ECEG 390
Theory and Applications of Electromagnetics

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Bucknell University Course Catalog Description

"Applications of Maxwell's equations to the solution of problems involving electric and magnetic fields and transverse electromagnetic waves. Transmission line parameters, wave propagation, reflection from planar surfaces, polarization, and electromagnetic interaction with matter."

Detailed Description

This course introduces students to the study of transmission lines and electromagnetic waves and, to a lesser degree, electrostatic and magnetostatic fields. Although the foundation of the course is Maxwell's equations, which form the basis of all electromagnetic theory, the focus is on applications of the theory to analysis and design tasks frequently encountered by engineers.

Knowledge of electromagnetic theory is an important aid for solving many types of problems in the modern technical world. Areas of application include computer buses and network cabling, motors and generators, optical fibers, remote sensing, radio and wireless (including cellular) communication and control systems, radar, broadcasting, radio interference and its suppression, printed circuit board layout, lasers, electromagnetic noise, and many others.

One of the primary goals of the course is to expose students to various technical issues that they are likely to encounter in their careers. The number of topics and depth of coverage will depend on the amount of time available and, to a certain extent, on student interest. Topics that are likely to be covered include:

• Transmission lines
• Time-varying electromagnetic fields, especially time-harmonic fields
• Simple antennas
• Plane wave propagation, polarization, and attenuation
• Wave reflection, refraction, and transmission

Successful completion of the course requires a good understanding of complex variables, vector analysis, and vector calculus.

Prerequisites

ECEG 210 and MATH 211 (or their equivalents) are the prerequisites for this course. Other courses or previous experience can be substituted for the prerequisite courses with the permission of the instructor.

Class Meetings

ECEG 390 has no lab section, but the lecture section meets four hours per week at the following times and locations:

• Monday 1:00–1:50 and 2:00–2:50 pm in Academic West 116
• Wednesday and Friday 1:00–1:50 pm in Dana 115

Course Outcomes

A student who successfully completes this course should be able to:

1. Predict voltages, currents, and/or power flow along a transmission line given the line parameters and the signal source and load connected to the line.
2. Design a transmission line-based impedance matching system.
3. Relate the power density of a radiated electromagnetic wave to an antenna's gain, radiation pattern, and applied input power.
4. Perform link budget calculations using the Friis transmission formula.
5. Mathematically express and/or analyze the polarization of an electromagnetic wave.
6. Relate the attenuation, wavelength, and/or speed of a TEM wave propagating through a lossy medium to the medium's known constitutive parameters.
7. Predict the magnitudes and propagation directions of reflected and transmitted plane waves at a planar interface between two materials.