A program of study for students interested in MMIC design

Students interested in the design of microwave integrated circuits need to have a solid foundation in basic microwave engineering such as is covered in Microwave Engineering I (ECE 584) and Microwave Engineering II (ECE 585). In addition, they need a more concentrated study of active microwave circuits that can be found in the course Microwave Active Circuits, ECE 683.

Microwave ICs typically are limited by the performance of the individual transistors they use, FETs or HBTs for example. To get an understanding of these devices, take Semiconductor Devices, ECE609.

Microwave ICs operate at high enough frequencies that the circuit components on the surface of the chip must be modeled very carefully. The orientation of signal traces, the details in the structure of capacitors or inductors, the type of junctions, all add small unavoidable capacitances and inductances that have important effects at high frequencies. It is therefore necessary that students have an exposure to electromagnetics in order to develop a feeling for the techniques used to model these features. ECE 606, Electromagnetic Theory, is the course for that.

Students are exposed to basic microwave laboratory measurements in ECE 584, but a more extensive laboratory experience is provided in the microwave metrology course, ECE 684.

An important part of the program is the research done for the Master's thesis. This involves working closely with a faculty member on a project that extends the limits of current technology.

So a sample program for students interested in microwave ICs is as follows:

This is a sample program only. A program that is more appropriate for a particular student can be worked out with his/her advisor. Some of the other courses that could be substituted include: ECE 687, Antenna Theory and Design; ECE685, Active Microwave Devices; ECE571, Microelectronic Fabrication; ECE697D, Microwave Remote Sensing.