Microwave Circuit Design: CAD & Lab

The aim of this Fachpraktikum is to deepen theoretical knowledge in the fields of high-frequency circuit design and analog circuit design. For this purpose, the design cycle of an analog microwave frontend for wireless point-to-point communication systems will be covered. Students will use a state-of-the-art CAD environment to design and simulate components of analog microwave frontends. In the laboratory, the metrological characterization of individual circuit components as well as the assembly and measurement of a wireless point-to-point data link is carried out.
Students with outstanding achievements receive the Keysight IndustryReadyCertificate at the end of the course.

Design and layout of circuit components

• Building blocks of the front end:
  Power Amplifier, Low-Noise Amplifier, Mixer, Frequency Multiplier
• Characteristic parameters:
  S-parameters, CG, IP3, CP1dB, stability, DC power, (...)
• Process Design Kit: transistor and diode models, layer stack
• Simulation environment: Keysight ADS incl. Momentum
• Simulation types:
  DC, AC, harmonic balance, envelope, transient, EM simulation
• Physical MMIC layout: DRC, ERC, LVS

Characterization in the laboratory

• Use of modern laboratory instruments:
  oscilloscope, VNA, spectrum analyzer, AWG, (...)
• Investigation of characteristic parameters:
  S-parameters, intermodulation, up and down conversion, (...)

• System view
• CAD environment Advanced DesignSystem (ADS)

• Division of students into groups
• Each group designs one of the required building blocks
  (PA, LNA, mixer, frequency multiplier)
• Combining the individual designs to create a complete simulation of the link at the end of Phase I

Phase II - Layout and Assembly

• Metrological characterization of individual circuit components
• Establishing a wireless point-to-point connection

• Lecture Microwave Engineering (highly reccomended)
• Basic knowledge of analog circuit design

Registration for the Fachpraktikum is organized via C@MPUS.

Registration period:
05.09.2025 12:00 hrs - 02.10.2025 23:59 hrs