RF and Microwave Engineering

RF and Microwave Engineering is a specialized field within electrical engineering that focuses on the theory and application of electromagnetic waves in the radio frequency (RF) and microwave spectra, typically from about 3 kHz to 300 GHz. This discipline deals with the design and construction of circuits, components, and systems—such as antennas, transmission lines, filters, amplifiers, and oscillators—where the signal's wavelength is comparable to the physical dimensions of the components, requiring the application of Maxwell's equations rather than conventional circuit theory. It is the foundational technology behind nearly all modern wireless communication, including cellular networks (5G), Wi-Fi, satellite links, radar systems, and remote sensing.

1. Foundations of RF and Microwave Engineering
   1. Introduction to the RF and Microwave Spectrum
      1. Definition of RF and Microwave Frequency Ranges
      2. Frequency Bands and Designations
         1. HF Band
         2. VHF Band
         3. UHF Band
         4. L Band
         5. S Band
         6. C Band
         7. X Band
         8. Ku Band
         9. K Band
         10. Ka Band
         11. Millimeter Wave Bands
      3. Wavelength vs. Frequency Relationship
      4. Wavelength and Physical Dimensions
         1. Scaling Laws
         2. Impact on Component Size
         3. Distributed vs. Lumped Element Criteria
      5. Applications of RF and Microwave Frequencies
         1. Communications Systems
         2. Radar Systems
         3. Remote Sensing
         4. Industrial Heating
         5. Medical Applications
         6. Astronomy
   2. Review of Electromagnetic Theory
      1. Maxwell's Equations
         1. Gauss's Law for Electric Fields
         2. Gauss's Law for Magnetic Fields
         3. Faraday's Law
         4. Ampère's Circuital Law
         5. Integral Form
         6. Differential Form
         7. Time-Varying Fields and Displacement Current
      2. Electromagnetic Waves
         1. Wave Equation Derivation
         2. Plane Wave Solutions
         3. Wave Impedance
         4. Polarization of Waves
            1. Linear Polarization
            2. Circular Polarization
            3. Elliptical Polarization
            4. Polarization Mismatch Loss
      3. Boundary Conditions
         1. Tangential Electric Field Continuity
         2. Normal Electric Displacement Continuity
         3. Tangential Magnetic Field Continuity
         4. Normal Magnetic Flux Continuity
         5. Perfect Electric Conductor Boundaries
         6. Perfect Magnetic Conductor Boundaries
         7. Dielectric Interfaces
      4. Power and the Poynting Vector
         1. Definition and Physical Interpretation
         2. Time-Averaged Power Flow
         3. Power Density Calculations
         4. Complex Poynting Vector
   3. Material Properties at RF and Microwave Frequencies
      1. Dielectric Materials
         1. Permittivity and Loss Tangent
         2. Frequency Dependence
         3. Temperature Effects
      2. Magnetic Materials
         1. Permeability and Magnetic Loss
         2. Ferrites
         3. Gyromagnetic Effects
      3. Conductor Properties
         1. Skin Effect
         2. Surface Resistance
         3. Conductor Loss Mechanisms