Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2009-2010 (archived)

Module ENGI42615: RF Engineering

Department: Engineering

ENGI42615: RF Engineering

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2009/10 Module Cap None.
Tied to H1K709

Prerequisites

Corequisites

  • Radio and Digital Communications (ENGI41915); Communications Networks (ENGI42015); Digital Signal Processing (ENGI42215); Design of Wireless Systems (ENGI41030); Research and Development Project (ENGI41060)

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • Electromagnetic theory is fundamental to wireless systems. The module covers basic EM theory and devices suitable for the realization of wireless systems.
  • This module will be given in the first two terms of the course to allow the delivered material to be used in design and research and development modules.

Content

  • Guass Law, Ampere’s law, divergence theorem, Stokes theorem, Poisson and Laplace equations, Maxwell’s equations
  • EM waves in dielectric, EM waves in conductors, skin effect
  • Reflection and refraction
  • Generation of EM waves, dipole antennas, antenna elements and arrays, EM propagation
  • Guided waves, waveguide equations, guided modes, fiber optic, waveguides
  • III-V semiconductor, materials technology, MESFET, HEMT, pHEMT

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • To develop a specialised understanding of electro-magnetic theory
  • To develop an awareness of the generation and transmission mechanisms and devices of EM waves
Subject-specific Skills:
Key Skills:

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Teaching by lectures and tutorials which are supported by summative and formative coursework programme.
  • Written examinations are appropriate because of the wide range of in-depth, analytical material that is covered.
  • Theoretical and laboratory-based coursework contribute a formative element to the module and aid the acquisition of subject-specific and key skills.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 20 1 or 2 per week 1 hour 20
Tutorials 20 1 per week 1 hour 20
Preparation and Reading 110
Total 150

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 80%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Examination 2 hour written examination in may/june 2 hours 100%
Component: Assignment Component Weighting: 20%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Coursework 100%

Formative Assessment:

One piece of coursework, which will be assessed but not included in the final average.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University