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Course overview
This course covers microwave engineering from transmission line theory through waveguides, microwave passive components, and antennas. It builds from fundamental wave propagation concepts to the analysis of microwave networks using S-parameters, and concludes with antenna parameters and array theory. The course is structured for students taking Microwave Engineering or Antennas and Propagation as their third or fourth-year elective. After completing it, students can analyze transmission lines using the Smith chart, solve waveguide cutoff and propagation problems, characterize two-port microwave networks using S-parameters, and compute basic antenna parameters.
Details
Target audience: Third or fourth-year B.Tech ECE students studying Microwave Engineering or Antenna Theory as a core or elective subject, or preparing for GATE EC.
Duration: 11 to 13 hours
Prerequisites
- Electromagnetic field theory: Maxwell's equations and wave propagation in free space
- Basic circuit theory and two-port network parameters
- Complex number arithmetic and phasor representation
Learning outcomes
- Compute reflection coefficient, SWR, and input impedance for a terminated transmission line at a specified frequency
- Use the Smith chart to perform single-stub and double-stub impedance matching
- Derive the cutoff frequency and guide wavelength for TE10 mode in a rectangular waveguide of given dimensions
- Analyze a two-port microwave network using S-parameters and determine return loss and insertion loss
- Calculate the gain, directivity, and half-power beamwidth of a half-wave dipole antenna
- Apply the Friis transmission equation to determine received power in a microwave link
Modules
- Transmission line equations and wave propagation
- Characteristic impedance and propagation constant
- Reflection coefficient and standing wave ratio (SWR)
- Input impedance of terminated transmission lines
- Smith chart: impedance matching and admittance
- Rectangular waveguide TE and TM mode analysis
- Cutoff frequency and guide wavelength
- TE10 dominant mode field distribution
- Circular waveguide modes and cutoff conditions
- Waveguide discontinuities and equivalent circuits
- S-parameter definition and network analysis
- Directional couplers and hybrid junctions
- Isolators and circulators using ferrites
- Microwave resonators and quality factor
- PIN diode and varactor applications
- Antenna parameters: gain, directivity, and radiation resistance
- Half-wave dipole and monopole analysis
- Antenna arrays and array factor
- Aperture antennas and Friis transmission equation
- GATE-level problems on antennas and waveguides