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227-0112-00L 6 Credits BSC , DR , MSC D-MATL , D-ERDW , D-MAVT , D-PHYS , D-ITET

High-Speed Signal Propagation

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Colombo Bolognesi, Dr. Tamara Popovic
VVZ CR 4.7

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:17

Abstract

Understanding of high-speed signal propagation in microwave cables and integrated circuits and printed circuit boards.As clock frequencies rise in the GHz domain, there is a need grasp signal propagation to maintain good signal integrity in the face of symbol interference and cross-talk.The course is of high value to all interested in high-speed analog (RF, microwave) or digital systems.

Objective

Understanding of high-speed signal propagation in interconnects, microwave cables and integrated transmission lines such as microwave integrated circuits and/or printed circuit boards. As system clock frequencies continuously rise in the GHz domain, a need urgently develops to understand high-speed signal propagation in order to maintain good signal integrity in the face of phenomena such as inter-symbol interference (ISI) and cross-talk. Concepts such as Scattering parameters (or S-parameters) are key to the characterization of networks over wide bandwidths. At high frequencies, all structures effectively become "transmission lines." Unless care is taken, it is highly probable that one ends-up with a bad transmission line that causes the designed system to malfunction. Filters will also be considered because it turns out that some of the problems associated by lossy transmission channels (lines, cables, etc) can be corrected by adequate filtering in a process called "equalization."

Content

Transmission line equations of the lossless and lossy TEM-transmission line. Introduction of current and voltage waves. Representation of reflections in the time and frequency domain. Application of the Smith chart. Behavior of low-loss transmission lines. Attenuation and impulse distortion due to skin effect. Transmission line equivalent circuits. Group delay and signal dispersion. Coupled transmission lines. Scattering parameters. Butterworth-, Chebychev- and Bessel filter approximations: filter synthesis from low-pass filter prototypes.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Skript: Leitungen und Filter (DE)Lecture notes in EnglishExercise slides and problems in English

Literature

David M. Pozar, Microwave Engineering

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC , DR , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
written 180 minutes
Aids
Lecture notes, exercise slides and solutions, lecture summary (unlimited number of pages), course script, pocket calculator, ruler and compass.
A noncompulsory oral midterm exam will be organized around the middle of the semester which will count for 30% of the final grade (if it improves it). This midterm exam will be focused mostly on practical projects (such as design and implementation of simple RF circuits) that students can do during the first half of the semester. Students that participate in practical projects will also get an opportunity to measure their final fabricated circuits in our lab.Participation to the exercise sessions is rewarded with 0.25 points in the sense of the learning elements. Important: It is expected that students solve the exercises on a regular basis. As an incentive, student exercise solutions will be collected on 3 random dates. Those who satisfactorily solved at least 2 exercise sets will receive a 0.25 grade point credit.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture High-Speed Signal Propagation
  • Thu 14:15-16:00 (NO C 6)
2 h weekly
exercise High-Speed Signal Propagation
  • Tue 10:15-12:00 (IFW A 36)
2 h weekly

Offered In