Course Syllabus
ECE 642: RF Electronics Design
Department:
Course Number:
Course Title:
Electrical and Computer Engineering
ECE 642
RF Electronics Design
3 Credit Units:
Course Description
This course introduces the hardware portion of RF and communications. It will delve into the details of the design of superheterodyne receivers from end to end. The course is divided by topic into each portion of the modern receiver and will show how to design each particular part.
The final project is the design of a modern FM receiver by the student.
Prerequisites
The student is expected to have knowledge of both analog and digital discrete and integrated circuits. They should be familiar with linear system theory and also have some knowledge of filter circuits and techniques. They must be able to design any general amplifier from specifications. Finally, they must be familiar with passive circuits and be able to handle advanced problems using them.
Text Book
Reference Text:
Krauss: Solid State Radio Engineering, Wiley
Additional References may be taken from IEEE and AES journals.
Software:
The student is expected to be familiar with Matlab, Spice and other software
All problems and the final require software verification
Course Objectives
After completing this course the student should be able to
1.
Analyze any RF circuit whether discrete or integrated
2.
Take any set of RF specifications and decide on a course of action
3.
Execute the course of action and come up with a viable circuit
4.
Design the actual circuit and make a prototype
5.
Test the circuit for its properties
6.
Decide how to make the circuit better
Topics Covered/Course Outline
I. General Communication Design
II. Resonant Circuits And Filter Characteristics
A. Series
B. Parallel
C. Single Tuned

D. Double Tuned
E. Crystal And Ceramic And Other Similar Techniques
F. General If Filter Design Techniques
III. Small Signal High Frequency Amplifiers
A. Models Of Solid State And Tube Devices
B. Network Parameters
C. Power Gain
D. Stability And Alignability
E. Overall Design Of If And/Or Filter Stages
IV. Front End Receiver Design
A. Noise Considerations
B. Gain And Transducer Stability
C. Input/Output Parameters
V. Am/Fm General Design
A. Receiving Systems
B. Receiver Evaluations And Measurements
C. Front End Design
D. General Design Of Systems
VI. Mixers
A. Basic Mixer Theory And Spectral Analysis
B. Types Of Mixers
C. Practical Mixer Design
VII. Oscillators And Frequency Synthesizers
A. Oscillator Concepts
B. Types Of Oscillators
C. Noise In Oscillators
D. Methods Of Frequency Synthesis
E. Phase Lock Loops
VIII. Detector Design
A. Am/Fm Detector Design
B. Basic Circuit Designs
C. Stereo And Multiple Channel Examples
Relationship to Program Outcomes
This supports the achievement of the following outcomes: a) Ability to apply knowledge of advanced principles to the analysis of electrical and
computer engineering problems. b) Ability to apply knowledge of advanced techniques to the design of electrical and
computer engineering systems. c) Ability to apply the appropriate industry practices, emerging technologies, state-of-

the-art design techniques, software tools, and research methods of solving electrical
and computer engineering problems. d) Ability to use the appropriate state-of-the-art engineering references and resources, including IEEE research journals and industry publications, needed to find the best solutions to electrical and computer engineering problems. e) Ability to communicate clearly and use the appropriate medium, including written, oral, and electronic methods. f) Ability to maintain life-long learning and continue to be motivated to learn new
subjects. g) Ability to learn new subjects that are required to solve problems in industry without being dependent on a classroom environment. h) Ability to be competitive in the engineering job market or be admitted to an
excellent Ph.D. program.
Prepared by:
Ichiro Hashimoto
June 15, 2003