System-level microwave design: radar-based laboratory projects

Two laboratory projects—a Doppler radar and a synthetic aperture radar (SAR)—designed to augment traditional electromagnetics education are proposed. The projects introduce students to component and system level design and expose them to modern computer-aided design (CAD) tools, microstrip and surface mount fabrication technologies, and industry standard test equipment and procedures. Additionally, because the projects result in a working radar system, students gain new enthusiasm for the electromagnetics discipline and directly see its relevance in the engineering field. Implementation of these laboratories within the curriculum have proven to be highly motivational and educational and have even contributed to increased enrollments in upper division electromagnetics courses.