Course coordinator
Professor Amin Abbosh
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Elec Engineering & Comp Science School
The course introduces EM field principles followed by the network theory to obtain efficient means for analyzing and designing of microwave circuits. It puts a special emphasis on planar guiding structures that enable either hybrid and/or monolithic integration of passive and active mircrowave devices. Next, it introduces the concept of noise and nonlinearities followed by equivalent circuit models of diodes and transitors that are used to generate, switch, phase shift, detect, mix or amplify microwave signals. By applying modern CAD software packages it demonstrates how passive and active microwave sub-systems can be designed, simulated and optimized.
In the first part, the course introduces microwave network theory to obtain efficient means for analysing and designing microwave devices. An emphasis is placed on planar guiding structures that enable either hybrid and/or monolithic integration of passive and active microwave devices. In the second part, the course covers using microwave diodes and transistorsﾠto generate, switch, phase shift, detect, mix, or amplify microwave signals.ﾠFinally, the course covers the design and operation of microwave systems.
Throughout the course, EM/microwave simulation tools are introduced and demonstrated in examples of designing, analysing, andﾠoptimization ofﾠmicrowave devices and systems.
The covered material should be of value to students who wish to specialize in the analysis and design ofﾠmodernﾠmicrowave and millimeter-waveﾠsystems, such as mobile communications, radars, satellite communications, and many more.ﾠ
In response to students' feedback, more details are included in the task sheets of the three projects to avoid any ambiguity on the requirements.
Course requirements
Assumed background
The course assumes that students have basic knowledge ofﾠelectromagnetic fields and microwaveﾠdevices. ﾠ
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
ELEC3100 or ELEC7101
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
COMS4104 OR COMS7104
Recommended companion or co-requisite courses
We recommend completing the following courses at the same time:
ENGGG7302
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
COMS7302 or COMS7303
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Professor Amin Abbosh
Dr Kamel Sultan
Dr Wilbert Jesus Villena Gonzales
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
- Understand the principles of analysis and design of microwave networks and circuits
- Know how to design microwave passive circuits, such as resonators and filters
- Understand the operation of active microwave devices
- Know how to designﾠmicrowave mixers, amplifiers and oscillators
- Understand the principles of designing microwave systemsﾠ
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Demonstrate an understanding of principles of operation, analysis and design of microwave passive and active circuits
LO2.
Demonstrate knowledge of the role of passive and active microwave circuits in wireless communication sub-systems
LO3.
Perform a theoretical analysis of passive or active microwave circuits
LO4.
Apply critical reasoning to microwave circuit design problems to obtain meaningful solutions
LO5.
Creatively and efficiently utilize microwave simulation tools
LO6.
Function as an effective member of a team to analyse and design microwave circuits with the use of CAD tools
LO7.
Display ability to write clear and concise engineering reports at professional level
LO8.
Demonstrate an ample knowledge of social and professional responsibilities
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project | Project 1 | 20% |
23/08/2024 4:00 pm |
| Project | Project 2 | 20% |
20/09/2024 4:00 pm |
| Examination |
In-semester Exam
|
40% |
2/10/2024 |
| Project | Project 3 | 20% |
25/10/2024 4:00 pm |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Project 1
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
23/08/2024 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08
Task description
You will be asked to:
Design microwave resonators using the principles covered in the Study Modules & Verify your design with the use of the microwave simulation tools available in the course.
Design microwave filters using the principles covered in the relevant study modules & verify your design with the use of the microwave simulation tools available in the course.
Detailed tasks are shown in the documents available on the course website.
Submission guidelines
Submit your Project Reports through the Blackboard submission system before 2:00pm (Brisbane Time).
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Marked assignments with feedback and/or detailed solutions with feedback will be released to students within 7-14 days where the earlier time frame applies if no extensions.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Project 2
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
20/09/2024 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08
Task description
You will be asked to design microwave amplifiers using the principle covered in the study Modules. Next, you will be asked to verify your design with the use of the microwave simulation tools available in the course.
Submission guidelines
Submit your Project Reports through the Blackboard submission system before 2:00pm (Brisbane Time).
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Marked assignments with feedback and/or detailed solutions with feedback will be released to students within 7-14 days where the earlier time frame applies if no extensions.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
In-semester Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
2/10/2024
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
The in-semester exam will be a closed-book exam. It will contain a mixture of short answer questions, design, and analytical questions.
This exam will assess material taken from week 1 to the exam date.
Hurdle requirements
To pass the course, you must achieve at least 50% in this exam. The grade in the course is capped at 3 if this hurdle is not met.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | Any calculator permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Project 3
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
25/10/2024 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08
Task description
You will be asked to design different types of microwave systems using the principles covered in the study modules. Next, you will be asked to verify your design with the use of the microwave simulation tools available in the course.
Submission guidelines
Submit your Project Reports through the Blackboard submission system before 2:00pm (Brisbane Time).
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Marked assignments with feedback and/or detailed solutions with feedback will be released to students within 7-14 days where the earlier time frame applies if no extensions.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 19 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 20 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 39 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
In order to achieve aﾠGrade of 4 (Pass)ﾠor greater in the course, studentsﾠmust achieve at least 50%ﾠin theﾠmid-semester exam.
Marks will be rounded to the nearest integer (with half marks rounded up) prior toﾠfinal grading being applied.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Simulation Toolsﾠavailable for use in the practical sessions:
- ADSTM - Advanced Design System by Agilent
- CST MICROWAVE STUDIO 3D EM Simulation Software by 3DS
Handouts
Lecture and project materials will be available to students enrolled in the course via the course website: https://learn.uq.edu.au/
Facilities
Practical sessions will be held in a lab that is equipped with the required software and tools. Thoseﾠsimulatorsﾠare also accessible through RDP.ﾠﾠ
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (22 Jul - 28 Jul) |
Lecture |
Module 1 Part I Microwave Network Analysis Part I Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 2 (29 Jul - 04 Aug) |
Lecture |
Module 1 Part II Microwave Network Analysis Part II Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Multiple weeks From Week 3 To Week 5 |
Practical |
Project 1 Project 1 (Microwave Networks, Resonators and Filters) due on 04/09/2022, 2pm Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
Week 3 (05 Aug - 11 Aug) |
Practical |
Introduction to Simulation Tools A tutorial and demo session in the lab on how to use the simulator ADS Learning outcomes: L05, L06 |
Lecture |
Module 2 Part I Microwave Resonators Part I Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 4 (12 Aug - 18 Aug) |
Lecture |
Module 2 Part II Microwave Resonators Part II Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 5 (19 Aug - 25 Aug) |
Lecture |
Module 3 Part I Microwave Filters Part I Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Multiple weeks From Week 6 To Week 9 |
Practical |
Project 2 Project 2 (Microwave Amplifiers & Active Components) due on 03/10/2022, 2pm. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
Week 6 (26 Aug - 01 Sep) |
Lecture |
Module 3 Part II Microwave Filters Part II Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 7 (02 Sep - 08 Sep) |
Lecture |
Module 4 Microwave Amplifiers Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 8 (09 Sep - 15 Sep) |
Lecture |
Module 5 Noise and Active Microwave Components Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 9 (16 Sep - 22 Sep) |
Lecture |
Module 6 Part I Microwave Oscillators and Mixers Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Multiple weeks From Week 10 To Week 13 |
Practical |
Project 3 Project 3 (Oscillators, Mixers and Microwave Systems) due on 27/10/2022, 2pm. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
Week 10 (30 Sep - 06 Oct) |
Lecture |
Module 6 Part II Microwave Oscillators and Mixers Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 11 (07 Oct - 13 Oct) |
Lecture |
Module 7 Part I Microwave Systems Part I Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 12 (14 Oct - 20 Oct) |
Lecture |
Module 7 Part II Microwave Systems Part II Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: