Course detail

HF techniques and antennas

FEKT-BVSTAcad. year: 2014/2015

The course is focused on clarification of basic principles in the area of high frequency circuits and antennas. In the introduction, high frequency properties of basic circuit elements are defined. The following part is oriented towards description and design of basic functional blocks of high frequency communication systems (amplifiers, mixers, modulators, demodulators, oscillators). The next part solves propagation of electromagnetic waves in the free space and along transmission lines, describes different principles and effects influencing propagation. The following part discusses energy radiation to space, describes basic types of antennas and their parameters. The last part is devoted to the introduction to microwave circuits.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

6

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Learning outcomes of the course unit

The graduate is able to:
- describe parameters of a capacitor and an inductor in the high frequency circuit
- explain a function of serial and parallel resonance circuits
- work with Smith diagram
- explain a function of individual high frequency blocks (amplifier, mixer, modulator, demodulator, oscillator)
- define parameters of a high frequency amplifier for low level signals
- design a linear high frequency amplifier according to given parameters
- estimate parameters of a high frequency power amplifier via calculations
- draw and describe basic schematics of feedback LC oscillators
- draw and describe principles of PLL synthesizers
- explain principles of electromagnetic waves propagation
- describe a function and parameters of a dipole antenna and to draw its radiation patterns
- define and calculate a gain of a given antenna

Prerequisites

The student should be able to explain basic terms from the area of electrical circuits, electromagnetic waves and transmission lines (inductance, capacity, impedance, reflection coefficient, standing wave ratio), solve simple electronic circuits with passive components and calculate with complex numbers and logarithms.

Co-requisites

Not applicable.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Teaching methods include lectures, computer laboratories and practical laboratories. Course is taking advantage of e-learning (Moodle) system. Students in computer classes solve individually assigned problems.

Assesment methods and criteria linked to learning outcomes

During the semester, students can obtain 32 points, from which 20 points are for labs and 12 points are for tasks successfully solved in computer labs. A final written exam consists of theoretical and numerical parts and is evaluated by 68 points. Students have to reach at least half of the full rating of each part to successfully pass the final exam.

Course curriculum

1. Basic high frequency components and circuits
2. High frequency amplifiers
3. Design of a small-signal linear high frequency amplifier
4. Mixers
5. Modulators, demodulators
6. Signal generators – oscillators
7. Signal generators – synthesizers
8. Electromagnetic field theory
9. Electromagnetic waves propagation
10. Antennas
11. Antenna parameters
12. Transmission lines
13. Microwave circuits

Work placements

Not applicable.

Aims

The aim of the course is to familiarize students with basics of high frequency circuits and their applications in communication systems, to explain theory of electromagnetic waves propagation and to describe antenna issues in theoretical and practical ways.

Specification of controlled education, way of implementation and compensation for absences

Evaluation of activities is specified by a regulation, which is issued by the lecturer responsible for the course annually.

Recommended optional programme components

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

RAIDA, Z., HANUS, S. Vysokofrekvenční technika a antény. Edice "Elektronická skripta". Brno: FEKT VUT v Brně, 2002. (CS)

Recommended reading

VÁGNER, P. Vysokofrekvenční technika. Skripta FEKT VUT, 2013. (CS)

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme EECC Bc. Bachelor's

    branch B-TLI , 3 year of study, winter semester, elective specialised

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

39 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

Syllabus

HF circuits. Specifics of design of HF circuits. Elements used in HF circuits.
Active HF circuits. Design of linearized amplifier.
Non-linear HF circuits (modulators, demodulators, frequencz shifters).
Microwave circuits. Microstrip as basic building block. Substrates for manufacturing microstrip circuits.
Passive microstrip circuits. Transitions coaxial line - microstrip, waveguide - microstrip. Basic types of microstrip filters.
Active microwave circuits. Design of linearized amplifier.
Specifics of design and modeling in the area of antennas and microwave techniques. Basic laws used in design and modeling of microwave circuits and antennas.
Propagation of EM wave. Plane and spherical wave in homogeneous environment.
propagation of EM waves in non-homogeneous environment. Waves in real terrain.
Basic types of transmission lines (symetrical two-wire line, coaxial line, waveguides). Matching (shunts, impedance transformers).
Radiation of EM waves. Modeling and design of wire antennas.
Basic types of antennas (antennas for SW, VSW and microwave band). Supporting circuits (symetrization circuits, matching circuits).
Overview of commercial software for design and modeling of microwave circuits.

Exercise in computer lab

13 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

Syllabus

Introductory lesson.
Modeling of microwave transmission lines (waveguides, microstrip lines).
Modeling and design of wire antennas.
Modeling and design of microstrip antennas.
Passive HF circuits: design of microstrip band-pass filter.
Active HF circuits: design of linearized amplifier.

Laboratory exercise

13 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

Syllabus

Introductory lesson.
Measuring parameters of coaxial cables.
Transformation properties of transmission lines.
Measuring parameters of antennas.
Measuring parameters of passive HF circuits.
Measuring parameters of active HF circuits.