3 Credit Hours

Topics covered include wireless system design concepts, RF modulation / demodulation, overview of phased array systems, noise and nonlinear aspects, passive and active component design including intelligent reflector arrays (design, link-budgets, noise analysis), antenna-subset modulation, power amplifiers. Homeworks and projects will include extensive use of MATLAB/Python, ADS, and student preferred choice of FDTD or FEM solvers such as CST, Ansys HFSS or COMSOL.

Prerequisites

Required: ECE 549 RF Design for Wireless.
Encouraged: ECE 511 Analog Electronics & ECE 524 Radio System Design.

Course Objectives

After taking this course, student will have an understanding of different aspects of RF system design. They will also get some insights into current and latest research topics in the area of wireless communication system design. Students will learn to use Advanced Design System (ADS) simulation tool kit provided by Keysight.

Course Requirements

• Homeworks : 15% (roughly 4-5 assignments)
• Projects : 55% (3 Projects, Project 1: 15% Project 2: 15% Project 3: 25%)
• Midterm Exam: 15% (Mostly covering the basics of RF microwave design – ECE 549 refresher)
• Student Presentations: 15% (Student presentation would involve brief conference style presentations from each student on latest research topics, trends, and/or journal articles related to RF system/design during the course. Choice of presentation topic will require instructor approval.)

Textbooks

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

Created: 10/23/2025