RF Engineering

Module code: EEU44CRF · Semester: Semester 2

Resources

• Module descriptor (TCD)

How it's assessed

Exam: 80% of the module. TCD doesn't list past papers for it.

Radio-frequency engineering for communication systems: distributed circuits, network analysis and designing to specifications such as bandwidth, noise and link budget.

Assessment	Weight
Written exam	80%
Practical exercises and lab reports	20%

Summarised from the TCD module descriptor, checked 2026-11-09. Details can change from year to year, so check this year's descriptor and Blackboard.

From students who've done it

No write-ups yet.

Questions by Year

No past papers for this module are listed on TCD’s past-papers pages. See How it's assessed above.

Topics

• Transmission lines and impedance matching LO1–2
• S-parameters, Smith chart, vector network analysers and calibration LO2, LO4
• Receivers and transmitters: superheterodyne, zero-IF, SDR LO2–3
• Noise and distortion (harmonic, intermodulation) LO3
• PLLs, oscillators, RF transistors, LNAs and power amplifiers LO2–3
• Transistor modelling and simulation research LO5

Learning outcomes (exam covers LO1–5)

1. Explain the limits of lumped circuits and the need for distributed analysis at RF
2. Analyse and evaluate RF components, circuits and systems
3. Design RF circuits and systems for noise, power, efficiency, bandwidth and regulations
4. Run RF experiments and simulations with proper calibration and analyse the data
5. Evaluate research challenges and emerging RF technologies

Summarised from the module descriptor, checked November 2026.