EE-223 Microwave Circuits
The course objective is to understand and predict how an electric circuit behaves when its physical size is the same order of magnitude as the wavelength of excitation. The course helps understand how electromagnetic waves in the microwave regime can be guided through well-defined modes and how coupling, matching, and filtering operations are key to efficient microwave systems. The theory and design of key microwave components (passives and active) are studied. An important element of the course is a design project where students can validate the concepts learned in the course through simulations in industry-standard CAD tools like ADS and HFSS.
Suggested Text Book: Microwave Engineering by D.M. Pozar
EE-222 Antenna Theory and Design
The course objective is to understand the antenna theory and fundamentals of practical antenna design. The course helps the students to learn the key aspects of classical antenna elements. A broad range of antenna elements like a dipole, loop, microstrip patch, reflector, and lens antennas are studied. New topics like on-chip antennas, inkjet printed antennas, and frequency independent antennas are also covered. The later half of the course focuses on array theory and design. Students get the opportunity to learn industry-standard CAD tool Ansoft HFSS and then design antennas in this simulator as part of their design projects required for the course.
Suggested Text Book: Antenna Theory and Analysis and Design by C. Balanis
EE-202 Monolithic Amplifier Circuits
This course covers the analysis and design of basic analog circuits leading to different topologies of amplifiers. Starting with the transistor (MOS) device physics and its large and small-signal models, the IV characteristics are discussed. This course helps to understand the challenges in the design of analog circuits components such as single-stage, differential amplifiers, passive, and active current mirrors. Using the SPICE circuit models, students will also get an opportunity to design and simulate circuits in CAD tools like PsPICE and Cadence.
Suggested Text Book: Analog Integrated Circuit Design by John & Martin
EE-323 Microwave Measurements Laboratory
Microwave measurements laboratory is a Ph.D. level course focusing on the techniques of characterizing microwave passive structures such as antennas, inductors, transformers, and active circuits such as amplifiers (low-noise & high power), oscillators, etc. Calibration and de-embedding techniques to isolate the effects of measurement equipment from the device under test (DUT) will be covered in detail. The students will get hands-on experience of using measurement equipment and are expected to complete a design project involving the design and characterization of a passive or active component.
Enrolled students can access course material through KAUST's Blackboard via http://portal.kaust.edu.sa