Overview

• A general overview of microwave systems engineering, including a number of practical system configurations developed for medical applications will be given. • This will be followed by an introduction to microwave system design in terms of attenuation and gain of passive and active components respectively, and use of dBs and dBms to design basic system line-ups. • Microwave transmission lines commonly used in microwave system design, i.e. co-axial lines and microstrip lines, will be introduced and it will be shown how to calculate their characteristic impedance. • A range of microwave system design techniques will then be introduced; including: derivation and use of the impedance transformation equation, graphical design techniques using Smith Charts.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -Equivalent to 40%. Uses key areas of theory or knowledge to meet the Learning Outcomes of the module. Is able to formulate an appropriate solution to accurately solve tasks and questions. Can identify individual aspects, but lacks an awareness of links between them and the wider contexts. Outputs can be understood, but lack structure and/or coherence.

-good -Equivalent to the range 60%-69%. Is able to analyse a task or problem to decide which aspects of theory and knowledge to apply. Solutions are of a workable quality, demonstrating understanding of underlying principles. Major themes can be linked appropriately but may not be able to extend this to individual aspects. Outputs are readily understood, with an appropriate structure but may lack sophistication.

-excellent -Equivalent to the range 70%+. Assemble critically evaluated, relevant areas of knowledge and theory to construct professional-level solutions to tasks and questions presented. Is able to cross-link themes and aspects to draw considered conclusions. Presents outputs in a cohesive, accurate, and efficient manner.

Learning Outcomes

• Be able to apply microwave engineering techniques to solve problems encountered in industry

• Be capable of making useful microwave measurements using a vector network analyser (VNA)

• Have an appreciation, and an understanding of, the breadth of applications of microwave engineering (communications, industrial processing, medical)