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Course unit, curriculum year 2023–2024
COMM.RF.410

Basic RF Measurements, 5 cr

Tampere University
Teaching periods
Active in period 1 (1.8.2023–22.10.2023)
Active in period 2 (23.10.2023–31.12.2023)
Active in period 3 (1.1.2024–3.3.2024)
Course code
COMM.RF.410
Language of instruction
English
Academic years
2021–2022, 2022–2023, 2023–2024
Level of study
Intermediate studies
Grading scale
General scale, 0-5
Persons responsible
Responsible teacher:
Ari Asp
Responsible teacher:
Jouko Heikkinen
Responsible organisation
Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences 100 %
Coordinating organisation
Electrical Engineering Studies 100 %
Core content
  • Spectrum analysers: Block diagram. Measurements. Measurement demos and laboratory exercise. Signal generators: proper and safe use in measurements.
  • Network analysers: Block diagram of a scalar NA. Measurements, frequency sweeps. Calibration using the SOLT method. Measurement demos and laboratory exercises.
  • Antenna measurements: Interpreting the results. Antenna parameters: gain, impedance matching, far-field, principal planes. Antenna measurements at the department's anechoic chamber and with the near-field instrument.
  • Noise: Measuring using the Y factor method. Noise figure, noise factor, noise temperature. Automatic noise measurement instruments.
  • Passive components: wageguides, cables, connectors, adapters, attenuators, loads, and directional couplers. Proper use of connectors.
  • Measurement of linear network characteristics (S parameters).
Complementary knowledge
  • Different types of signal generators and spectrum analysers. Calibrating spectrum analyser measurements. Errors in spectrum analysis.
  • Power sweeps. Different calibration methods. Error model. Block diagram of a vector NA.
  • The effects of reflections on measurement results. Reflectivity level. Measurement ranges.
  • Noise measurements using the spectrum analyser method. Noise bandwidth. Noise generators.
  • Measurement of nonlinear network characteristics: gain compression, harmonic distortion, and intermodulation.
Specialist knowledge
  • Scalar S parameter measurements using a spectrum analyser.
  • Network analyser as a signal generator.
  • Instruments at an antenna measurement range.
  • Noise measurements using the signal generator method.
Learning outcomes
Prerequisites
Recommended prerequisites
Further information
Learning material
Equivalences
Studies that include this course
Completion option 1
Grading is based on the final exam. Compulsory assignments will be announced in the beginning of implementation.
Completion of all options is required.

Exam

12.12.2023 12.12.2023
Active in period 2 (23.10.2023–31.12.2023)
18.01.2024 18.01.2024
Active in period 3 (1.1.2024–3.3.2024)
20.02.2024 20.02.2024
Active in period 3 (1.1.2024–3.3.2024)

Participation in teaching

06.09.2023 10.12.2023
Active in period 1 (1.8.2023–22.10.2023)
Active in period 2 (23.10.2023–31.12.2023)