ECE 549 RF Design for Wireless

3 Credit Hours

Topics covered include radio and wireless system design concepts, RF modulation methods, system metrics (gain, link budget, noise analysis), transmission-line/ waveguide theory, impedance matching/ tuning networks, Smith Chart analysis, network analysis, theory/design of basic microwave passive building blocks like couplers, dividers, and filters. Some homeworks and/or projects will include the use of MATLAB/Python and ADS.

Prerequisite

Required: ECE 422 and/or ECE 424,
Recommended: ECE 303 and/or ECE 420.

Course Objectives

After taking this course, student will be able analyze different metrics of a basic RF and wireless system design. Students will analyze, design, and characterize radio systems, transmission line/ waveguide theory, microwave network analysis, microwave passive devices (filters, couplers, power dividers, etc.). Students will learn to use Advanced Design System (ADS) simulation tool kit provided by Keysight.

Course Outline

This course covers radio frequency and microwave frequency circuit and system design as it pertains to wireless communications. The course covers radio frequency and microwave design of wireless systems using a modern systems approach.

• Modulation
• Antennas and RF Link
• Radio Frequency Systems
• Transmission Lines
• Coupled Lines
• Microwave Network Analysis
• Passive Components
• Impedance Matching

Course Requirements

Homeworks : 20% (roughly 5-7 assignments)
Project : 20% (1 Project)
Exams : 30% (1 Mid-term) and 30% (1 Final-term)
No internet, no laptop/tablet, open notes.
Reasonable attendance is expected.

Textbook

1) M.B. Steer, Microwave and RF Design Series, 2019.
(https://repository.lib.ncsu.edu/handle/1840.20/36776)
2) David. M. Pozar, Microwave Design, 4th Edition. (Also available online with library)
Supplementary Reading:
Will be assigned along the duration of the course as reading materials. Website links will also
posted to aid in setting up software tools.

Updated: 4/16/2024