RF Engineering II

(3-0-0-3)

CMPE Degree: This course is Selected Elective for the CMPE degree.

EE Degree: This course is Selected Elective for the EE degree.

Lab Hours: 0 supervised lab hours and 0 unsupervised lab hours.

Technical Interest Groups / Course Categories: Threads / ECE Electives

Course Coordinator: Gabriel A Rincon-Mora

Prerequisites: ECE 3025 [min C] and ECE 3400 [min C]

Catalog Description

Fundamentals learned in RF-I are employed to design the elements of radio receivers, transmitters, and similar systems. Systems analysis, mixers, detectors, power amplifiers, low-noise amplifiers, and oscillators are covered.

Textbook(s)

Planar Microwave Engineering, RF Power Amplifiers for Wireless Communications, RF and Microwave Transistor Oscillator Design

Course Outcomes

Design low-loss, high power matching networks 

Model transistors for large-signal (nonlinear) operation

Analyze distortion contribution from components

Design, simulate, fabricate and test a multi-stage PA 

Design, simulate, fabricate and test a VCO 

Design, simulate, fabricate an FM transmitter

Strategic Performance Indicators (SPIs)

N/A

Topic List

  1. Introduction
    1. Communication Systems
    2. Noise in Communications Systems
    3. Methods of Modulation
    4. Radio Receivers
    5. FCC Rules
  2. Linear and Non-Linear Amplifiers
    1. Amplifier Classes and Efficiency
    2. Dynamic Range
    3. Intermodulation Distortion
  3. Small-Signal Amplifier Design
    1. Gain, Stability, and Noise Circles
    2. Low-Noise Design
    3. Design of Feedback Amplifiers
  4. Frequency Mixers
    1. Definitions and Terms
    2. Diode Mixers
    3. Transistor Mixers
    4. Spurious Responses
  5. Detectors
    1. AM Detectors
    2. FM and PM Detectors
    3. Noise Considerations
    4. Dyinamic Range
  6. Oscillator Design
    1. Criteria for Oscillations to Occur
    2. Build-Up of Oscillations
    3. Oscillator Analysis
    4. Resonator Theory
    5. Negative Resistance Oscillators
    6. Feedback Oscillators
    7. Tuned Oscillators
    8. Crystal Oscillators
    9. Frequency Synthesizers
  7. Large Signal Amplifiers
    1. Amplifier Classes and Efficiency
    2. Dynamic Range
    3. Intermodulation Distortion
    4. Design of Large Signal Amplifiers
  8. Transmitter Circuits
    1. Power Amplifiers
    2. AM Transmitters
    3. FM Transmitters
    4. High-Power Vacuum Tube Amplifiers
    5. Power Combining Techniques