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ECE 3604 - Introduction to RF & Microwave Engineering (3C)

Course Description

Introduction to circuits, devices, and systems for radio frequency (RF) and microwave applications. Fundamentals of antennas, propagation, small signal and power amplifiers, frequency conversion, and frequency synthesis. Tools and concepts including s-parameters, design impedance matching, dynamic range, noise figure, and link budget.

Why take this course?

This course introduces students to the broad area of RF & microwave engineering. Students learn the basic concepts and skills typically expected of a well-qualified entry-level engineer in the RF & microwave field. This set of skills and concepts is not now addressed in any other single course in the electrical engineering curriculum. Another purpose of this course is to inform selection of senior-year technical electives. In some cases this course may be a prerequisite for those courses.

Learning Objectives

  • Analyze an RF system using a link budget, accounting for characteristics of the antenna, transmitter, receiver, and propagation.
  • Design impedance matching circuits suitable for RF & microwave applications.
  • Analyze a linear small-signal amplifier using s-parameter concepts to determine gain and stability.
  • Analyze common oscillator and synthesizer circuits to determine frequency and characterize spectral purity.
  • Describe power amplifier classes and their applications, advantages, and disadvantages.

    • Resources & Links

    Two-Semester Major Design Experience

    ECE’s two-semester Major Design Experience (ECE 4805-4806) provides teams of students with simulations of the post-college world via projects specified and directed by industry partners. For more information, contact class instructor, Dr. Joe Adams.

    Textbook List

    Take a look at the Fall 2024 ECE textbook list.
    Take a look at the Spring 2025 ECE textbook list.

    Current Prerequisites & Course Offering

    For current prerequisites for a particular course, and to view course offerings for a particular semester, see the Virginia Tech Course Timetables

    ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission

    The B.S. degree in electrical engineering and the B.S. degree in computer engineering are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

    Program Educational Objectives (PEOs) & Student Outcomes (SOs)