In this course, we will cover filters (normally, this would be in Microwave I), and active devices -- oscillators and amplifiers. There are so many topics in microwave circuit design that we cannot possibly cover them all, but we'll give you enough background to get started.

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Identify the types of filters, amplifiers, and oscillators available, their parameters, and how they are used.
• Design filters, amplifiers, and oscillators for microwave applications.
  
• Deeply explore a topic in microwave engineering, and explain it to others.

Materials required for this course are:

• Textbook (see "Bookshelf" on your Canvas sidebar): Planar Microwave Engineering, by Thomas H. Lee

This textbook is provided as "Inclusive Access". If you chose to OPT-OUT of this program (allowed up through the first 2 weeks of classes, add/drop date for the U, unless enrolled in an intensive course) you will be solely responsible for obtaining all your own content and appropriate access to homework/online study material yourself. You will be refunded the cost of Inclusive Access after the add/drop date for that term during the 3rd week of classes without penalty. You can go to www.CampusStore.utah.edu Links to an external site. and find the OPT-OUT option under the “BOOKS” menu or Opt Out via your Canvas course etext link. You can also opt back in to your etext anytime during the first 2 weeks of classes the same way. After the 2 weeks, opt-outs and opt-ins are turned off.

• Textbook (purchase in the bookstore or online): RF Circuit Design, by Christopher Bowick (any edition)
• Webcam & microphone
• Curiosity

Ensure you have these ahead of time, as they will be required to complete assignments and activities throughout the course.

Please review the communication methods and requirements for this course:

Preferred Contact Methods

The easiest way to contact your instructor directly is to use the  Inbox, located in the far left Canvas menu.

You can also contact your instructor in the following ways:

• email: cfurse@ece.utah.edu  (We can also Zoom, during office hours, or by appointment). Please note that office hours are public, anyone in the class can join. If you need an individual discussion (such as to discuss grades), please set an appointment with me.

Office Hours

The instructor will hold office hours according to the following schedule:

Dr. Furse: Tues. 11-12am, Thur 2-3pm

Dr. Steve Smith:  (volunteer expert tutor) 4-5 pm

Or by appointment.

Virtual Zoom Meeting Room

Join Zoom Meeting https://utah.zoom.us/j/96611688744 Links to an external site.

Passcode: 5321

One tap mobile +13017158592,,96611688744# (Wash D.C.)

Join by Skype for Business https://utah.zoom.us/skype/96611688744 Links to an external site.

For other options, see the Canvas Zoom link.

The following is an approximate schedule for this semester (subject to change):

Week 1: Introduction to RF & Microwave Engineering

Week 2-3: Filters and ADS simulator

Week 4-5: Impedance Matching

Week 6-7: Diodes, Transistors, Mixers

Week 8-9: Oscillators

Week 10-12: Amplifiers

Week 13: Catch up

Week 14-15: Project

Your performance in this course will be evaluated by:

• Weekly Assignments (Earn 50 points / week for 12 weeks = 600 points).
• Project (100 points) Design something (anything) that uses at least 3 elements -- mixers, oscillators, amplifiers, diodes -- and demonstrate that it works as planned using ADS.
• ECE 6323 Research or Application Presentation Video (100 points). Choose a research paper (from IEEE Xplorer, for instance), or an application that uses RF or Microwave circuits. Prepare a presentation video about the topic (roughly 10 minutes), share it with the class, and answer questions live and/or in a discussion post
• ECE 5321 students will be graded on a total of 700 points. ECE 6323 students will be graded on a total of 800 points.!!!! NOTE this has changed. ECE5321 students will be graded on 600 points, and ECE6323 on 700 points. Changed 4/15/2021

All assignments, unless otherwise announced, must be submitted to the designated area of Canvas. This will include assignments and discussion posts/replies. Do not submit assignments via email.

Assignments will be assigned each day, and the cumulative assignments from the week are due before Tuesday's class each week.

Although I will accept assignments through the last day of class, PLEASE don't take advantage of that. If you get behind, you won't have the background for upcoming sections, and it will reduce what you can learn. Also, I don't have a grader this semester, so timely submission of your assignments will help me be timely grading them. That's good. So, please turn in assignments on time each week to optimize your learning this semester.Thanks!

Grading for this course

Please see notes on points for each assignment above. Multiple options are given for you to demonstrate what you have learned. Your objective is to receive 50 points per week (for 12 of the weeks=600 points), 100 points for your project, and (ECE6323 students) 100 points for your research/application video.

course GRADING SCALE

Disclaimer

Accommodations will be considered on an individual basis and may require documentation.

Please contact your instructor and/or teaching assistant as soon as possible (preferably shortly before the semester begins) to request accommodations of any kind.

Extreme personal circumstances

Please contact your instructor as soon as possible if an extreme personal circumstance
(hospitalization, death of a close relative, natural disaster, etc.) is interfering with your ability to complete your work.

Covid restrictions are a challenge for all of us. I've tried to build flexibility into the course, knowing everyone has struggles at this time. If there is additional flexibility that would help you out, and help you learn, please let me know.

Religious Practice

To request an accommodation for religious practices, contact your instructor at the beginning of the semester.

Active Duty Military

If you are student on active duty with the military and experience issues that prevent you from participating in the course because of deployment or service responsibilities, contact your instructor as soon as possible to discuss appropriate accommodations.

Disability Access

All written information in this course can be made available in an alternative format with prior notification to the Center for Disability Services (CDS). CDS will work with you and the instructor to make arrangements for accommodations. Prior notice is appreciated. To read the full accommodations policy for the University of Utah, please see Section Q of the Instruction & Evaluation regulations Links to an external site..

If you will need accommodations in this class, contact:

Center for Disability Services
801-581-5020
disability.utah.edu Links to an external site.
162 Union Building
    200 S. Central Campus Dr.
     Salt Lake City, UT 84112

This syllabus is not a contract. It is meant to serve as an outline and guide for your course. Please note that your instructor may modify it to accommodate the needs of your class. The schedule will be posted and updated throughout the semester.

You will be notified of any changes to the Syllabus.

Though the online format allows students greater flexibility to complete their work, this course does have a structure and timeline! As such, the following is expected of all students in this class:

• TIME AND EFFORT: This is a 3-credit class. Please plan on spending a total of approximately (approximately) 10 hours per week on this class. Some students may need a little more, some a little less. If you find you are spending way more than this, please let me know.
• Students must be self-motivated, organized, and willing to stay on top of their schedule. Students should take control of their learning while in this course.
• Students are expected to follow the Core Rules of Netiquette Links to an external site. at all times while participating in the class and communicating with others.
• Students will log in to the course a minimum of 3 times per week.
• Students are not expected to interact with their classmates in person. Students may be expected to work with classmates via online communication options like Canvas Discussions, video conferencing, or another communication technologies of choice (Groupme, FaceTime, Google Hangouts, etc).
• Students will regularly check for course updates and will update their Canvas notification settings to ensure they receive timely notifications from the course.
• Students will contact their instructor or teaching assistant in a timely manner if they have any questions, are struggling with course materials, or need further assistance from their instructor.
  • If you do not hear back within 3 days after sending a message, please contact your instructor/TA again.
• Students will follow all official University of Utah policies regarding interpersonal conduct, academic dishonesty, and other rights and responsibilities of students outlined in the University of Utah Student Handbook Links to an external site. and Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities Links to an external site..
  • If you have any questions about this, please contact the Dean of Students Links to an external site..

Your course instructor is an expert in the topics you will learn about this semester. Your instructor is your mentor and facilitator of the classroom experience, aided by teaching assistants. Instructors are committed to:

• The instructor will design the course to include lectures, learning materials, and assignments that are accessible and provide students with opportunities to learn and practice course content.
• The instructor and teaching assistants will ensure that the course remains a safe space where students can engage with difficult content thoughtfully and respectfully.
• The instructor and teaching assistants will interact with the class regularly via announcements, virtual office hours (one-on-one video conferencing), emails/the Canvas Inbox, feedback on assignments, and comments on Discussions, among other methods.
• The instructor and teaching assistants will respond to students in a timely manner: generally within 48 hours, not including weekends and holidays.
• The instructor and teaching assistants will be available for individual consultation via virtual office hours (one-on-one video conferencing), email, or phone and will not require students to meet in person.
• The instructor and teaching assistants will provide relevant feedback in a timely manner.
• The instructor and teaching assistants will follow all official University of Utah policies regarding interpersonal conduct, accommodations, and other important duties.