Mar 28, 2024  
2015-2016 Undergraduate Academic Catalog 
    
2015-2016 Undergraduate Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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EE 3214 - Electromagnetic Waves

3 lecture hours 2 lab hours 4 credits
Course Description
The primary goal of this course is to establish the foundation concepts and applications of electromagnetic waves in the context of wireless applications. The course builds on electromagnetic field principles covered in previous courses. The course begins with an introduction to time dynamic electromagnetic fields. Maxwell’s equations are then examined. Electromagnetic wave propagation is initially developed from a circuits viewpoint in the study of transmission lines. The Smith Chart is utilized to graphically determine and display transmission line and measurement results. Scattering parameters are introduced as the parameters used to express specifications and measurements of high-frequency components. Transmission line concepts are then extended to electromagnetic plane waves. Antennas and propagation are examined from a communication link viewpoint. An introduction to electromagnetic interference and signal integrity issues concludes the course. High frequency measurement techniques, components, and instrumentation are examined in the laboratory sessions. (prereq: MA 235  or MA 2440H  or MA 3502 , EE 3204  or (EE 3202  and EE Program Director approval))
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  • Explain the significance of each term in Maxwell’s equations (integral form).
  • Explain wave propagation, characteristic/intrinsic impedance, reflections, and standing waves for T-lines and plane waves.
  • Determine DC step and pulse transients on a T-line from a traveling wave viewpoint.
  • Apply the wave equation results for the AC T-line to voltage, current, impedance, and traveling and standing waves on a T-line.
  • Measure and interpret displays and specifications of circuit/T-line reflection and transmission.
  • Determine link loss per the Friss transmission equation.
  • Explain electromagnetic interference (EMI) and the other principles behind signal integrity and high-speed circuit effects.

Prerequisites by Topic
  • Vector analysis in rectangular, cylindrical, and spherical coordinate systems.
  • Vector calculus-based electrostatics and magnetostatics (integral forms).
  • Differential equations.

Course Topics
  • Faraday’s law, mutual inductors, displacement current, and time-dynamic Maxwell’s equations (integral forms). (4 classes)
  • Transmission lines (DC transients and AC steady-state). (8 classes)
  • Smith Charts. (3 classes)
  • Scattering parameters, components. (2 classes)
  • Plane waves, antennas, and links. (3 classes)
  • EMI and signal integrity. (2 classes)
  • Introduction, homework days and examinations (including final examination). (9 classes)

Laboratory Topics
  • Laboratory Safety (LMP)
  • Magnetic Circuit (Simulation)
  • Laboratory Documentation
  • Mutual Inductor Characteristics(lecture and experiment; 2 sessions)
  • Electrostatic and Magnetostatic Coupling of Transmission Lines
  • Microwave Laboratory: Introduction, Safety, and Power Measurements
  • Insertion Loss Measurements
  • Directional Couplers, Return Loss, and VSWR Measurements
  • RF Simulation (part of VNA experiment)
  • Vector Network Measurements (interactive demonstration)
  • Horn Antenna Link
  • Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Measurements (lecture and interactive demonstration)

Coordinator
Robert Strangeway



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