The course is 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 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.

Knowledge of 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 the system analysis - to apply simple design techniques to the above-mentioned applications of the electromagnetic fields - to measure scattering parameters using the vector network analyser - to measure an antenna radiation pattern and gain

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 metallic waveguides (1 CFU): propagation modes and their properties; rectangular waveguide; simple discontinuities and their use. • Electromagnetic wave propagation in homogeneous media: plane waves (1 CFU). • Electromagnetic wave radiation and antennas (2 CFU): radiation in free-space; antenna characteristic parameters, radio-link budget; introduction to antennas; dipoles.

Lectures and practice classes are used to obtain the expected learning outcomes in terms of knowledge and ability to analyze and design systems. Homeworks will be assigned. To foster the learning and provide practical abilities, experimental labs are organized on the measurements of scattering parameters for microstrip components using the vector network analyser, on the measurements of scattering parameters with the slotted line, and on the measurement of antenna radiation pattern and gain.

D.M. Pozar, “Microwave Engineering”, Addison Wesley Antennas and Radiowave Propagation (Mcgraw Hill Series in Electrical and Computer Engineering) by Robert E. Collin Available on the web portal: information on course, course handouts, assigned problems.

Modalità di esame: Prova scritta (in aula); Prova orale facoltativa;

Exam: Written test; Optional oral exam;

... The exam consists of a 3 problem closed book written test (available time: 2h) with maximum score equal to 27/30 (the students cannot have solved exercises, notes or textbooks with them). To reach the maximum score it is possible either to sit an oral test or to complete the assigned homeworks.

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.