Microwave Engineering

Course Objectives

The Microwave Engineering course provides students with the fundamental knowledge and practical skills required for the analysis, design, and characterization of microwave components, circuits, waveguides, and antennas.

The course develops the ability to apply analytical, numerical, and experimental methods to engineering problems involving electromagnetic waves and high-frequency systems. Laboratory activities, through the use of electromagnetic simulators and dedicated microwave measurement equipment, enable students to develop skills in the configuration and calibration of measurement systems and in comparing experimental results with theoretical models and numerical simulations.

Knowledge and understanding.
Knowledge of the tools and methods for the analysis, design, and experimental characterization of waveguides, antennas, and microwave devices, with particular attention to their operating principles, electromagnetic behavior, and main performance parameters.

Applying knowledge and understanding.
Ability to analyze microwave components and circuits and to establish connections between different problems and solution methods, integrating theoretical concepts with numerical simulations and experimental measurements. Ability to formulate and solve practical engineering problems involving guided waves, microwave networks, impedance matching, power transmission, and electromagnetic radiation.

Making judgments.
Ability to apply deductive reasoning and critical thinking, as well as to identify and compare the most appropriate methods for addressing real-world engineering problems. Ability to assess the validity and limitations of analytical models, numerical simulations, and experimental results, and to make appropriate choices among alternative approaches.

Communication skills.
Ability to communicate technical concepts effectively, both orally and through written reports, using appropriate technical language and methodological rigor. Ability to present the results of analyses, simulations, and laboratory activities in a clear, structured, and scientifically rigorous manner.

Learning skills.
Ability to address new problems through independent and autonomous study. Ability to independently acquire new concepts, methods, and tools and to apply previously acquired knowledge to problems and applications not explicitly addressed during the course.

Traditional teaching (7 ECTS, 49 hours). Exercises and laboratory activities (2 ECTS, 30 hours).

If the course is delivered remotely or in a blended format, the necessary adjustments will be implemented to ensure consistency with the learning objectives specified in the Syllabus.

Essential prerequisites:

• Basic knowledge of differential and integral calculus.
• Vector calculus and differential operators (gradient, divergence, curl).
• Basic concepts of electric charge, electric current, electric and magnetic fields.
• Basic knowledge of electromagnetic field theory (Maxwell’s equations).

Important prerequisites:

• Phasors and techniques for the analysis of lumped-element circuits.
• Electromagnetic field theory, with particular reference to electromagnetic wave propagation.
• Guided-wave propagation and transmission lines.

Recommended prerequisites:

• Fundamentals of antenna theory.

Part 1: Fundamentals of Electromagnetics (review) [7 hours]

[Lectures: 7 hours]

• Maxwell’s equations
• Electromagnetic waves
• Boundary conditions and wave reflection
• Transmission lines
• Electromagnetic power and Poynting’s theorem

Part 2: Guided-Wave Propagation and Transmission Media [32.5 hours]

[Lectures: 17.5 hours – Exercises and Laboratory: 15 hours]

• Guided-wave propagation in rectangular and circular metallic waveguides
• Losses in waveguides
• Resonant cavities
• Microstrip lines
• Dielectric slab waveguides
• Optical fibers

Laboratory Activities

• Microwave circuits
• Impedance Z matrix and scattering S matrix
• Vector network analyzer (VNA)
• One-port and two-port calibration
• Characterization of one-, two-, three-, and four-port microwave devices
• Experimental characterization of microwave components and/or design of microwave components using electromagnetic CAD tools

Part 3: Anisotropic Media [7 hours]

[Lectures: 7 hours]

• Reciprocal and non-reciprocal media
• Magnetized plasma
• Electromagnetic wave propagation in magnetized plasma
• Faraday rotation

Part 4: Microwave Antennas [29 hours]

[Lectures: 14 hours – Exercises and Laboratory: 15 hours]

• Equivalent sources
• Aperture antennas
• Horn antennas
• Parabolic reflectors
• Microstrip antennas

Laboratory Activities:

• Anechoic chamber and antenna measurement systems
• Measurement of gain and radiation patterns
• Microwave antenna design using electromagnetic CAD tools

Part 5: Seminars and In-Depth Study of Emerging Topics [3.5 hours]

[Lectures: 3.5 hours]

• Periodic structures, photonic crystals, and metasurfaces
• Seminars and in-depth study of topics of interest in microwave engineering, also in collaboration with companies, universities, and research centers

Contribution of the Course to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

The topics covered in the course and the skills acquired contribute to the training of professionals capable of addressing technological and design challenges in the field of microwave engineering and high-frequency systems, fostering the development of innovative and technologically advanced solutions.

The course contributes in particular to Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

[1] R. Sorrentino e G. Bianchi, "Microwave and RF Engineering", John Wiley & Sons 2010

[2] R. E. Collin, "Foundations for Microwave Engineering" (IEEE Press)

[3] C. G. Someda, "Electromagnetic Waves", CRC Press.

[4] S. J. Orfanidis, "Electromagnetic Waves and Antennas" (http://www.ece.rutgers.edu/~orfanidi/ewa/)

[5] F. T. Ulaby, U. Ravaioli "Fundamentals of Applied Electromagnetics" (7th Edition), Pearson Education

Oral examination. Discussion of one or two laboratory experiments and/or exercises, also based on and/or supported by written reports prepared by the students. The discussion of the experiments and reports may lead to questions on topics directly related to the activities carried out.

Learning assessment may also be carried out online, should the conditions require it.

To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, interested students may request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures based on educational objectives and specific needs. Students can also contact the CInAP (Centro per l’integrazione Attiva e Partecipata - Servizi per le Disabilità e/o i DSA) referring teacher within their department.

Discussion of laboratory experiments and exercises, also based on the reports prepared by the students. Typical questions may address the following topics:

• Cutoff frequencies and the single-mode operating bandwidth of waveguides.
• Electromagnetic fields in resonant cavities.
• Quality factor of a resonant cavity.
• The concept of a microwave junction.
• Representation of a microwave junction using scattering (S) and impedance (Z) parameters.
• Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) measurements and calibration techniques.
• Antenna gain measurement methods, including the comparison, substitution, and three-antenna methods.
• Faraday rotation and electromagnetic wave propagation in magnetized media.
• Non-reciprocal junctions and the operating principle of the circulator.
• Theory, operating principles, and main characteristics of microstrip antennas.
• Modification and adaptation of electromagnetic simulations for further analysis of scattering parameters and/or radiation patterns.