Microwave engineering and antennas from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Promo

In this short video the lecturers will introduce themselves and will provide a general overview of the scope of the course. The lecturers all have a solid academic and industrial background and are embedded in the Center for Wireless Technology Eindhoven (CWT/e) of Eindhoven University of Technology, The Netherlands.

Week 1: Introduction (Module 1) and Passive Microwave Circuits (Module 2, part I)

In week 1 we will provide you with an introduction to the course including an overview of applications (Module 1). In addition, we will start with Passive Microwave Circuits (Module 2) by introducing transmission line theory. We will also introduce the design-challenge in which you will develop your own 4-channel phased array system including beamformer and active microwave electronics. Next to this, we will show you how to use the open-source design tool QUCS. We will use this tool for the design of passive and active microwave circuits.

Week 2: Passive Microwave Circuits (Module 2, part II)

In week 2 we will continue with Passive Microwave Circuits (Module 2) by introducing the concept of microwave networks. We will use this concept by analyzing power combiners. In addition, you will start your design challenge by designing a 4-channel beamformer network.

Week 3: Passive Microwave Circuits (Module 2, part III)

In week 3 we will finalize our journey into Passive Microwave Circuits (Module 2) by first introducing the Smith chart and by applying it for the design of matching circuits. Next to this, we will show how you can design microwave filters.

Week 4: Antenna Theory (Module 3, part I)

In week 4 we will start with Antenna Theory (Module 3) and introduce the concept of antennas by exploring the main characteristics of antennas, including directivity, antenna gain and input impedance. We will show how these parameters can be used to determine the range of wireless system or radar. As a first real antenna concept, we will introduce phased-array antennas. In addition, the design challenge will continue with an antenna design. This includes an introduction into the antenna design CST.

Week 5: Antenna Theory (Module 3, part II)

In this week the real hard-core theoretical antenna framework is presented. Starting from Maxwell's equations we will derive the general expression for the radiated fields by any antenna configuration. The framework will be applied to the electric dipole and wire antennas. In addition, your will participate in a workshop that introduces a state-of-the-art antenna design tool.

Week 6: Antenna Theory (Module 3, part III)

In this week we will extend our theoretical framework with magnetic sources. In this way, you can use the framework to analyze aperture antennas. We will show this by analyzing horn antennas, reflector antennas and microstrip antennas. We will also show how microstrip antennas can be used to create a phased-array system. We will finalize the week by providing you with some background knowledge in numerical methods. This will help you to understand the underlying principles of numerical electromagnetics used in commercial tools such as ADS and CST.

Week 7: Active Microwave Circuits (Module 4, part I)

In this week we will extend the theory on microwave circuits towards active circuits which make use of transistors to realize amplifiers. We will start by introducing the various definitions which are used to describe the gain of an amplifier. As a next step we will present a design methodology for low-noise amplifiers. You will also start with the last part of your design challenge by designing a low-noise amplifier.

Week 8: Active Microwave Circuits (Module 4, part II)

In the last week of the course we will dive deeper into the design of microwave amplifiers by exploring by exploring the stability conditions of amplifiers. When stability is secured, the amplifier performance can be further optimized by proper design of the input and output matching circuits. For this purpose the concept of constant-gain circles can be used.

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Examines advanced microwave engineering and antenna systems concepts, which is in-demand in telecommunication field

Taught by instructors who are experts in microwave engineering and antenna systems

Develops skills in microwave circuit and antenna design using design tools, which are essential for practical microwave engineering

Provides a theoretical foundation in microwave engineering and antenna systems, which is crucial for understanding the principles behind these technologies

Provides hands-on experience through a design challenge, which helps learners apply theoretical knowledge to practical applications

Students are expected to take this course in serial with other advanced courses in the series to fully grasp the subject

Reviews summary

Engaging microwave theory course

Learners say that this is a well received, engaging course that offers a comprehensive overview of microwave engineering and antenna topics. According to students who have taken it, the course is challenging but rewarding and useful for both theoretical and practical applications. Many students say that the course helped them to understand complex concepts such as impedance matching and antenna design. The lectures are informative and provide a strong foundation in the subject matter. The quizzes and assignments are engaging and help to reinforce learning. Overall, students say that they would highly recommend this course to others.

Students appreciate the hands-on projects.

"Thank you for giving this opportunity .I learned both theoretical and practical knowledge including QUCS &CST software's for designing. Thank you sir."

"I enjoyed this course. It's really a good course to know the basics of RF, microwave and antenna basics as well as to get hands on experience on the design of LNA, power dividers, and antennas."

"Considering the actual conditions in Tunisia, it's very difficult to buy any certificate for the moment. But, I could help you differently by either any kind of reviews or to help you prepare a part of one course about oscillators, Electromagnetic Compatobility or Rf measurements."

The instructors are knowledgeable and experienced.

"The course is very interesting and it has increased my cultural baggage. It has helped me in the theory and design of the Antennas. Very interesting for me it was the design of the Patch Antenna, the use of CST and Qucs as Microwave Design Tools."

"I have very appreciated the teaching method and the clarity in explanations of the instructors."

"The course is an ok intro into the topic."

"this part was very useful for me. I appreciate the math explanations of antennas function, without the latter this devices look like magic:)"

Students say that this course is challenging.

"The course is a bit tough to complete, but on completing one will get an idea about microwave circuits, antennas and its parameters."

"Very challenging and interesting course."

"The quizzes are sometimes long and complicated but they help to understand a lot."

"Excellent course taught all the key concepts such as Smith charts and how to use for impedance matching using all the techniques. The practical assignments were very interesting some of the topics could focus less on advanced mathematics."

The quizzes are interactive and challenging.

"Very challenging and interesting course."

"The quizzes are sometimes long and complicated but they help to understand a lot."

"Many thanks!"

"Lectures and the associated text book are insightful and well-structured."

"I like the institution and explanation of this course."

"Quizzes are challenging enough to motivate students explore materials beyond the course."

The course provides excellent content.

"Excellent Course!"

"Very nice course. "

"Very well organised course"

"It's best course on coursera. "

"This is a very good course for microwave engineers."

Students mention that there is a lack of real-world examples.

"The examples in the lectures are not well explained and some of the formulas used for the quiz answers are not covered in the lecture or not available in the text book."

Some students say that the explanations are unclear.

"it is a very informative course but i am just in the first week of learning and i am not satisfeied by the teaching method.. the lectures were all formulas and explanation no numerical were solved as an example and the very first quiz is full of numericals which i am having a hard time solving .."

"The problem with this course is the Quizzes, 75% of the questions have no relation to the presented material in the videos, I mean the student needs to find another reference to solve them, he/she can not depend only on the videos or the reading section."

"Also, this course needs to provide solved problems similar to the Quizzes. "

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Microwave engineering and antennas with these activities:

Antenna Theory and Design by Balanis

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Review a comprehensive textbook on antenna theory to deepen understanding and gain a broader perspective on antenna design.

View Balanis' Advanced Engineering Electromagnetics on Amazon

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Read selected chapters or sections of the book.
Summarize and take notes on the key concepts and theories.
Apply the knowledge gained to course assignments and projects.

Microwave Engineering Study Group

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Discuss course concepts, work through problems, and share knowledge with peers to enhance understanding and retention.

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Join or create a study group with classmates.
Meet regularly to review course material, solve problems, and discuss concepts.
Collaborate on practice exercises and assignments.

Microwave Engineering Tutor

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Assist and guide other students in the same or lower-level microwave engineering courses to solidify understanding and reinforce concepts.

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Offer tutoring services to classmates or underclassmen.
Review course material and prepare to answer questions.
Provide explanations, solve problems, and clarify concepts.

Five other activities

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Show all eight activities

Antenna Design Workshop

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Attend a hands-on workshop to gain practical experience in designing and testing antennas.

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Attend the workshop and participate actively.
Follow the instructions and guidance provided.
Build and demonstrate working antenna prototypes.
Discuss and share findings with experts and peers.

Antenna Design Simulations

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Practice designing and simulating antennas using software tools to improve understanding of antenna characteristics and behavior.

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Install antenna design software.
Study antenna design principles and simulation techniques.
Design and simulate various antenna configurations.
Analyze and interpret simulation results to optimize antenna performance.

Microwave Circuit Design Project

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Design and simulate a microwave circuit, such as an amplifier or filter, to gain practical experience in applying concepts learned in the course.

Browse courses on Microwave Engineering

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Define the project goals and specifications.
Research and select appropriate circuit components.
Use design tools to simulate the circuit and optimize performance.
Build and test the physical circuit.
Analyze and present the results.

Blog on Microwave Applications

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Write blog posts on various applications of microwave technology to deepen understanding and showcase real-world relevance.

Browse courses on Microwave Engineering

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Research and explore different microwave applications.
Write detailed blog posts explaining the concepts, benefits, and limitations of each application.
Share the blog posts on social media or online forums.

Contribute to Open Antenna Design Software

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Contribute to open-source software projects related to antenna design to gain practical experience and stay updated on industry trends.

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Identify open-source antenna design software projects.
Review the project documentation and codebase.
Contribute code, documentation, or bug fixes.
Collaborate with other developers and users.

Career center

Learners who complete Microwave engineering and antennas will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Microwaves Engineer

Microwaves Engineers are professionals who develop, design, and test products that use microwaves. Course study in Microwaves Engineering covers antenna systems as well as how to design microwave circuits and antennas, making it a good foundation for a career in this field. For career advancement in this field, one should take this course in particular to help build a solid background in using the design tool QUCS, as well as be better prepared for designing a passive phased array system.

See salaries and explore the career path for Microwaves Engineer

Antenna Engineer

Antenna Engineers develop, design, and test antennas for various applications. This may involve designing antennas for satellite communications, radar systems, or mobile devices. This course covers antenna systems along with how to design microwave circuits and antennas, making it a good introduction for this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Antenna Engineer

Microwave Circuit Designer

Microwave Circuit Designers are responsible for designing and developing microwave circuits. These circuits are used in a variety of applications, such as telecommunications, radar systems, and medical imaging. This course combines both passive and active microwave circuits, making it a solid foundation for succeeding in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Microwave Circuit Designer

RF Engineer

RF Engineers design and test radio frequency (RF) systems used in communications, radar, and other applications. This course in Microwave Engineering and Antennas covers how to design microwave circuits and antennas, which are key components of RF systems, making it an excellent course for career development in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for RF Engineer

Antenna Systems Engineer

Antenna Systems Engineers design and develop antenna systems for a variety of applications, such as communications, radar, and navigation. This course in Microwave Engineering and Antennas covers antenna systems, making it a great way to start or advance your career in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Antenna Systems Engineer

Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineers design, develop, and test electrical systems. This course in Microwave Engineering and Antennas covers some of the electrical systems used in microwave engineering, making it useful for those already working in this field, though it may not be the best introduction.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer

Electronics Engineer

Electronics Engineers design, develop, and test electronic devices and systems. This course in Microwave Engineering and Antennas covers some of the electronic devices used in microwave engineering, making it useful for those already working in this field. However, it may not be the best introduction.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electronics Engineer

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and test software systems. This course in Microwave Engineering and Antennas covers some of the software used in microwave engineering, making it useful for those already working in this field, though it may not be the best introduction.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Computer Engineer

Computer Engineers design, develop, and test computer systems. This course in Microwave Engineering and Antennas covers some of the computer systems used in microwave engineering, making it useful for those already working in this field, though it may not be the best introduction.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Engineer

Systems Engineer

Systems Engineers design, develop, and test systems that include hardware and software components. This course in Microwave Engineering and Antennas covers some of the systems used in microwave engineering, making it useful for those already working in this field. However, it may not be the best introduction.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Engineer

Hardware Engineer

Hardware Engineers design, develop, and test hardware systems. This course in Microwave Engineering and Antennas covers some of the hardware used in microwave engineering, making it useful for those already working in this field, though it may not be the best introduction.

See salaries and explore the career path for Hardware Engineer

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineers design, develop, and test mechanical systems. This course in Microwave Engineering and Antennas covers some of the mechanical systems used in microwave engineering, making it useful for those already working in this field, though it may not be the best introduction.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer

Industrial Engineer

Industrial Engineers design, develop, and test industrial systems. This course in Microwave Engineering and Antennas covers some of the industrial systems used in microwave engineering, making it useful for those already working in this field, though it may not be the best introduction.

See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial Engineer

Materials Scientist

Materials Scientists design, develop, and test materials used in various applications. This course in Microwave Engineering and Antennas covers some of the materials used in microwave engineering, making it useful for those already working in this field, though it may not be the best introduction.

See salaries and explore the career path for Materials Scientist

Chemist

Chemists design, develop, and test chemicals used in various applications. This course in Microwave Engineering and Antennas covers some of the chemicals used in microwave engineering, making it useful for those already working in this field, though it may not be the best introduction.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chemist