Information Engineering

The course provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles of antenna theory and their applications in radio propagation and remote sensing systems. After an introductory section reviewing the basic concepts of electromagnetic radiation, the course addresses the analysis, characterization, and design of the main types of antennas, leading to more complex structures such as aperture antennas and antenna arrays. The course also includes applied components, with practical examples, the use of simulation software, and references to laboratory instrumentation. The programme is organized into the following thematic units: 1. Introduction and review of electromagnetic theory (approx. 6 hours) – Introduction to antennas and their applications. – Types of antennas and main descriptive parameters. – Review of electromagnetic radiation theory. – Maxwell’s and Helmholtz equations. – Near-field and far-field regions. – Fundamental theorems for antennas. 2. Antenna parameters and characterization (approx. 15 hours) – Electromagnetic fields radiated by antennas. – Transmission and reception parameters: gain, directivity, efficiency, impedance, bandwidth. – Radio link between antennas. – Antenna measurements. 3. Linear antennas (approx. 12 hours) – Hertzian dipole and elementary loop. – Hallen’s integral equation for cylindrical dipoles. – Introduction to the Method of Moments and solution of Hallen’s equation. – Analysis and design of linear antennas. 4. Aperture antennas (approx. 13 hours) – Radiation from the planar aperture of a metallic screen. – Fourier transform method applied to aperture analysis. – Rectangular aperture antennas. – Horn antennas: operating principles and main types. 5. Antenna arrays (approx. 14 hours) – Array factor and synthesis principles. – Uniform linear arrays. – Yagi-Uda and log-periodic antennas. – Planar arrays and Chebyshev arrays. – Fundamentals of array design. 6. Optional topics and practical exercises Depending on student interests, alternative or complementary topics may be presented: (a) Electromagnetic pollution and environmental evaluation of EM fields. (b) Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) systems, antennas, and applications. (c) Use of an electromagnetic simulator based on the Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) method. (d) Use of the MATLAB Antenna Toolbox. (e) Introduction to the use of spectrum analyzers and vector network analyzers.

There are no prerequisites. Nonetheless it is recommended to have already successfully attended a course about electromagnetic fields.

Handouts by the teacher. All the study material can be found in the course’s Google Classroom: https://classroom.google.com/c/MzQ1MTI5ODQ5MTA0?cjc=3tjpxsw

Attending the lectures is not mandatory for this course, but it is strongly recommended, for a better understanding of the subject.

The assessment of the course consists of a combination of written, oral, and project-based tests, structured as follows: 1. Written Exam Objective: To verify the understanding of theoretical concepts and the ability to apply them to practical problems. Method: The exercise questions are provided in class at the beginning of the written test. Timing: At the end of the course and throughout the year, according to the exam sessions established in the academic calendar; intermediate tests (mid-term assessments) may also be proposed. Duration: 120 minutes per test. Type: Exercises with open and closed-ended questions. Evaluation: Numerical scoring of individual exercises on a 30-point scale; the result contributes to the final grade. 2. Project Objective: To develop the ability to independently apply theoretical and instrumental knowledge to a concrete case study. Method: Written report and/or oral presentation. Timing: The project topic is proposed during the course; submission can be individual or in small groups and may occur at any time during the academic year. Duration: Variable, depending on the characteristics of the project. Type: Antenna design or characterization, electromagnetic simulations, microwave component measurements — topics to be chosen in agreement with the students. Evaluation: Project assessment on a 30-point scale, considering accuracy of work, autonomy in execution, clarity of presentation, and ability to synthesize and critically analyze results. The result contributes to the final grade. 3. Optional Oral Exam Objective: To assess the comprehensive understanding of the course content, the ability to connect different thematic units, and the capacity for critical reasoning. Method: Individual interview with the instructor. Timing: At the end of the course and throughout the year, according to the exam sessions established in the academic calendar. Duration: Approximately 30 minutes per student. Type: Discussion of theoretical topics, exercises performed, and case studies. Evaluation: Grading on a 30-point scale with possible honors; assessment includes knowledge, analytical skills, and clarity of exposition. International Students (Incoming) It is possible to take the exam in English. The content and objectives of the assessment remain unchanged.

Lectures are held in the classroom, in a traditional way