Electronics Engineering

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING. The module presents the fundamentals of microwave measurements to characterize the devices used in typical microwave networks. The structure and the operation of state of the art Vector Network Analyzers and Spectrum Analyzers are described as well as various measurement techniques (frequency response, noise factor, phase noise, time domain reflectometry). The calibration techniques and the evaluation of the measure uncertainty are discussed too. Extensive laboratory measurements are foreseen on typical filters, attenuators, dividers, directional couplers, amplifiers, oscillators, mixers, guiding structures, resonators and antennas. CAPABILITY TO APPLY KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING. Successful students will be able to measure any typical microwave component with 1-port (e.g. lumped element R-L-C, resonators, antennas), 2-ports (e.g. attenuators, cables, waveguides, filters, amplifiers), 3-ports (e.g. power splitters, circulators, mixers), 4-ports (e.g. directional couplers). He/She will be able to choose the instrument and its settings most appropriate to measure the device under test with the measurement uncertainty required. Eventually students will get acquainted with state of the art Vector Network Analysers and Spectrum Analysers. MAKING AUTONOMOUS JUDGEMENTS. Laboratory activities require student autonomous judgements even if they are always conducted under the supervision of the teachers. COMMUNICATE SKILLS. The laboratory activities include group work, which enhances the student team working attitudes and communication skills. A scientific report of each activity is requested as well. LEARNING SKILLS. Small groups laboratory activities allow students to deepen the understanding of their knowledge, relying also on the interaction with other group members (each group is up to 3-4 students).