Course Title: RF and Wireless Circuit and System Design

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: RF and Wireless Circuit and System Design

Credit Points: 12.00


Course Coordinator: Prof. James Scott

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925

Course Coordinator Email: james.scott@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: B012.11.017

Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Recommended Prior Study

You should have satisfactorily completed or received credit for the following course before you commence this course:

• EEET2255 Electronics

If you have completed prior studies at RMIT or another institution that developed the skills and knowledge covered in the above course/s you may be eligible to apply for credit transfer. RMIT Classification: Trusted Alternatively, if you have prior relevant work experience that developed the skills and knowledge covered in the above course/s you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning. Please follow the link for further information on how to apply for credit for prior study or experience.

Assumed Knowledge

To successfully complete this course, you should have basic knowledge of circuit analysis and the ability to solve basic problems of DC and AC circuits incorporating operational amplifiers.


Course Description

Gain core industry skills in the foundations of the modern technologies used in communication, defence and navigation systems - radio frequency (RF) and wireless circuit design. You will gain a comprehensive knowledge of concepts and techniques used in low noise amplifiers, power amplifiers and oscillators to analysing and designing complete wireless systems to a required specification. From RF and microwave transmission line theory to transceiver design principles and architecture, you will gain a thorough understanding of the operation of RF and wireless circuits and systems. Through engaging lectures, online courseware, and hands-on laboratory work, you will build your expertise. Practical measurement skills will be assessed through written reports on the laboratory projects.

If you are enrolled in this course as a component of your Bachelor Honours Program, your overall mark will contribute to the calculation of the Weighted Average Mark (WAM).

See the WAM information web page for more information.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course contributes to the following Program Learning Outcomes for the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours):

PLO 1. Demonstrate a coherent and advanced understanding of scientific theories, principles and concepts and engineering fundamentals within the engineering discipline.

PLO 2. Demonstrate a coherent and advanced body of knowledge within the engineering discipline.

PLO 3. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities, bounds, design practice and research trends of contemporary engineering practice including sustainable practice. RMIT Classification: Trusted

PLO 4. Apply knowledge of established engineering methods to the solution of complex problems in the engineering discipline.

PLO 5. Utilise mathematics, software, tools and techniques, referencing appropriate engineering standards and codes of practice, in the design of complex engineering systems.

PLO 6. Use a systems engineering approach to synthesize and apply procedures for design, prototyping and testing to manage complex engineering projects.

PLO 8. Communicate engineering designs and solutions respectfully and effectively, employing a range of advanced communication methods, in an individual or team environment, to diverse audiences.

PLO 9. Demonstrate the capacity for personal accountability, professional and ethical conduct, intellectual independence, cultural sensitivity, autonomy, adaptability, and reflection on own learning and career when undertaking engineering projects.

PLO 10. Critically analyse, evaluate, and transform information, while exercising professional judgement, in an engineering context.

PLO 11. Collaborate and contribute as an effective team member or leader in diverse, multi-disciplinary teams, with commitment to First Nations peoples and/or globally inclusive perspectives and participation in an engineering context.

For more information on the program learning outcomes for your program, please see the program guide.


Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

CLO 1. Rationalise RF and microwave circuit and system operational design choices in terms of scientific theory and advanced engineering principles.

CLO 2. Design RF and microwave circuits and systems with a Systems Engineering approach.

CLO 3. Profile RF and microwave circuits and systems performance and accuracy with advanced simulation tools and systematic evaluation techniques.

CLO 4. Cross-examine circuit fabrication technology options for application and production effectiveness.

CLO 5. Communicate RF and microwave circuit and system development report findings to professional audiences.

CLO 6. Collaborate in a project team using professional behaviours, processes and standards


Overview of Learning Activities

You will be actively engaged in a range of learning activities. Delivery may be face to face, online or a mix of both.

  • Reviewing pre-recorded lectures, where key concepts and their application will be explained with design examples and case studies used to demonstrate current industry practice.
  • Attendance at lectorials where syllabus material will be illustrated with demonstrations and examples.
  • Completion of lectorial questions to give further practice in the application of theory and procedures, and to give feedback on your progress and understanding.
  • Completion of written assignments that is designed to develop your group and communication skills through written reports, and to guide you through a real-world design and verification methodology.
  • Undertake laboratory exercises to develop practical skills in using common test instrumentation used in the RF and microwave industry and to develop your skills in analysing experimental results.
  • Private study, working through the course as presented in classes and online learning materials, and gaining practice at solving conceptual and numerical problems and undertaking design activities.

You are encouraged to be proactive and self-directed in your learning, asking questions of your lecturer and/or peers and seeking out information as required, especially from the numerous sources available through the RMIT library, and through links and material specific to this course that is available through myRMIT Studies Course Site.


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through myRMIT Studies Course Site. Lists of relevant reference texts, resources in the library and freely accessible Internet sites will be provided. Students will also use laboratory equipment and computer software within the School during laboratory and assignment work.

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment Task 1: Group Assignment, 30% CLO2, CLO3, CLO4, CLO5 and CLO6

Assessment Task 2: Group Laboratory reports, 20%, CLO3, CLO5 and CLO6

Assessment Task 3: Mid-semester test, 15%, CLO1, CLO2 and CLO3

Assessment Task 4: Final test, 35%, CLO1, CLO2, CLO3 and CLO4

Assessment submissions may require evidence of your learning progression.

If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more