Course Contents

• Overview of Microwave Devices
  Development history of microwave devices. Overview of performance characteristics and applications of various classes of microwave devices. Overview of Band Theory and semiconductors: band structure, E-k diagram, Fermi level, work function.
  
  

• Microwave Diodes
  

Principle of operation and microwave characteristics of p-i-n Diodes, Schottky Diodes, Varactor Diodes and Tunnel Diodes. Applications of the above devices in microwave circuits.



• Microwave Bipolar Transistors
  

Principle of operation and microwave characteristics of Bipolar Transistors and Heterojunction Bipolar Transistors. Applications of the above devices in microwave circuits.



• Microwave Field Effect Transistors
  

Principle of operation and microwave characteristics of JFET, MESFET, HEMT, MOSFET and CCD. Applications of the above devices in microwave circuits.



• Transferred Electron Devices
  

Gunn effect. Differential Negative Resistance, Two-Valley Model Theory, High Field Domain. Criterion for classifying the modes of operation, Gunn Oscillation Modes, Limited-Space-Charge (LSA) Mode, Stable Amplification Mode. Microwave generation and amplification.



• Avalanche Transit-Time Devices
  

Principle of operation and characteristics of Read Diodes, IMPATT Diodes, TRAPATT Diodes and BARITT Diodes. Applications of the above devices in microwave circuits.



• Microwave Tubes
  

Principle of operation and characteristics of Klystrons, Travelling-Wave Tubes, and Magnetrons.

Learning Outcome of Subject

At the completion of the subject, students should be able to perform the following tasks:

• explain the concept of band theory
• explain the operating principles of microwave diodes
• discuss the important features of microwave bipolar transistors and its applications in microwave circuits
• identify and discuss the important features of microwave field effect transistors and their uses in microwave circuits
• explain the theory of Transferred Electron Devices in microwave generation and amplification
• describe the principle of operation of Avalanche transit time devices
• explain the operating principles of microwave tubes
• undertake, under supervision, laboratory experiments on microwave diodes and electron tubes.

Programme Outcomes (% of contribution)

• Ability to acquire and apply fundamental principles of science and engineering - 20%
• Capability to communicate effectively - 10%
• Acquisition of technical competence in specialised areas of engineering discipline - 60%
• Ability to work effectively as an individual, and as a member/leader in a team - 10%