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Unit information: Antennas in 2019/20

Please note: Due to alternative arrangements for teaching and assessment in place from 18 March 2020 to mitigate against the restrictions in place due to COVID-19, information shown for 2019/20 may not always be accurate.

Please note: you are viewing unit and programme information for a past academic year. Please see the current academic year for up to date information.

Unit name Antennas
Unit code EENGM0024
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 degree programme

Co-requisites

None

School/department School of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering
Faculty Faculty of Engineering

Description including Unit Aims

The antenna is an integral part of any wireless communications system. This unit predominantly considers intentional radiators (i.e. antennas), though also provides a basis for analysis of unintentional electromagnetic radiation (i.e. potential sources of interference). The first part of the unit concentrates on defining, and practical measurement of, antenna characteristics. Antenna array theory is then developed to show how the antennas radiation pattern can be shaped and steered. The application and design of some of the wide variety of antenna configurations is considered, with examples given of practical antennas (dipoles, slots, arrays, reflectors). It is also important to show how the antenna is integrated with feed-lines and RF circuitry. The work is covered in lectures and reinforced through practical antenna measurements and computer-aided design.

Intended Learning Outcomes

  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 antenna weights to shape and steer antenna array radiation patterns;
  6. undertake simple antenna design and basic practical antenna measurements;

Teaching Information

Lectures and practical laboratories

Assessment Information

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

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

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

Reading and References

  • Balanis, C.A., Antenna Theory : Analysis and Design, 3rd Edition, Wiley 2005, ISBN:978-0-471-66782-7
  • Kraus, John D. & Marhefka, Ronald J., Antennas for all Applications, 3rd Edition, McGraw Hill 2002, ISBN:0-07-232103-2

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