ECE 341 Spring 2012
This course is about electromagnetics (EM), the electrical foundation of Electrical and Computer Engineering, or, how electricity really works.
- Circuit theory is a simple part of EM, so it was taught first.
- However there are an increasing number of cases in ECE where circuit theory fails (e.g. faster computers, higher communications frequencies, power electronics, power system transients,), and EM must supplement circuit theory.
- Also EM is the basis for many devices (machinery, antennas, etc.), and one of the physical foundations of any active electronic device.
- Serious hazards for electrical and computer engineers in all areas, such as interference and non-ideal behavior of circuit elements, are increasing with the higher frequencies today for Electrical and Computer Engineers in all areas.
We will tend to avoid some math details and use some software, a modern trend. We will cover only part of the book’s material and add some notes, and you must keep up with what material that is.
The text isFundamentals of Applied Electromagnetics (6th or 5th Edition)by Ulaby. Solving problems will be emphasized as a means to learn principles; problems are not something to just be memorized. The CD included seems to be helpful; it has some problem solutions, some good moving demonstrations, and some interactive exercises. You will find it useful to read other books, such as Ramo et al, Fields and Waves in Communication Electronics. (You can find similar books in the library, around the call number for the text.)
Homework should be finished at the start of class on certain days, indicated in the schedule; homework will not be collected or graded. Tests will partially reflect homework and are certification that you learned what you should from the homework and study. You should try your best to do homework on your own thoughtfully, not just “I got the right answer somehow so I’m finished”. Ask “what have I learned form homework? Will I be able to do other problems in this topic?” Copying homework is not allowed and does not help you.
There will be four major tests, on the days indicated in the schedule. Makeups are not given.
Also a schedule will be worked out once the course is under way for the hardware labin Ferris 213. Completion of all labs is required for course completion.
The course grade will be determined using these components: Test 1: 10%; Test 2 15%; Test 3 15%; Test 4 15%; lab 15%; final exam 30%.
E-mail will be used for some of my communications, and it’s a good way for you to communicate with me. Be sure you give me your correct account and that it is always working and you check it often. One hazard: if your quota is exceeded, mail won’t reach you.
The most important communication tool is my webpage. Check it often for homework, lab notes, announcements, office hours, etc.
Students are expected to adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity at all times.
Gong Gu545
974-5443
My office hours will be posted online and might vary from week to week. I try to watch e-mail closely.
Graduate student TAs in charge of lab:
Yun Seo Koo (), Yazhou Wang ()
Tips
How to do well in this course (and others)and prepare to be a successful engineer:
- Don't overload your schedule with courses and/or work;
- Aim toward becoming a good engineer;
- Don't miss classes;
- See lab as an inquiry - not following a cook book;
- Study daily, not just the four nights before tests;
- Ask questions, take notes;
- Don't rely on somebody else for homework.
- Pursue understanding of the principles- not just memorizing the symbols in some homework problems and equations;
- Try to visualize phenomena- don't just manipulate math symbols;
- Relate this material to other courses.
- Revisit and reinforce the above three during the course, and, in your future study.
- Read ahead, think in practical terms; see if using the book's CD helps.
Expected schedule (subject to changes)
CLASS / MONTH / DATE / DAY / HOME-WORK / ACTIVITY
Watch carefully; we don’t cover all of each chapter.
Numbers in parentheses are main section numbers within chapters.
1 / Jan. / 12 / R / Introduction (field, EMC, wave, etc),
sinusoidal waves(CH 1: Section 4; i.e. 3 in 5/E)
2 / 17 / T / Phasors(Section 7; read Sec 6 on your own if needed)
3 / 19 / R / 1 / CH 2 (Sections 1-4 and 6-9, i.e. 1-8 in 5/E, but only summarize #3) – propagation of high frequency sinusoidal signals (e.g. communications)
4 / 24 / T
5 / 26 / R / 2
6 / 31 / T
7 / Feb / 2 / R
CH 2 (Sections 10-12, i.e. 9-11 in 5/E) – Smith chart for sinusoidal waves (notes on double stub etc.), bounce diagram for pulsed waves (e.g. digital signals)
8 / 7 / T / 3 / TEST 1(material covered before discussion of the Smith chart)
9 / 9 / R
10 / 14 / T / 4
11 / 16 / R / 5
12 / 21 / T
13 / 23 / R /
DC electric fields
14 / 28 / T / 6 /TEST 2 (material since Test 1)
15 / Mar. / 1 / R / Intro to electric & magnetic fields (Maxwell’s equations, DC fields, AC near-fields, AC far-fields, EMC effects); units (Section 2 of Ch. 1).CH 4 (sections 1-2, 4-6, 8-11, i.e. 1-2, 4-5, 7, 9-12 in 5/E) – DC electric fields(Ch3 embedded)
16 / 6 / T / 7
17 / 8 / R / 8
18 / 13 / T / 9
15 / R / CH 5 (Sections 1-4 and 6-8, i.e. 1-5, 7-9 in 5/E) – DC magnetic fields
20 / Spring break
22
19 / 27 / T / TEST 3(material since Test 2 up to 3/8: electrostatics)
20 / 29 / R / 10 (except Prob. 4) / CH 5 (Sections 1-4 and 6-8, i.e. 1-5, 7-9 in 5/E) – DC magnetic fields
21 / Apr. / 3 / T / 10
22 / 5 / R / CH 6 (Sections 1-6, i.e. 1-6 in 5/E) – AC near-fields: practical effects of magnetic fields and time-varying fields
23 / 10 / T
24 / 12 / R
25 / 17 / T / 11 / TEST 4(material since Test 3)
26 / 19 / R / CH 7 (Section 1, same in 5/E) – electromagnetic waves
27 / 24 / T / CH 7 (Sections 2, same in 5/E) – electromagnetic waves
26 / R / 12 / CH 7 – electromagnetic waves; Review, Q&A
Final Exam –