Unit information: Antennas in 2015/16

Unit name	Antennas
Unit code	EENG35010
Credit points	10
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Dr. Hilton
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	EENG25000.
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering
Faculty	Faculty of Engineering

Description including Unit Aims

The antenna is an integral part of any wireless communications system. This unit predominantly considers intentional radiators (i.e. antennas), though also provides a basis for analysis of unintentional electromagnetic radiation (i.e. potential sources of interference). The first part of the unit concentrates on defining, and practical measurement of, antenna characteristics. Antenna array theory is then developed to show how the antennas radiation pattern can be shaped and steered. The application and design of some of the wide variety of antenna configurations is considered, with examples given of practical antennas (dipoles, slots, arrays, reflectors). It is also important to show how the antenna is integrated with feed-lines and RF circuitry. This area is covered in lectures and reinforced through a design exercise where students have to specify antenna and RF component requirements for a satellite communications system downlink.

Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of the unit, students will be able to:

1. outline what is meant by electromagnetic radiation;
2. explain basic antenna characteristics (matching, transmission and polarisation);
3. analyse RF characteristics of some antenna element geometries;
4. analyse linear and planar antenna arrays;
5. formulate antenna weighs to shape and steer antenna array radiation patterns;
6. produce outline antenna designs (gain requirement) for particular applications given system specifications;

Assessment

System level analysis with antenna design (10%) ILOs 2,3 & 6

Two-hour exam paper (90%) ILOs 1-6

Teaching Information

Lectures

Assessment Information

Written system-level analysis with antenna design, 10% (ILOs 2, 3, 6)

Exam, 2 hours, 90% (ILOs 1-6)

Reading and References

• Balanis, C.A., Antenna Theory : Analysis and Design, 3rd Edition, Wiley 2005, ISBN:978-0-471-66782-7

• Kraus, John D. & Marhefka, Ronald J., Antennas for all Applications, 3rd Edition, McGraw Hill 2002, ISBN:0-07-232103-2