The course is taught in English. Antennas are an obviously necessary components of any wireless system; present applications, and anticipated future scenarios all call for innovative antennas to meet the challenges of green systems with reduced power consumption, of intelligent transportation systems, high-performance space applications, or pervasive distributed-information and distributed-computing networks and systems, like RFID and Internet of Things. This course will focus on Antenna design for present, future and emerging systems. Experience in designing antennas is important not only to carry out design tasks in a professional environment, but also to procure antennas and related components, as well as to conceive wireless systems as a whole in a multi-disciplinary environment.

Specific ability to design from beginning to end at least one type of antenna to be used in contemporary communication systems, employing antenna theory and computer-based procedures. Knowledge of the main classes of antennas currently in use in relevant wireless systems, for terrestrial and space communications, and for the most recent and/or significant applications. Ability to understand the requirements of antennas in relevant wireless systems; the operation of antennas; the techniques and tools for antenna design. Ability to understand and evaluate performance of commercial antennas and to procure antennas and related components. Ability to learn about antennas not discussed in the course, and especially new developments of antennas in future scenarios.

Transmission lines (ability to solve standard problems); Basics of Radiation of EM fields; Basics of Antennas (definition of fundamental parameters); Basics of (wireless) Link budget.

Review of prerequisites on radiation and antennas (transmission lines not addressed) 6h Compact and light-weight antennas for mobile terminals, automotive, wireless sensor networks 8h Methods for computer-assisted design: electromagnetic modeling, CAD representation, design labs 10h Array antennas: radiating elements; array design; design of beam-forming network 30h Special topics 6h The material progression will be tailored on the basis of the average background of the audience, with the objective of a successful design lab.

A key component of the learning activity is a design laboratory, in which theoretical knowledge and computer-based techniques will be applied to design one or more antennas, including one complete design. The lab activity (both software and hardware) will parallel classroom activity for a total of about 30% of the total contact time. The course is delivered in the form of lectures (classes) and problem-solving sessions. Problems/tasks are assigned about every 15days; they are intended for 1) allowing retention testing; 2) learning application of presented theory into design; 3) gaining orders of magnitude and issues of typical applications. Key component of the learning activity are problem-solving classes and home assignments, of which the design lab is part.

The learning will be supported by handouts made available by the instructor, via the didattica web portal. Other materials, including Matlab™ scritps, scholarly journal articles and other relevant sources will also be made available. The provided handouts are enough for preparing to the final exam. Bibliographical indications will be given for "probing further".

Modalità di esame: Prova scritta (in aula); Elaborato scritto individuale; Elaborato scritto prodotto in gruppo;

Exam: Written test; Individual essay; Group essay;

... Grading can be achieved in two alternative ways. A- Evaluation by grading of submitted assignments. - Requires submission of all assignments, in complete form, by the indicated deadlines. The materials to be submitted include reports on design labs. - Assignments must be carried out individually (unless otherwise stated). Assignment papers will be graded and result in the final grade. - Max score achievable: 30 L (no limitation). Grading criteria will also include difference between papers submitted by different persons; it will also consider discussions during carrying out of the assigned tasks in class. B- Exam in standard form: written test on problem solving; the test will propose problems similar to those assigned during the course, and questions on the lectures (as reported in the provided class material). It may encompass design of radiating elements, array factors, beam-forming networks or parts thereof. The test is closed-book (no material allowed), but useful formulas are provided with exam text (to avoid unnecessary mnemonic efforts); the formulas are taken from the course handouts. Duration: 2.5hrs.

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.