Wave computations for microwave education

Author

Wedge, Scott W. ; Rutledge, David B.

Author_Institution

Div. of Eng. & Appl. Sci., California Inst. of Technol., Pasadena, CA, USA

Volume

36

Issue

1

fYear

1993

fDate

2/1/1993 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

127

Lastpage

131

Abstract

The analysis of even simple microwave circuits can involve complicated calculations. It is argued that students repeatedly forced through this exercise are left exhausted and never develop understanding and insight into the principles of high-frequency circuit design. The use of computer-aided design software eliminates the network analysis burden, but it is a precarious solution: students easily become dependent on software and never develop analytical skills. A simple wave computational approach to microwave network analysis is discussed. The method is derived from Mason´s theory of signal flow graphs and is based on wave variables and scattering parameters. The approach is easily understood and applied as either an analytical tool, or within a microwave CAD analysis engine. PC software using this computational technique is described and its educational applications are discussed

Keywords

circuit CAD; circuit analysis computing; computer aided instruction; education; microcomputer applications; microwave circuits; teaching; CAD; CAI; HF; Mason´s theory; PC; circuit analysis computing; education; microwave circuits; scattering parameters; signal flow graphs; software; students; teaching; wave computations; Algorithm design and analysis; Circuit synthesis; Circuit topology; Design automation; Flow graphs; Microwave measurements; Microwave theory and techniques; Network topology; Scattering parameters; Signal analysis;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Education, IEEE Transactions on

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0018-9359

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/13.204831

Filename

204831