Course Number
525.771
Next Offered
Fall 2025
Location
Applied Physics Laboratory, Online
Course Format
In-person, Online - Synchronous

This course examines various propagation phenomena that influence transmission of radio frequency signals between two locations on earth and between satellite-earth terminals, with a focus on applications. Frequencies above 30 MHz are considered with emphasis on microwave and millimeter propagation. Topics include free space transmission, propagation, and reception; effects on waves traversing the ionosphere; and attenuation due to atmospheric gases, rain, and clouds. Brightness temperature concepts are discussed, and thermal noise introduced into the receiver system from receiver hardware and from atmospheric contributions are examined. Also described are reflection and diffraction effects by land terrain and ocean, multipath propagation, tropospheric refraction, propagation via surface and elevated ducts, scatter from fluctuations of the refractive index, and scattering due to rain. Atmospheric dynamics that contribute to the various types of propagation conditions in the troposphere are described. Prerequisite(s): An undergraduate degree in electrical engineering or equivalent.

Course Offerings

Open

Propagation of Radio Waves in the Atmosphere

525.771.31
08/26/2025 - 12/09/2025
Tues 4:30 p.m. - 7:10 p.m.
Semester
Fall 2025
Course Format
In-person
Location
Applied Physics Laboratory
Cost
$5,455.00
Course Materials
Open

Propagation of Radio Waves in the Atmosphere

525.771.8VL
08/26/2025 - 12/09/2025
Tues 4:30 p.m. - 7:10 p.m.
Semester
Fall 2025
Course Format
Online - Synchronous
Location
Online
Cost
$5,455.00
Course Materials