18-08-2025

Introduction Wave
to
RF Engineering A disturbance that propagates from one
point in a medium to other points without
Dr. Dhaval Pujara
giving the medium, as a whole, any

P r o fesso r & Di r ecto r , permanent displacement.

S cho o l o f T echno lo gy,
P andi t Deendayal Ener gy Uni v er si ty,
Gandhi nagar 382 4 26

Emai l: dhav [Link] a@so t. pd pu .a c.i n

RF Waves Microwaves

The term RF is an abbreviation for the

“Radio Frequency”. The term Microwave refers to alternating
It refers to alternating current signals that current signals with frequencies between
are generally applied to radio applications, 300 MHz (3 X 108 Hz) and 30 GHz (3 X 1010
with a wide electromagnetic spectrum Hz), with a corresponding electrical
covering from several hundreds of KHz to wavelength between 1 m and 1 cm (Pozar
Millimetre waves. defines the range from 300 MHz to 300 GHz)

Millimetre Waves Electromagnetic Spectrum

The term Millimetre Waves refers to

alternating current signals with frequencies
between 30 GHz (3 X 1010 Hz) to 300 GHz
(3X1011 Hz), with a corresponding electrical
wavelength between 1 cm to 1 mm.

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 18-08-2025

IEEE Frequency Spectrum Maxwell’s Equations

Equation Interpretation
Gauss's Law:
.D   v The total electric flux through any closed
surface is equal to the total charge
enclosed by that surface.

.B  0 Non-existence of magnetic monopole

B Time varying magnetic field produces an

 E   emf which may establish a current in a
t suitable closed circuit.
Ampere's Circuital Law:
D
 H  Jc  Circulating magnetic fields are produced
t by changing electric field and electric
current

Importance of Microwaves Applications of Microwaves

 Wider bandwidth due to higher frequency.  Mobile Phones : 2G GSM (0.9/1.8 GHz)
 Mobile Phones : 3G CDMA-2000
 Smaller component size leading to smaller (2.4 GHz)
systems.  Bluetooth : 2.4 GHz
 WiFi (IEEE 802.11a) : Around 5.0 GHz
 More available and less crowded frequency  WiFi (IEEE 802.11 b & g) : Around 2.4 GHz
spectrum.
 WPAN (UWB) : 3.1 – 10.6 GHz
 GPS carrier frequency : 1.2276 – 1.57542 GHz
 Lower interference due to lower signal
 Satellite Broadcasting : Several GHz
crowding.
 RADAR : Several GHz

Applications of Microwaves Applications of Microwaves

 Using MWs it is possible to detect invisible damage  Medical Applications: Detection of Cancer,
such as voids and cracks inside concrete structures. Selective Heating, Heart Stimulation,
 The underground hidden objects and mines can be Sterilization, and Imaging.
detected using microwaves.  Astronomy and Space Exploration: In this
 Oil can be distinguished from rock and water due to application, gigantic dish antennas are used to
difference in their dielectric properties and hence monitor, collect, and record incoming MW signals
MWs can be used to indicate the location of oil. from outer space, providing vital information
 Concealed weapon detection using MWs, as they can about other planets, stars, etc.
penetrate through normal clothes.  Range and speed detection of Vehicles on the
 Microwave ovens, microwave clothes dryers, fluid highway.
heating systems, automatic door openers, automatic
 Weather forecast using MWs.
toll collection, etc.

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 18-08-2025

Circuit Theory V/S Field Theory Challenges – Microwave Ckt Design

 Circuit Theory generally  Field Theory deals with  Generally at RF and Microwave frequencies the
deals with scalars vectors (amplitude & conventional circuit analysis principles fail.
(amplitude) phase)

 KVL, KCL, Ohm’s Law are  Maxwell’s equations are  The behavior of electronic components (resistor,
applicable applicable capacitor, inductor, transistor, etc.) will be
 More suitable for low  More suitable for high different at high frequencies as compared to low
Frequency Ckts Frequency Ckts frequencies.
 Analysis by Z, Y, h  Analysis by S parameters
parameters  New circuit theory has to be employed for high
frequency design.
 Effects of parasitic  Effects of parasitic
elements: neglected elements: not neglected
 For analysis of high frequency circuits, S-
 Distributed Parameters
 Lumped Parameters parameters will be applicable.

At Low RF Frequencies… Lumped & Distributed Elements

 The length of the circuit is generally much Lumped Element:

smaller than the wavelength.
A self-contained and localized element that offers one

 Propagation delay time is approximately particular property throughout the frequency range of
zero. interest.
Distributed Element:
 Maxwell’s equations simplify into all of the
An element whose property is spread out over an
low-frequency laws such as, KVL, KCL and
Ohm’s law. electrically significant length or area of a circuit instead
of being concentrated at one location or within a
 Circuit elements are ‘Lumped Parameters’. specific component.

Propagation Delay Propagation Delay