Radio Communications

Higher education teachers: , Batagelj Boštjan

Subject description

Prerequisits:

• Knowledge of subjects of general electrotechnics, mathematics and physics.

Content (Syllabus outline):

Propagation of electromagnetic waves in free space and in the presence of natural barriers. Measurements of fading of the received field and distortion of radio channel, fading statistics treatment, probability of the radio link failure, diversity reception and transmission. Thermal noise, antenna noise temperature, natural sources of noise on Earth and in Space. Basic measurements of antenna parameters. Polarization of electromagnetic waves and definition of the polarization of the antenna and taking into account the polarization mismatch in radio link. Measurements in the radio band and measurements with the radiofrequency spectrum analyzer.

Objectives and competences:

The purpose of this course is to provide principles of radio transmission path and basic principles of radio waves as part of the electromagnetic waves. The course presents physical limitations of wireless communications in terms of radio wave propagation, noise and intermodulation products. Understanding the design of fixed and mobile radio systems based on analogue and digital modulation. Understanding general methods in the radio measurement, measurement of the spectrum and antenna parameters.

Intended learning outcomes:

• Knowledge and understanding: Understanding of advantages and limitations of radio waves and their propagation in the presence of obstacles and atmosphere.
• Use: The acquired knowledge will be useful for the radio spectrum measurements, as well as for design of radio networks of different ranges.
• Reflection: For radio network operators and telecommunication equipment manufacturer it is of key importance to have qualified employees, who know the basic radio systems properties and their principles of operation on a physical level.
• Transferrable skills: Synthetic problem solving, system design on the basis of propagation properties knowledge.

Learning and teaching methods:

• Lectures, where students are introduced by theoretical basics of radio communications, and
• laboratory courses, where students make practical experiments from the topics of antennas and wave propagation.

Study materials

Readings:

1. Matjaž Vidmar. Radiokomunikacije. 1. izd. Ljubljana: Fakulteta za elektrotehniko, 2005. ISBN 961-243-026-8.
2. Tomaž Korošec, Leon Pavlovič, Matjaž Vidmar. Radijske komunikacije: laboratorijske vaje. Ljubljana: Fakulteta za elektrotehniko, Laboratorij za sevanje in optiko, 2014. http://lso.fe.uni-lj.si/studij/rk_vs/gradivo/RK-VS_LaboratorijskeVaje.pdf