Course catalogue

Electromagnetic waves in space. Introduction to antenna theory and radiation mechanism. Antenna radiation regions. Field and power antenna patterns. Basic antenna parameters (gain, directive gain, directivity, temperature, etc.). Antenna equivalent circuits (transmission and reception). Reciprocity theorem and far-field radiation. Linear, loop and aperture antennas. Antenna polarization and loss factor. A generic methodology for the calculation of radiated fields. Basic antenna examples (Hertz dipole, longer dipoles, λ/2 dipole, small loops, etc.). Linear, planar and circular arrays. Noise and antenna noise temperature. Tropospheric and ionospheric waves. Ground waves. Basic wireless propagation equations (Friis, reflection, scattering, diffraction). Applications and antenna measurements.

The aim of the course is to enable students to understand the basic principles of electromagnetic systems for wireless communications, the theory of electromagnetism and its applications to transmissions of electromagnetic signals carrying information, as well as antennas. By concluding the course, students are able to:

• identify, describe and distinguish the basic characteristics of electromagnetic systems describe physical laws of electromagnetism using appropriate mathematical tools
• distinguish the type of antenna and examine its characteristics
• compute metrics which are extensively used in wireless systems and design basic wireless links
• analyze and design more complicated wireless systems

By concluding the lab sessions students are able to:

• understand physical phenomenon by using mathematical tools
• identify and apply theory in real world problems
• use professional antenna measurement equipment for the first time
   

Not required.

The main teaching method followed is the traditional face-to-face lectures in class. The lectures are accomplished with the help of an electronic presentation program using portable computer with suitable tripod projection screen and projector. Interactive images and videos are used for adequate understanding of the main disciplines of the course. In addition, lectures are given where problems and exercises are solved. An asynchronous distance learning software is used (eclass). All the presentations, resolved exercises, multimedia material, notes, exercises to be delivered, laboratory exercises, announcements, links, etc. are updated frequently in eclass.
In the lab, students become familiar with laboratory equipment (antennas, transmitters, receivers) and carry out specific exercises for better understanding of the theory.

• Projects (10%)
• Laboratory exercises (20%)
• Writing examination (70%)

Greek (English for Erasmus students)