EE862: RF and Microwave Design
June 24th - July 5th.
Professor Michael Steer
Lampe Distinguished Professor
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
North Carolina State University
RF and microwave systems operating in the range from 10s of megahertz to more than 100 gigahertz and are
based on interconnected modules. A very rich array of modules are available with some being monolithically
integrated circuits but most deriving functionality from distributed effects that can only be approximated at
low frequencies. The modules are interconnected by transmission lines, typically microstrip lines. The
objective of this course is to enable you to become a competent RF and microwave designer acquiring a rich
vocabulary of modules and skills to achieve functioning modular systems. Topics to be covered include:
1. Introduction to RF and microwave engineering
2. Transmission Lines
3. Microstrip design
4. Coupled Lines
5. Microwave network analysis
6. Smith chart design
7. Passive RF modules
8. Module distortion
9. Noise in RF modules and Dynamic Range
10. Microwave Diodes
11. Ferrite components
12. Mixers
13. Oscillators and VCOs
14. PLL
15. DDS
16. System design by cascading modules
17. Introduction to filter modules
Modules are treated at the level of their external characteristics and not at the leve l of design of individual
modules. It has been estimated that the value of RF module engineering is 30 times that of the modules and
integrated circuits. This course is will provide the practical skills to develop RF and microwave modules
Schedule
Monday
June 24
Tuesday
June 25
Wednesday June 26
Thursday
June 27
Friday
June 28
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
July 1
July 2
July 3
July 4 half day
July 5 (Final Exam) Instructor not present.