Noise, Waves & Fields - ELE00034I

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  • Department: Electronic Engineering
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: I
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23

Module summary

The Noise Fields and Waves module provides essential content for the design of analogue and digital circuits, by considering: the effects of noise and interference on circuit performance along with the basic concepts of electromagnetic compatibility. It introduces transmission line effects on interconnects such as delay, reflections, and crosstalk, which are important considerations in any high speed digital circuit and in transmission of signals over cables. The electromagnetic theory of fields and waves is analysed in order to underpin the theory of transmission lines and provide the foundations for later courses in radio frequency circuits, antennas, wireless propagation, nanotechnology, and semiconductor device design.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2022-23 to Summer Term 2022-23

Module aims

Subject content aims:

  • To introduce students to the fundamental principles of electromagnetism and its applications in signal transmission, including electromagnetic waves in transmission lines and free space

  • To introduce students to the concept of noise and interference in electronic systems and to describe the sources, effects and control of noise and interference

Graduate skills aims:

  • To develop skills in the application of applied numeracy and analytical techniques

Module learning outcomes

Subject content learning outcomes

After successful completion of this module, students will:

  • Be able to demonstrate an understanding of the relationships between charges and currents, electric and magnetic fields and fluxes, and of the concepts of scalar and vector potential
  • Understand and be able to use the main theorems of vector calculus, the concepts of gradient, divergence, and curl, Gauss’s and Stokes’s theorems, scalar and vector Poisson’s equations
  • Understand and be able to use the methods of computational electromagnetics for calculating capacitances and inductances of components
  • Understand the propagation mechanisms of electromagnetic waves in transmission lines and free space
  • Be able to express relations for the electric and magnetic fields within a wave and the power density associated with a wave

  • Appreciate the sources of noise and interference in electronic circuits

  • Be able to analyse and design basic signal transmission systems for high speed data transmission, accounting for the imperfections found in such systems and employing techniques required to overcome these problems

  • Be able to apply noise and interference reduction techniques

Graduate Skills Learning Outcomes:

After successful completion of this module, students will:

  • Be able to explain commonly encountered technical concepts concisely and accurately
  • Be able to select and apply a range of mathematical techniques to solve problems
  • Have developed skills in problem solving, critical analysis and applied mathematics

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) 65
Essay/coursework 10
Essay/coursework 25

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) 65
Essay/coursework 10
Essay/coursework 25

Module feedback

'Feedback’ at a university level can be understood as any part of the learning process which is designed to guide your progress through your degree programme. We aim to help you reflect on your own learning and help you feel more clear about your progress through clarifying what is expected of you in both formative and summative assessments.

A comprehensive guide to feedback and to forms of feedback is available in the Guide to Assessment Standards, Marking and Feedback. This can be found at https://www.york.ac.uk/students/studying/assessment-and-examination/guide-to-assessment/

The Department of Electronic Engineering aims to provide some form of feedback on all formative and summative assessments that are carried out during the degree programme. In general, feedback on any written work/assignments undertaken will be sufficient so as to indicate the nature of the changes needed in order to improve the work. Students are provided with their examination results within 20 working days of the end of any given examination period. The Department will also endeavour to return all coursework feedback within 20 working days of the submission deadline. The Department would normally expect to adhere to the times given, however, it is possible that exceptional circumstances may delay feedback. The Department will endeavour to keep such delays to a minimum. Please note that any marks released are subject to ratification by the Board of Examiners and Senate. Meetings at the start/end of each term provide you with an opportunity to discuss and reflect with your supervisor on your overall performance to date.

Indicative reading

Key Texts "Fundamentals of Applied Electromagnetics", 2015 , Pearson, Fawwaz T. Ulaby, ISBN 978 0133356816

“Electromagnetics Explained: A Handbook for Wireless/RF. EMC and High Speed Electronics”, Ron Schmitt, 2002, Newnes, ISBN 978 0750674034.

“Electronic Noise and Interfering Signals: Principles and Applications”, Gabriel Vasilescu, Springer, 2005. , ISBN 978 3540407416