Subject Overview

An advanced study of microwave electromagnetic theory, guided-wave structures, network analysis, components, active circuits, antennas, measurement, system design and emerging millimetre-wave and terahertz technologies. The subject integrates analytical methods, simulation, laboratory practice, engineering decision-making, standards, safety and industry applications.

Learning Goal

On completion, students will be able to analyse microwave phenomena, design and evaluate passive and active microwave circuits and systems, use modern measurement and electromagnetic simulation tools, make evidence-based technical and managerial decisions, and assess emerging technologies responsibly.

Syllabus

1. Microwave Engineering Foundations

Learning Objective: Explain the microwave spectrum, applications, Maxwell’s equations, boundary conditions, wave propagation, polarization, power flow, skin effect, dispersion, loss and high-frequency limitations of lumped-circuit models.

Category: foundation

2. Transmission Lines and Impedance Matching

Learning Objective: Analyse transmission-line equations, characteristic impedance, reflection, standing waves, VSWR, return loss and power transfer; apply Smith charts, stubs, quarter-wave transformers and broadband matching techniques.

Category: foundation

3. Waveguides, Cavities and Planar Transmission Media

Learning Objective: Derive TE, TM and TEM modes, cutoff frequencies, guide impedance, attenuation and dispersion in rectangular, circular and dielectric waveguides; evaluate coaxial, microstrip, stripline, coplanar and substrate-integrated structures.

Category: core

4. Microwave Network Theory and S-Parameters

Learning Objective: Model multiport networks using impedance, admittance, ABCD and scattering matrices; interpret reciprocity, symmetry, passivity, loss, gain, stability, de-embedding, reference-plane translation and signal-flow graphs.

Category: core

5. Passive Microwave Components

Learning Objective: Analyse and design attenuators, phase shifters, power dividers, hybrids, directional couplers, isolators, circulators, ferrite devices, switches and transitions, including loss, bandwidth, power-handling and tolerance considerations.

Category: core

6. Resonators, Filters and Multiplexers

Learning Objective: Apply resonance, quality factor, coupling and network-synthesis principles to cavity, dielectric and planar resonators; design low-pass, high-pass, band-pass and band-stop filters, diplexers and multiplexers.

Category: core

7. Microwave Devices and Semiconductor Technologies

Learning Objective: Explain microwave vacuum tubes and solid-state devices, including klystrons, magnetrons, travelling-wave tubes, PIN and Schottky diodes, varactors, Gunn devices, MESFETs, HEMTs, HBTs, CMOS, GaN and SiGe technologies.

Category: core

8. Microwave Amplifier Design

Learning Objective: Design low-noise, small-signal and power amplifiers using gain circles, noise circles, stability criteria, matching networks and nonlinear device models; assess efficiency, linearity, compression, intermodulation, thermal behaviour and load-pull data.

Category: application

9. Oscillators, Mixers and Frequency Synthesis

Learning Objective: Analyse microwave oscillation and frequency conversion; design oscillators, mixers, multipliers, phase-locked loops and frequency synthesizers while evaluating phase noise, conversion loss, spurious signals and synchronization.

Category: application

10. Microwave Integrated Circuits, Packaging and Reliability

Learning Objective: Compare hybrid MIC, MMIC, RF-CMOS and system-in-package implementations; address fabrication, layout, grounding, interconnects, parasitics, thermal management, electromagnetic compatibility, manufacturability, yield, reliability and failure analysis.

Category: application

11. Microwave Antennas, Propagation and Link Engineering

Learning Objective: Evaluate horn, reflector, array, microstrip and phased-array antennas; analyse gain, radiation patterns, beamforming, atmospheric effects, fading and polarization; construct microwave, satellite and millimetre-wave link budgets.

Category: application

12. Microwave Measurements and Metrology

Learning Objective: Use vector and scalar network analysers, spectrum analysers, power meters, noise-figure instruments and time-domain techniques; perform calibration, SOLT/TRL correction, uncertainty analysis, material characterization and automated testing.

Category: application

13. Microwave Systems and Industry Applications

Learning Objective: Integrate components into radar, satellite, navigation, wireless backhaul, 5G/6G, sensing, electronic warfare, radio astronomy, industrial heating and medical systems; conduct architecture trade-offs involving performance, cost, risk and lifecycle support.

Category: strategic

14. Computational Design, Analytics and AI

Learning Objective: Apply full-wave electromagnetic methods, circuit co-simulation, optimization, sensitivity analysis, uncertainty quantification and digital twins; use machine learning appropriately for surrogate modelling, inverse design, fault diagnosis and predictive maintenance.

Category: contemporary

15. Emerging Technologies, Governance and Professional Practice

Learning Objective: Assess millimetre-wave, terahertz, massive-MIMO, reconfigurable intelligent surfaces, integrated photonics, quantum microwave systems and advanced materials; address spectrum governance, RF exposure, EMC standards, cybersecurity, dual-use ethics, sustainability, supply-chain risk and technology roadmapping.

Category: advanced