This module will present you with fundamental principles behind practical microwave technologies used in modern applications.

Upon successful completion of this module, you will be able to: 1. Interpret electromagnetic wave propagation in various media; how guided-wave structures can be used as practical components, bridging the gap between radio and optical frequencies. 2. Apply scattering(S)-parameters and their use in simulations and experiments. 3. Analyse the fundamental physical limitations of materials and components. For example, why some materials are better than others and why surface mounted devices are generally not used at upper microwave frequencies. 4. Present aspects of commercial technologies in the design and manufacture of components and circuits. 5. Theoretical predictions and a practical demonstration of the microwave oven will be given at the end of the course to highlight a number of basic electromagnetic principle associated with cavity resonators.

Review of the electromagnetic spectrum; Review of Maxwell’s equations; Electromagnetic numerical modelling techniques; Transmission line theory: general and rectangular waveguides; Antenna theory; Microwave materials: reciprocal and nonreciprocal; Passive components: reciprocal and nonreciprocal; Thermionic devices; Solid-state active devices: two-terminal and three-terminal; Integrated circuit technologies: HMICs and MMICs; S-parameters: general and signal flow graph techniques; Measurement techniques: general and laboratory session; Applications of microwave technology.