module specification

This module introduces students to microwave and optoelectronic technologies. It covers the key features of modern microwave wireless systems, their operations and design requirements. Also covered are basic concepts of optoelectronics. Students are shown how various optoelectronic devices are currently used in laser line-of-sight and fibre optic communication systems. The module develops analytical and design knowledge and provides experience of team working through group work.

Successfully completed Level 5 or equivalent

LO1 - LO4

• The microwave spectrum. Applications and the role of microwaves in modern communications systems: economics and relative merits. Microwave circuit analysis and components for microwave systems.

• Terrestrial Microwave Radio Systems: Microwave radio propagation characteristics: atmospheric absorption, diffraction, reflection, fading effects. Line-of-sight links: planning, regulations/frequency plans; site selection; energy budget-path analysis, noise calculations; fade margins; Comparison of FM analogue and digital links. Modulation and multiplexing techniques, spectral efficiency.

• Radar Systems: Origin, history, applications of radar, principles of basic pulse, FMCW and Doppler radar systems; regulatory bodies and frequency allocation. Radar equation: prediction of maximum range, minimum detectable signal; probability of detection, false alarm, integration.

• Principles of Optical Systems: Historical review of fibre-optics and optoelectronics.  Ray optics, EM waves, optical waveguides. Physical basis of light sources and detectors. Principles of fibre-optic communications. The electro-optic effect and devices. Components of optical systems: Connectors, splices, couplers and switches. Optical sources and detectors: light emitting diodes, semiconductor lasers, driving circuits. PIN and avalanche photodiode detectors, detector circuits, noise and bandwidth. Fibre-optic and optoelectronic systems: Fibre-optic links and networks. Components, multiplexers, demultiplexers and fibre amplifier. Bandwidth and rise-time budgets, noise, bit error rate and eye patterns. Line-of-sight communications systems.

LO5

• Microwave and optical lab.

Students will be expected to carry out independent background study to familiarise themselves with the platforms and tools that will be used during the module. The module includes online learning material via Weblearn (VLE), face-to-face delivery of content, teaching/tutorial and assessment activities, student support and feedback.

LO1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key features/characteristics and applications of modern microwave & fibre-optic systems, their operations and design requirements including the key components constituting these systems;

LO2 Evaluate components of microwave & fibre-optic systems in terms of quality and trade-offs using analytical tools and modelling techniques with due consideration to system specifications and other relevant factors in the planning and design of such systems;

LO3 Explain the operating principles of a typical microwave & fibre-optic communications link;

LO4 Discuss through design and analysis the key factors affecting the performance of a typical microwave and fibre-optic systems;

LO5 Apply appropriate concepts and principles of microwave and fibre-optic communications to analyse and critically evaluate the performance of such systems individually as well as being an effective member of a team.

The theoretical components of this module are delivered through a series of lectures supported by problem classes, tutorials, directed independent learning, and e-learning/blended learning to promote learning outcomes LO1-LO4. The practical aspects are covered in a laboratory programme, where students are required to design, optimise and critically analyse the performance of microwave and fibre-optic systems to promote learning outcome LO5. Students work in small groups, maintain a record of their work in a logbook and use this to produce an individual technical report based on their practical work. All supporting material on the module (lectures/ tutorials/ assignments/ recordings) is available to students on Weblearn (VLE). This site is continuously updated with guidelines and additional lecture support material throughout the year. Rapid feedback will be provided within two weeks of submission of coursework so that students can gauge their knowledge and understanding. The module is concluded with a closed-book end of module 2-hour unseen examination (summative assessment), which is used to assess LO1-LO4.

Textbooks:

Pozar  (2011), Microwave and RF Design of Wireless Systems, Wiley ISBN: 978-1-118-29813-8

Kyung-Whan Yeon (2015), Microwave Circuit Design: A Practical Approach Using ADS, ISBN-10: 0134086783

Otto Strobel (2016), Optical and Microwave Technologies for Telecommunication Networks, ISBN: 978-1-119-97190-0

Frank Gustrau (2012), RF and Microwave Engineering: Fundamentals of Wireless Communications, ISBN: 978-1-119-95171-1

Maral & Bousquet (1998), Satellite Communications Systems: Systems, Techniques and Technology, Wiley ISBN 0-471-97166-9

G Kizer (2013), Digital Microwave Communication: Engineering Point-to-Point Microwave Systems, Wiley-IEEE Press, ISBN: 978-0-470-12534-2

Kai Chang (2004), RF and Microwave Wireless Systems, ISBN: 978-0-471-46387-0

R. Sorrentino, Giovanni Bianchi (2010), Microwave and RF Engineering, ISBN: 978-0-470-75862-5

Kingsley & Quegan (1992), Understanding Radar Systems, McGraw-Hill ISBN 0-07-707426-2

Skolnik (2000), Introduction to Radar Systems, McGraw-Hill ISBN 0-07-118189-X

T. L. Singal, Optical Fiber Communications (2018), Cambridge Univ. Press, ISBN: 9781316661505

Shiva Kumar, M. Jamal Deen (2014), Fiber Optic Communications: Fundamentals and Applications, ISBN: 978-0-470-51867-0

Hiroshi Nakajima (2015), Optical Design Using Excel: Practical Calculations for Laser Optical Systems, ISBN: 978-1-118-93912-3

Yasuhiro Koike (2014), Fundamentals of Plastic Optical Fibers, ISBN: 978-3-527-41006-4

John Senior (2009), Optical Fiber Communications: Principles and Practice, ISBN-10:013032681X

Journals:

IEEE Transaction on Microwave, Theory & Techniques

IEEE Optical Communications

Journal of Communications and Networks

IEEE Communications Magazine

IEEE Transactions on Communications

IET Communications

Websites: IEEE xplore