EE 462 - RF Circuit Design II

Lecture Hours: 2
Lab Hours: 2
Credit Hours: 3

This second course on radio-frequency (RF) circuit design aims to introduce cadets to the fundamentals of high-frequency active circuit analysis and design. Specifically, in this course, cadets will learn basic concepts of RF transistor amplifiers, low-noise amplifiers (LNAs), broadband amplifiers, and power amplifiers. Power gain equations, conjugate match, stability considerations, gain and noise circles DC bias networks, and balanced amplifiers will be the main focus of this course. In the accompanying lab sessions, cadets will learn the Advanced Design Systems (ADS) - a leading industry-standard software for high-frequency circuits and systems design. Both linear and non-linear electrical (schematic) analyses, as well as electromagnetic (EM) and EM co-simulation, will be introduced in the context of amplifier design. Furthermore, cadets will complete a hands-on project on the design and PCB fabrication of a microstrip RF amplifier, and they will measure its performance using a vector network analyzer (VNA), signal generator, and power meter. Electrical Engineering Elective. Prerequisite(s): EE 461 minimum grade C.