This course focuses on the analysis, design, implementation, and measurement of RF and microwave circuits. Emphasis is on distributed networks and active/passive building blocks rather than system/communications topics. Students learn S-parameter thinking, matching and stability, noise and nonlinearity in devices, and practical PCB/layout and packaging for RF.
Scope includes: transmission lines and distributed elements; Smith chart and matching networks; S-parameters, stability (Rollet, µ/µ’), and de-embedding; passive components and RF filters (lumped, stub, microstrip/CPW); bias networks and decoupling; noise figure and LNA design; large-signal PA basics (classes A/AB/B/C/E/F) with efficiency/thermal limits; mixers and frequency conversion (conversion gain, isolation, NF); oscillators and PLL at circuit level only (phase-noise fundamentals); EM parasitics, grounding/shielding; RF measurement with VNA, spectrum analyzer, and phase-noise setups. Explicitly out of scope: link budgets, air-interface specs, and transceiver architecture trade-offs.
Prerequisites: Circuits I–II, Signals & Systems, basic Electromagnetics; MATLAB/Python or RF CAD familiarity recommended.
Learning outcomes (students will be able to):
1. Analyze transmission lines and use the Smith chart to design matching networks.
2. Use S-parameters to assess gain, return loss, isolation, and un/conditional stability.
3. Design and bias LNA stages meeting NF, gain, and stability targets.
4. Evaluate nonlinearity (P1dB, IM3/IP3) and its impact on circuit performance.
5. Size and verify PA stages for output power, efficiency, and thermal constraints.
6. Design mixers (level plans, terminations, isolation) and oscillators (startup, phase noise) at circuit level.
7. Account for parasitics, packaging, and layout in PCB implementations.
8. Perform and interpret VNA/spectrum measurements and de-embedding.
Scope includes: transmission lines and distributed elements; Smith chart and matching networks; S-parameters, stability (Rollet, µ/µ’), and de-embedding; passive components and RF filters (lumped, stub, microstrip/CPW); bias networks and decoupling; noise figure and LNA design; large-signal PA basics (classes A/AB/B/C/E/F) with efficiency/thermal limits; mixers and frequency conversion (conversion gain, isolation, NF); oscillators and PLL at circuit level only (phase-noise fundamentals); EM parasitics, grounding/shielding; RF measurement with VNA, spectrum analyzer, and phase-noise setups. Explicitly out of scope: link budgets, air-interface specs, and transceiver architecture trade-offs.
Prerequisites: Circuits I–II, Signals & Systems, basic Electromagnetics; MATLAB/Python or RF CAD familiarity recommended.
Learning outcomes (students will be able to):
1. Analyze transmission lines and use the Smith chart to design matching networks.
2. Use S-parameters to assess gain, return loss, isolation, and un/conditional stability.
3. Design and bias LNA stages meeting NF, gain, and stability targets.
4. Evaluate nonlinearity (P1dB, IM3/IP3) and its impact on circuit performance.
5. Size and verify PA stages for output power, efficiency, and thermal constraints.
6. Design mixers (level plans, terminations, isolation) and oscillators (startup, phase noise) at circuit level.
7. Account for parasitics, packaging, and layout in PCB implementations.
8. Perform and interpret VNA/spectrum measurements and de-embedding.
- Teacher: Sami Sharif