Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

After successful completion of this course, the student understands the electromagnetic theory behind guided waves, waves in free space, and the coupling between these modes.

The student can explain the link between Maxwell’s equations and plane wave propagation in arbitrary media.

The student can explain the connection between plane wave theory and radio wave propagation.

The student can calculate the effects of interference on reflection and transmission.

The student understands the connection between guided waves and transmission line models.

The student can derive fields and modes inside waveguides, calculate wave propagation parameters, and compare them to free space propagation.

The student understands how current distributions generate radiated fields

The student can calculate antenna parameters from radiated fields.

After the course, the student has a solid ground for further studies in antennas, microwave engineering, and related topics in applied electromagnetics.

Credits: 5

Schedule: 07.09.2020 - 07.12.2020

Teacher in charge (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022): Zachary Taylor, Henrik Wallén

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Zachary Taylor, Henrik Wallén

Contact information for the course (valid 26.08.2020-21.12.2112):

Responsible teachers: Prof. Zachary Taylor and Dr. Henrik Wallén

Assistant: Reza Heydarian

Please contact Zach and Henrik by e-mail (firstname.lastname@aalto.fi) if you have general questions regarding the course.

CEFR level (applies in this implementation):

Language of instruction and studies (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022):

Teaching language: English

Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Electromagnetic field theory starting from Maxwell’s equation in differential form, with special emphasize on time-harmonic fields:

    - Plane wave propagation in media, reflection and refraction

    - Electromagnetic fields in waveguides and their connection to transmission line theory

    - Fundamentals of antenna radiation, basic antenna parameters

  • Applies in this implementation:

    The course contents roughly correspond to Chapters 2, 7–11 in the textbook (David K. Cheng, Field and Wave Electromagnetics, 2nd Edition) + some additional material on stratified media.

Assessment Methods and Criteria
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Homework, in-class exercises, midterm exams.

  • Applies in this implementation:

    The grading is based on:

    Homework40%
    In-class exercises20%
    Midterm 120%
    Midterm 220%

    Midterm 2 is not cumulative. There will be one re-take exam in January.

    At least 50% of the total score is needed to pass the course:

    Total at least  Grade
    50.00%1
    60.00%2
    70.00%3
    80.00%4
    90.00%5


    Based on the results, the thresholds were at the end of the course adjusted to:

    Total at least  Grade
    50.00%1
    59.00%2
    68.00%3
    77.00%4
    86.00%5

Workload
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Lectures and exercises 44 h (4 h per week)
    Midterm exams 4 h
    Independent work 84 h

DETAILS

Study Material
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    David K. Cheng, Field and Wave Electromagnetics, 2nd Edition.

  • Applies in this implementation:

    Any version of the second edition is good. Also the first edition is similar enough to be useful.

Substitutes for Courses
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    S-26.2900 Elements of electromagnetic field theory and guided waves 

Prerequisites
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Working knowledge of engineering mathematics (vector calculus, complex numbers and integrals) and basic knowledge of electrical circuits and undergraduate electromagnetics (electric and magnetic fields and forces, electromagnetic induction).

FURTHER INFORMATION

Details on the schedule
  • Applies in this implementation:

    Homework problems will be posted by the end of Monday and they are due the following Thursday (+10 days) at 14:00.