Communication and Media Engineering

Module Guide

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WirelessCommunication

Prerequisite

Basic knowledge of mathematics for engineers, in particular complex numbers
Basic knowledge of communications engineering and signal theory

EMI444 Antennas and Wave Propagation

  • Solid understanding of mathematics, including:
    -Vector calculus
    -Differential equations
    -Complex numbers
  • Basic knowledge of physics, especially electromagnetics
  • Familiarity with electric and magnetic fields
  • Prior coursework in:
    -Signals and systems
  • Basic programming or simulation experience (helpful but not required)
Teaching methods Lecture/Lab
Learning target / Competences

Upon successful completion of this module, the student will be able to:

  • understand the functions and the relationship of the main building blocks of a modern receiver including RF processing, modulation, demodulation and digital baseband processing
  • implement a basic simulation chain of a digital communication system

EMI444 Antennas and Wave Propagation
-The lecture introduces the theoretical framework needed to describe electromagnetic fields and their behavior, gradually building toward practical concepts used in modern communication systems.

-A special feature of the course is a hands-on laboratory component: students will use Microwave Office software to simulate and analyze microstrip transmission lines, bridging the gap between theory and engineering practice.

-In addition, students will explore how transmission lines guide signals, how scattering parameters describe system behavior, and how antennas convert electrical signals into radiated energy.

-By the end of the course, they will not only understand the physical principles of antennas and wave propagation but also recognize their pervasive role in shaping today’s interconnected world—from 5G networks and satellite links to radar and emerging technologies

Duration 1
Hours per week 6.0
Overview
Classes 60 h
Individual / Group work: 90 h
Workload 150 h
ECTS 6.0
Responsible person

Prof. Dr. Pfletschinger and Prof. Dr. Harter

Recommended semester 3
Frequency Annually (ss)
Usability

CME

Lectures

Software Radio with Python

Type Lab
Nr. EMI445
Hours per week 3.0
Content

In this course, students will implement a working digital communication system. The project includes the following steps:

  • Basics of analog and digital communication
  • Basics of the programming language Python and the module Numpy
  • Description of signals and systems in Python
  • Simulation of communication systems
  • Spectral analysis of received radio signals
  • Modulation and demodulation
  • Synchronization at receiver side
  • Data transmission and detection
Literature

Mathuranathan Viswanathan: Digital Modulations using Python, 2019.
Christian Hill: Learning Scientific Programming with Python, Cambridge University Press, 2020.

Antennas and Wave Propagation

Type Lecture
Nr. EMI444
Hours per week 3.0
Content

Wireless communication, satellite navigation, medical imaging, and even the everyday use of smartphones rely on one fundamental principle: the interaction between antennas and electromagnetic waves. This course provides students with a solid foundation in understanding how waves propagate through different media and how antennas enable the transmission and reception of information.

  1. Introduction and Motivation
  2. Basics of Electromagnetic Theory
    -Maxwell’s Equations
    -Wave propagation
    -Logarithmic Levels
  3. Transmission Line Theory
  4. Transmission Line Examples
    -Coaxial Cable
    -Microstrip Lines
    -Experiment “Circuit Simulation with Software Microwave Office”
  5. Scattering Parameters
  6. Antenna Basics
Literature

Microwave engineering / David M. Pozar
RF and Microwave Circuit Design / Charles E. Free, Colin S. Aitchison
Antenna theory : Analysis and Design / Constantine A. Balanis
D. Fleisch: A Student’s Guide to Maxwell’s Equations Cambridge University Press, 2008
C. A. Balanis: Advanced Engineering Electromagnetics John Wiley & Sons, 2. Ed., 2012.

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