedance matching, high frequency effects and how to characterise RF circuits and devices by measurement. Examples of modern applications are used to illustrate RF system building blocks, noise performance and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).
Objectives
Technical:
On completion of this unit you should be able to:
- Measure impedance characteristics and frequency response of RF circuits.
- Analyse the noise performance of an RF receiver system.
- Design and test simple antennas for wireless applications, and present completed work in written and oral forms individually and as a group.
- Design and evaluate electronic/electrical circuits for EMC compliance with national and international EMC standards and regulations.
Content
- Introduction to modern RF applications, RF network theory and measurement;
- Impedance matching;
- RF electronics and high-frequency effects;
- Antennas, antenna arrays and antenna measurement;
- RF systems, noise and ancillary circuits;
- Optic fibres;
- Electromagnetic compatibility
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
Teaching Mode:
Total hours per week: 5
Lectures: 2 x 2 hours/week for 11 weeks (total 44 hours, approximately 3 hours/week averaged over a 13-week semester)
Tutorials: 1 hour/week (12 weeks)
Laboratory: 2 hours/session (total 4 sessions, equivalent to 2 weeks, interlaced with lectures)
The lectures will cover theory and are supplemented with practical examples from industry. Real world learning is supported through exposure to current technologies and professional practices. Tutorial sessions will be used to provide a forum for individual questioning and development of your problem solving skills. A practical problem solving task and an antenna design project will allow you to collaborate in teamwork and develop independent as well as group learning, report writing and oral presentation skills. The laboratory work will further enhance your practical knowledge in RF and EMC measurements.
Assessment
QUT's Assessment Policy is located at MOPP c/9.1
Overview of Assessment:
The unit will be assessed based on three items: (1) a practical problem solving task, (2) an antenna design project, and (3) final examination.You will receive oral and written feedback on the problem solving tasks and design project as well as formative oral feedback throughout the semester in lectures and particularly tutorials.
Assessment name:
Final Examination
Description:
Final examination.
Relates to objectives:
1,2,3,4 (excluding oral communication)
Weight:
60%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Examination period
Assessment name:
RF Circuit Problem
Description:
A practical problem solving task requiring you to design and/or simulate a given RF circuit/network/system for a given set of parameters, and carry out a laboratory measurement to evaluate its performance.
Relates to objectives:
1, 2, 4
Weight:
20%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Group
Due date:
Week 8
Assessment name:
Antenna Design Project
Description:
As a group, you design an antenna using a modern CAD package, construct it and measure its characteristics.
Relates to objectives:
1, 3
Weight:
20%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Group
Due date:
Week 13
Academic Honesty
QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.
A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.
Resource materials
Text
There are no prescribed textbook
References
Type: Reference Book.
Author: Williams, T
Title: EMC for Product Designers, 4th Edition.
Year: 2007
Publisher: Newnes, Oxford, Boston
Type: Reference Book.
Author: Wentworth, S. M.
Title: Fundamentals of Electromagnetics with Engineering Applications
Year: 2005
Publisher: Wiley
Type: Reference Book.
Author: Standards Australia
Title: various AS/NZS IEC/CISPR EMC standards
Year: varies
Publisher: Standards Australia (available via QUT Library)
Others can be found in Week 1 information document for the unit.
On-Line: QUT Blackboard
Risk assessment statement
The topic of EMR (electromagnetic radiation) hazards is introduced in the lecture.
You will undertake lectures and tutorials in the traditional classrooms and lecture theatres. As such, there are no extraordinary workplace health and safety issues associated with these components of the unit.
You will be required to undertake practical sessions in the laboratory under the supervision of the lecturer and technical staff of the School. The School's occupational health and safety policies and procedures will apply to these sessions.
QUT has a formal risk assessment process which can be used to determine the types or risks and how you should handle them.
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.
Last modified: 22-Oct-2012
