The course is taught in English. Microwave Electronics (1st year LM, 2nd term) is a mandatory course in the curricula: RF design, Integrated Electronic and Optoelectronic Devices and Technologies, Wireless System design. It provides the basis for the computer aided design of analog circuits for RF, microwave and mm-waves, with particular attention to linear circuits.

- Knowledge of integrated technologies for RF, microwave and mm-wave active and passive devices. - Ability to analyse linear two-ports from the stanpoint of power gains and stability - Knowledge of linear and nonlinear models of active microwave transistors - Ability to analyse an electronic circuits with noise sources and to design a loaded two-port in order to minimize the noise figure - Knowledge of narrowband, wideband ad ultrawideband microwave amplifier solutions - Ability to computer aided design linear high-gain and low-noise microwave amplifiers - Knowledge of fundamental parameters of quasi-linear microwave power amplifiers - Ability to design and optimize simple narrowband power amplifiers.

Fundamentals of analog electronics, transmission line theory, scattering parameters basics, basics on random processes. Fundamentals of electronic devices.

Lectures: - Enabling technologies for analog RF, microwave and millimeter wave analog integrated systems, recalls on transmission lines and distributed and concentrated integrated components (1 CFU) - Analysis of loaded two-port with S-parameter representation, stability and gains (0,5 CFU) - Basics on active devices for micowaves and millimeter waves, small-signal models, large-signal models( 0,5 CFU) - Noise in electronic circuits, two-port noise parameters, active device noise models. (1 CFU) - Design of maximum gain linear amplifiers, design of low-noise amplifiers; examples of microwave and mm-wave topologies: open loop, balanced, feedback, distributed, with inductive degeneration. Basics of class-A power amplifiers. (1 CFU) CAD laboratories (2 CFU): - Simulation and optimization of passive microwave integrated circuits through MWOFFICE - Simulation and optimization of maximum gain amplifiers - Design and layout of a single-stage microwave amplifier.

A recorded version (Academic year 2017/18) of the course is available.

The course includes a few CAD labs (4-5) devoted to practicing a software for the analysis and optimization of analog linear circuits (MWOFFICE). The CAD lab will include several steps, from the analysis and design of simple passive structures, till the design (including the layout) of a single-stage amplifiers. Numerical problems will be proposed during the lectures (similar to the ones in the final test).

Lecture slides and a trace of the CAD labs is available on the course web site. Reference text: G.Ghione, M. Pirola, "Microwave electronics", Cambridge University Press 2017. A previous version in Italian is also available: G. Ghione, M. Pirola, "Elettronica delle microonde", OTTO editore, 2002, due volumi.

Slides; Libro di testo; Esercizi; Esercizi risolti; Esercitazioni di laboratorio; Esercitazioni di laboratorio risolte; Video lezioni tratte da anni precedenti; Strumenti di simulazione;

Modalità di esame: Prova scritta (in aula); Prova pratica di laboratorio; Elaborato progettuale in gruppo;

Exam: Written test; Practical lab skills test; Group project;

... The examination includes two written tests: Test #1 - Questions (7~12 in number) [4/9 of the total score], aiming at assessing the knowledge of the theory. - Short problems (2-3 in number) [2/9 of the total score], aiming at assessing the ability to apply the theory to simple numerical examples. Questions and problems are, together, 2/3 of the total score. They are from a set available from the course web site (of course problems with numbers changed!). Most of the questions are open, some multiple choice. Questions and problems are taken together (typically 1h for questions and 1 h for problems). For problems the students can keep formulae (two A4 sides, write what you want), for questions no notes can be kept. Test #2 MWOFFICE Test in the CAD lab [1/3 of the final score]. The aim is to test the practical knowledge of the CAD tools introduced in the course. The test is a simple problem similar to the ones seen in the CAD labs. MWOFFICE user manual available. The test is done same day as Test #1 or day after. The CAD test can be replaced under request by an individual or group project (typically, consisting in the CAD design of a linear passive or active component; some more advanced project on nonlinear simulation are also available; max 4 people). The project report must be handed in for evaluation typically within the session where Test #1 is taken. The project is presented in a final oral discussion, the use of slides is suggested. To pass the examination, the student must obtain a pass in all three parts (questions, problems, CAD lab test or project).

Gli studenti e le studentesse con disabilità o con Disturbi Specifici di Apprendimento (DSA), oltre alla segnalazione tramite procedura informatizzata, sono invitati a comunicare anche direttamente al/la docente titolare dell'insegnamento, con un preavviso non inferiore ad una settimana dall'avvio della sessione d'esame, gli strumenti compensativi concordati con l'Unità Special Needs, al fine di permettere al/la docente la declinazione più idonea in riferimento alla specifica tipologia di esame.