KD6029 - Wireless and RF Systems Design

This module will be delivered using a mixture of lectures supported by laboratories, workshops, online videos, together with directed learning and independent learning. An assignment is included to reinforce the theory provided in the lecture sessions.

Before each lecture you will be expected and encouraged to read ahead by reviewing the support material provided via eLP to support your own learning outside of timetabled hours. This will allow for meaningful discussions to take place during lectures.
Practical examples and analysis will be explored during lectures with active participation by students being employed. This will involve tutor lead Q+A sessions and student to student explanation and response at the front of class. A key element of learning on this module includes student led discussion of the key design principles and trade-offs associated with practical antenna design.
During the laboratory sessions you are presented with a design problem, typical of the types of problems faced in the engineering industry. An example of this is that you are given a brief to design an antenna for a communication system. You must complete the entire design process, from initial idea generation to final product and present your results in the form of a final report. By following this process you will develop key transferable skills that can be applied to most industries.
Directed learning for laboratory sessions will include comprehensive learning guides available for computer simulation packages.
Lab sessions will include detailed guided introduction to a wide range of practical Wireless and RF measurement systems.

The module is delivered as noted in both lectures and workshops. These provide the key academic support to the module; however around this is built a number of support structures.
Workshops, supported by lab tutors, effectively provide verbal feedback and comments throughout the session. Such comments may be generic and applicable to you, typically noting procedures or some technical guideline or could be may be more directed to the individuals learning. Online screen videos are included on the eLP platform to help you understanding of key concepts related to this module.
The most appropriate use of blackboard (online platform) is made in the module where the module taught content is provided along with links to the reading list.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Demonstrate the application of knowledge in the design of wireless and RF circuits and systems with application to real world problems. (SM1m, SM6m, D4m)

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
2. Simulate build and test RF circuits and antennas using simulation and practical lab equipment (EP1m, EP3m)
3. Analyse the specification and performance requirements necessary for the operation of wireless and RF links within a regulatory framework (ET5m, EP4m)
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
4. Mathematically model system-level, circuit-level and component-level solutions to wireless and RF systems (EA3m, EA4m, D4m)

Summative assessed is by an unseen formal examination to assess their understanding of the lecture material, application and appraisal. This will cover LO1, LO3 and LO4. An assignment which includes the practical design, measurement and analysis of a key component of a communication system also forms part of the summative assessment. LO2, LO3 will be addressed.

Formative assessment using e-portal software and e-learning tests and MCQ tests within lectures.

Feedback occurs during lab sessions, seminars and via the e-learning portal tests.

Feedback on formal examination will be given after the examination with a formal session

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In this module you will study key aspects of mobile communication using wireless technology. You will be taught via lectures, which will be recorded live and will be available online for you to watch in your own time. You will also get to experience practical sessions in our state-of-the-art microwave facilities, which are highly regarded as being amongst the best in the UK. An example of what you will study includes what happens during a mobile phone conversation, whether you are using a 1G, 2G, 3G or 4G mobile phone. As technology is constantly evolving the syllabus is continuously updated to reflect this. Our academics are all heavily involved in researching new ideas and technology and this is reflected in our teaching, so you can experience the next generation of technology whilst it is still being developed.