35112 - Autonomous RF Sistems (2nd Cycle)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student knows the tools for the analysis and design of circuits and subsystems representing the building blocks of RF and microwave front-ends. She/he will also know the nonlinear effects at the base of front-end operation and the CAD tools to accurately take them into account during front-end design. The student learns the methods to achieve front-end energy autonomy through the exploitation of received radio waves, therefore avoiding the use of batteries, with great advantages for the environmental impact. The student will also acquire knowledge of possible applications in the field of RF and microwave identification (RFID) and RFID-enabled sensors for environment control.

Course contents

The building blocks of an RF and microwave front end
The different technologies used for their realization: hybrid circuits and monolithic circuits.
The main nonlinearities of RF circuits and their mathematical modeling.
Sinusoidal and multi-tonal stresses
Gain saturation, auto-polarization and intemodulation mechanisms.
The low noise amplifier, the power amplifier; the mixer
The harmonic balancing method and its implementation in the CAD platforms for radiofrequency circuits.
Analysis methods and nonlinear design.
CAD design of a rectifier for the conversion of energy to RF, using the AWR platform.

Teaching methods

power point presentations; sessions to verify the understanding of the topics through group work; lessons given by the students with teach back methods.

Assessment methods

Verification of learning occurs through the presentation of a project of a non-linear circuit which is developed during the second part of the course also through a group activity. An oral test is then taken which aims to deepen the verification of the acquisition of the knowledge required by the course program. The final mark is expressed in thirtieths and takes into account the results obtained in both tests.

Teaching tools

Personal computer, Cadence AWR, CST Microwave studio

Office hours

See the website of Alessandra Costanzo