Advanced Analog and RF Circuit Design
EEG 505 provides a comprehensive exploration of advanced analog and radio frequency (RF) circuit design principles and practices essential for modern electronics engineering technology. Students will gain deep theoretical understanding and practical skills in designing high-performance operational amplifiers and data converters, analyzing and mitigating noise in sensitive circuits, and mastering impedance matching techniques critical for RF systems. The course emphasizes the application of S-parameters for characterizing RF components and networks, leading into the design of low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) and power amplifiers (PAs). A significant portion of the course is dedicated to the practical aspects of RF circuit implementation, including best practices for RF layout, grounding, and shielding to ensure optimal performance and minimize parasitic effects. Through a combination of lectures, design projects, and simulations, students will develop the expertise required to tackle complex analog and RF challenges in areas such as wireless communication, sensor interfaces, and high-speed data acquisition. This course prepares graduates for advanced roles in circuit design and system integration.
Course outline
Lectures, virtual labs, and graded assignments — completed in your browser.
Syllabus
Week 1: Advanced Operational Amplifier Design and Architectures Week 2: Op-Amp Stability, Compensation, and Non-Idealities Week 3: Data Converter Architectures: ADC and DAC Principles Week 4: Data Converter Performance Metrics and Design Trade-offs Week 5: Noise Sources, Analysis, and Mitigation Techniques Week 6: Introduction to RF Systems and Transmission Lines Week 7: Impedance Matching Networks: Design and Applications Week 8: S-Parameters: Characterization of RF Components Week 9: Small-Signal and Large-Signal RF Amplifier Design Week 10: Low-Noise Amplifier (LNA) Design Considerations Week 11: Power Amplifier (PA) Classes and Efficiency Week 12: RF Circuit Layout and Interconnect Design Week 13: Grounding, Shielding, and EMI/EMC in RF Systems Week 14: Advanced RF Design Project Presentations