The aim of the course is to give the student an overview of the radio communication systems. In the first part, the main parts of an emitter and a receiver (i.e. amplifiers, mixers, oscillators, PLL, antenna, etc.) are analyzed, as well as the performance of these devices in terms of noise and distortion. In the second part, the wave propagation and the fixed land radiofrequency calculus are studied. In addition to theory, the course has also one practice of radio hardware design.
Professors
Basic notions of electronics, circuits theory and transmission systems.
The purpose of the subject is for the student to understand the fundamental principles that govern the operation of radio frequency systems and to know the main blocks that make up radio transmitters and receivers. It also seeks to help students analyse the effects of noise and distortion on RF systems and understand the role of key elements such as oscillators, phase engagement loops, filters, amplifiers and mixers in the overall performance of the system. In the same way, the subject aims for the student to develop the ability to apply these concepts to interpret and evaluate the behavior of real radiocommunication systems, including terrestrial radiolinks and satellite communications, thus contributing to the formation of a solid professional profile in the field of radio frequency technologies.
1. Introduction to radio transmitters and receivers
2. Fundamentals of noise
3. Distortion
4. Oscillators 4
5. The Phase Locked Loop (PLL)
6. Filtration and adaptation of impedances
7. RF amplifiers
8. Mixers
9. Fixed service terrestrial radio links
10. Communications by satellite
Practices:
1.- Design and implementation of an RF PCB for a GNSS frontend.
The sessions combine lectures, solving exercises, continuous assessment activities and practice. The activities of continuous assessment are problem bout:
- Heterodyne receiver
- Noise
- Intermodulation products
- PLL
The hardware practice, which is mandatory, includes the following academic goals:
- Become familiar with the RF (small product) PCB design process including all its phases: product approach, component selection, schematic design, PCB design, fabrication, assembly, and enclosure design (optional)
- Introduction to Professional Computer Electronic Design (eCAD) Software (Altium Designer)
- Assembling a prototype, performance testing, and detecting design defects
- Verification of performance using a software-defined GNSS receiver (GNSS-SDR)
The final mark of theory will be calculated by weighting the mark of the examinations by 70% and the note of AC by 30%. The marks of the examinations are calculated by weighting the control point by 50% and the exam examination mark by 50%.
- Understanding of the functional blocks of radio frequency systems: the student's ability to identify and explain the functioning of the main blocks that make up RF transmitters and receivers, as well as their interrelationship within the global system, is assessed.
- Analysis of the impact of noise and distortion: the ability to analyse how noise and distortion affect the performance of radio frequency systems and to interpret these effects in terms of system quality and efficiency is assessed.
- Knowledge and application of RF components and techniques: the conceptual mastery of elements such as oscillators, PLLs, filters, amplifiers and mixers is considered, as well as the ability to apply this knowledge in the analysis of RF circuits and systems.
- Ability to evaluate real radiocommunication systems: the student's competence to apply the concepts studied to the analysis and interpretation of real systems, such as terrestrial radio links and satellite communications, is assessed.
- Development of the radiofrequency hardware practice: the correct performance of the laboratory practice is assessed, including the proper handling of RF equipment, the configuration and measurement of circuits, the interpretation of experimental results and the coherence between the data obtained and the theoretical principles studied.
- Technical rigour and clarity in the communication of results: the accuracy of technical reasoning, the appropriate use of specific radiofrequency language and the clarity in the presentation, both oral and written, of the results, conclusions and documentation associated with the work and practice are assessed.
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