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525.423 - Principles of Microwave Circuits Course Homepage

Instructor Information

Joseph Abita

Email: jla_emtemp@yahoo.com

Dr. J. L. Abita holds PhD (Ohio University), MS, and BS (Fairleigh Dickinson) degrees in physics. His PhD efforts focused on a theoretical topic in quantum statistical thermodynamics; MS focused on experimental efforts in gaseous and solid state lasers. His career spans academic, government, and commercial venues in electronics and microelectronics at JHU APL, Kodak, General Electric, and Comsat where he served as an individual contributor and manager of programs and staff supporting commercial, satellite, medical, and military systems/components development and manufacture. His experience includes design, fabrication, material processes, and packaging of electronic and mechanical systems, and devices including hybrid and monolithic integrated circuits, SOS and GaAs miniature microwave integrated circuits (MMIC). He developed processes, and managed mass production process lines associated with electronic products. In an adjunct role, he contributed to and managed a biomedical engineering research program supported by a major medical company. Dr. Abita has served on numerous committees; he has numerous publications, short courses, inventions, and awards; most recently receiving a Master Inventor Award from JHU APL. Dr. Abita has been a student adviser and instructor for over 20 years.

Course Information

Course Description

This course addresses foundational microwave circuit concepts and engineering fundamentals. Topics include electromagnetics leading to wave propagation and generation, the transmission line, and impedance/admittance transformation and matching. Mapping and transformation are presented in the development of the Smith Chart. The Smith Chart is used to perform passive microwave circuit design. Microwave networks and s-matrix are presented; Mason's Rules are introduced. Circuits are physically designed using microstrip concepts, taking into consideration materials properties, connectors, and other components.

Course Goal

Acquire a broad foundation of theoretical and practical knowledge regarding high frequency (microwave) engineering and physical principles. Ability to apply knowledge to the design and synthesis of basic microwave components and circuits.

Course Objectives

  • Learn fundamentals of high frequency electromagnetic wave sources, generation, and behavior in materials and transmission lines.
  • Develop microwave design concepts and tools, and apply them to design objectives.
  • Design and layout a simple one-stage low-noise microwave amplifier.
  • Obtain a foundation for following courses in advanced microwave concepts and design.

When This Course is Typically Offered

Fall Term at APL; Spring Term at MC.

Syllabus

Topics Covered

  • Microwave Foundations
  • High Frequency Circuit Concepts
  • MW Transmission
  • Passive Circuit Models
  • Transformations and Components
  • Network Representations
  • Scattering Parameters
  • Smith Chart
  • Smith Chart Application to Analysis and Design
  • Single-Stage Amplifier Design/Layout

Student Assessment Criteria

Homework 20%
Mid Term Exam 40%
Final Exam 40%

Computer and Technical Requirements

Computer skills for communication, word processing, mathematical calculations (e.g., MATHCAD, MATLAB) helpful.

Participation Expectations

Class asked to participate in problem solution and concept development. Homework is assigned based on class material covered, 8 assignments over 14 week term. Late homework is accepted up to one week late for reduced credit; not accepted more than one week late. Exams are closed book, no notes, and taken in-class. Attendance is expected at all classes barring exceptional circumstances. Students must attend exams at negotiated dates.

Textbooks

Textbook information for this course is available online through the MBS Direct Virtual Bookstore.

Course Notes

There are notes for this course.

Final Words from the Instructor

This course stresses theoretical foundations and engineering application, but also presents practical considerations for real-world situations and applications of what is learned. Current Text is latest edition of Microwave Engineering, D. Pozar, John-Wiley.

(Last Modified: 07-22-2008 at 11:07:57 AM)