Credits: 3
This course is a rigorous, system-to-silicon introduction to the design of modern radio front-ends used in wireless communications, radar, sensing, and defense systems. Students develop a quantitative understanding of RF receiver and transmitter architectures, cascaded noise and linearity (NF, IP3, P1dB), phase noise and reciprocal mixing, and system-level performance trade-offs. The course emphasizes practical RF network design using transmission line theory, Smith chart methods, and broadband impedance matching, along with core antenna concepts and front-end integration. Transistor-level design and analysis of key RF blocks including LNAs, mixers, oscillators, and power amplifiers are covered using real-world case studies from contemporary RFIC and microwave literature. The course is intended for students seeking technical depth for careers in RF, microwave, wireless, and applied electromagnetic systems.
Description
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in ENEE382, ENEE304, and ENEE305. Considerations will be given for students who have taken other courses that cover electromagnetics and micro/nanoelectronics.This course is a rigorous, system-to-silicon introduction to the design of modern radio front-ends used in wireless communications, radar, sensing, and defense systems. Students develop a quantitative understanding of RF receiver and transmitter architectures, cascaded noise and linearity (NF, IP3, P1dB), phase noise and reciprocal mixing, and system-level performance trade-offs. The course emphasizes practical RF network design using transmission line theory, Smith chart methods, and broadband impedance matching, along with core antenna concepts and front-end integration. Transistor-level design and analysis of key RF blocks including LNAs, mixers, oscillators, and power amplifiers are covered using real-world case studies from contemporary RFIC and microwave literature. The course is intended for students seeking technical depth for careers in RF, microwave, wireless, and applied electromagnetic systems.
Semesters Offered
Spring 2026
Testudo