Unit information: Antennas and Electromagnetic Compatibility in 2016/17

Unit name	Antennas and Electromagnetic Compatibility
Unit code	EENGM5010
Credit points	10
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Dr. Hilton
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	Entry to MSc in CSSP.
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Civil, Aerospace and Design Engineering
Faculty	Faculty of Engineering

Description including Unit Aims

Antennas: The antenna is an integral part of any wireless communications system. The module outlines basic principles and analysis of antennas. The first part of this module concentrates on defining and practical measurement of antenna characteristics. Array theory is then developed using isotropic sources, and this includes both analysis of linear and planar arrays as well as pattern synthesis. Examples of practical antennas are considered, concentrating on dipoles and patch antennas. The latter is used for practical laboratory work in this unit.

Electromagnetic Compatibility: This course is designed to give an appreciation of the range of issues involved in the design and testing of equipment in such a way as will comply with EMC standards and operate successfully when used in systems. The approach is deliberately chosen to be broad rather than deep so that the students will obtain the necessary background in order for them to be able to investigate specific problems which they may encounter in the future.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Having completed this unit, students will be able to:

1. outline what is meant by electromagnetic radiation;
2. explain basic antenna characteristics (matching, transmission and polarisation);
3. analyse RF characteristics of some antenna element geometries;
4. analyse linear and planar antenna arrays;
5. formulate ways to shape and steer antenna array radiation patterns;
6. undertake simple antenna design and basic practical antenna measurements;
7. describe circuits and structures which are likely to give rise to interference such as loops and long wires;
8. calculate crosstalk levels on wires and printed circuit tracks, given their distributed parameters;
9. describe "real" components such as capacitors, inductors and filters, their behaviour at high frequencies and the most effective ways to use them to improve EMC performance;
10. describe the properties of different screening materials and their effect on different types of interference ;
11. describe different grounding schemes which are possible and their advantages and disadvantages at different frequencies;
12. explain how an EMC test is carried out;
13. describe EMC modelling tools which are available, their uses and limitations.

Teaching Information

Combination of lectures and laboratory sessions

Assessment Information

Pro-forma report on antenna matching and measurement laboratory, 10% (ILOs 2, 3, 6)

Pro-forma report on basic antenna design using CAD modelling, 10% (ILOs 2, 3, 6)

Exam, 2 hours, 80% (ILOs 1-5, 6-13)

Reading and References

Antennas

• Balanis, C.A., Antenna Theory Analysis and Design, J. Wiley, 3rd edition, 2005 Background reference ISBN:978-0-471-66782-7

Electromagnetic Compatibility

• Weston, D.A., Electromagnetic Compatibility – Principles and Applications, 1991

• Williams, Tim, EMC for Product Designers, 2nd edition, 1996, ISBN:0 7506 2466 3