The course in taught in English.

The transport of information, in any electronic or photonic system, always occurs through the propagation of electromagnetic waves. These phenomena are completely described by Maxwell's equations, whose methodological study constitutes a fundamental point of all the curriculum in electronic and telecommunications engineering. In addition to the classic applications in the field of radio frequency, microwave, millimeter-wave and optic communications, the continuous growth of electronic technology makes it necessary to consider properly the electromagnetic phenomena in the design of almost all the electronic components and subsystems.

Ability to understand the phenomena associated with dynamic electromagnetic fields, and in particular with time-harmonic fields, for the most relevant applications of information engineering: electronic components and subsystems for RF, microwave and millimeter waves, and wireless propagation at-large.
Ability to apply analytical methods to analysis and the simple designs to the above-mentioned applications of the electromagnetic fields.

Basic math and calculus, and in particular ability to perform computations involving complex numbers and vector quantities; study of functions, basic knowledge and ability to solve problems on: multi-dimensional differential and integral calculus, differential and integral calculus of vector fields.
Basic knowledge and ability to perform computations involving functions of complex variable and Fourier transforms.
Basic knowledge and ability to solve problems on ordinary differential equations (of second order).
Fundamentals of physics on electrical, magnetic and electromagnetic quantities and on the energy properties of the electromagnetic field.
Circuit theory: ability to solve problems on the time-harmonic analysis of linear networks (sinusoidal regime).

• Transmission lines and distributed parameter components (3 CFU): line equations and their solution; Smith chart; impedance matching; scattering parameters and scattering matrix; transmission line transients.
• Maxwell equations (1 CFU).
• Electromagnetic wave propagation in homogeneous media: plane waves (1 CFU).
• Electromagnetic wave propagation in metallic waveguides (2 CFU): propagation modes and their properties; rectangular waveguide; circular waveguide and coaxial cable; simple discontinuities and their use; losses; excitation terms.
• Electromagnetic wave radiation and antennas (3 CFU): radiation in free-space; antenna characteristic parameters, radio-link budget; introduction to antennas; dipoles; aperture antennas; arrays (basics).

3 experimental labs are organized:
1. Measurements of scattering parameters for microstrip components with network analyser. (descriptive)
2. Measurements of scattering parameters with the slotted line.
3. Measurement of antenna radiation pattern.

D. Pozar, Microwave Engineering, Addison Wesley, 1990.
Material on selected parts of the course available on the web portal.

Also available on the web portal: information on course, course handouts, assigned problems.

The exam consists of a mandatory 3 problem-solving written test (time available: 2h) with maximum score equal to 27/30 during which it is strictly avoided to bring developed exercises, notes or textbooks. To reach the maximum score it is possible to hold an oral test or to complete the assigned homeworks.