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227-0053-00L 4 Credits BSC , DR , MSC D-MATL , D-ITET , D-PHYS

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High-Frequency Design Techniques

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Colombo Bolognesi, Dr. Tamara Popovic

VVZ CR 4.8

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:16:32

Abstract

Introduction to the basics of high-frequency circuit design techniques used in the realization of high-bandwidth communication systems and devices. Modern society depends on increasingly large data masses that need to be transmitted/processed as rapidly as possible: higher carrier frequencies allow wider bandwidth channels which enable higher data transmission rates.

Objective

Familiarize students with the essential tools and principles exploited in the high-frequency design. Introduction to circuit simulation. Introduction to amplifier design.

Content

Introduction to wireless, radio spectrum. Review of vectors and complex numbers, AC circuit analysis, matching networks, distributed circuit design, transmission lines and transmission line equations, reflection coefficients, the Smith Chart and its software, voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR), skin effect, matrix analysis, scattering parameters, electromagnetic fields and waves, amplifier design. Hands-on experience with mesurement equipement.

Resources

Lecture Notes

A detailed script is provided for each lecture, including the exercises and their solutions.

Literature

Textbook: High Frequency Techniques, by Joseph F. White, 2004, Wiley-Interscience & IEEE Press ISBN 0-471-45591-1 (free online access via ETH-Bibliothek)

Learning Materials (Links)

Main link
Link to the Course Website

General Information

Language: English
Levels: BSC , DR , MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: written 180 minutes
Aids: Lecture Slides & Exercises with solutions; Student's own course summary (i.e. 2 sheets both sides = 4-pages); Pocket calculator (Taschenrechner) with no communication capability.

An optional written midterm exam will be organized mid semester during the exercise sessions which will count fo 30% of the final grade if it improves it.Participation to the lecture sessions is rewarded with up to 0.25 points in the sense of completing the learning tasks. Important: It is expected that you attend the sessions and participate in inverted classroom group activities which will be organized several times during the semester. Those who satisfactorily fulfill the tasks will receive a 0.25 grade point credit.

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture	High-Frequency Design Techniques	Wed 10:15-12:00 (CHN C 14)	2 h weekly
exercise	High-Frequency Design Techniques	Mon 16:15-18:00 (ETF E 1)	2 h weekly

Offered In

Electrical Engineering and Information Technology Bachelor
- 5th Semester: Third Year Additional Foundation Courses (Students complete at least two of the Additional Foundation Courses available for selection. Recommendations are available under )
Doctorate Materials Science (Further information at: )
- Subject Specialisation
  - Science & Technology of the Small (MaP Doctoral School)
Quantum Engineering Master
- Electives (This is a selection of courses particularly suitable for the MSc QE. In agreement with the tutor, students may choose other courses from the ETH course catalogue.)