Analog, RF and Microwave Circuits

Overview

If you like building, testing and in general tinkering with electronic circuits then this track may be for you. As the name suggests, this track will prepare you to design, test and build circuits across the frequency range: from audio to THz frequencies. This track draws heavily on various application areas, such as electromagnetics, acoustics, signal processing, and communications to provide students with breadth of learning experience. Similarly, students can explore related areas that influence Analog/RF/microwave circuit design, such as semiconductor devices, packaging, and digital IC design. Many local companies look for this kind of talent: Tektronix, Intel, Qorvo, Maxim, Analog Devices, to name a few. What is most important, however, is that you will be well prepared for the ever-changing electronics industry and learn how to learn and be a successful circuit designer.   

More formally, you are expected to be able to

• Design “classical” analog circuits and high-frequency (microwave) circuits, in various technologies.
• Characterize and measure low- and high-frequency components and systems
• Design, manufacture and test analog/RF/microwave systems for realistic problems
• Understand wave propagation, reflection and transmission.
• Apply numerical techniques to solve complex circuit and wave propagation problems
• Read and critique published literature
• Present research projects orally and in writing

Prerequisites

Students who begin this track should have a solid understanding of undergraduate level analog and high-frequency circuit design. Students should at a minimum have the equivalent of PSU ECE 322 (preferably ECE 323) and ECE332. An additional senior-level circuits course in the analog, RF/microwave or digital areas would be desirable. Fluency in simulation and computational methods, including MATLAB is expected.

Core Courses

ECE 521 Analog Integrated Circuit Design I
ECE 522 Analog Integrated Circuit Design II
ECE 531 Microwave Integrated Circuit Design I
ECE 532 Microwave Integrated Circuit Design II

Course Planning

A suggested curriculum for the Analog Track's Core and Depth and Breadth courses can be found below. Some notes about course sequence order:

1. All course pre-requisites need to be met.
2. The courses below will not necessarily be taken in the order listed.
3. Students should plan to start with the core courses if possible.
4. Students interested in gaining research experience can contact individual professors and explore research opportunities. If mutually agreed upon, students can sign up for 1 credit of ECE 501 Research.

Secondary Focus: Communications

Core courses of ECE 521, ECE 522, ECE 531, ECE 532

And Depth and Breadth course list of:
EE 517 Instrumentation and Sensing
EE 522 Discrete Time Processing
ECE 561 Communications Systems I
ECE 562 Communications Systems II

One additional 4-credit ECE course:
EE 523 Estimation and Detection

Elective suggestion:
ECE 533 Advanced Electromagnetics (if offered)

Secondary Focus: Devices and Circuits

Core courses of ECE 521, ECE 522, ECE 531, ECE 532

And Depth and Breadth course list of:
ECE 515 Fundamentals of Semiconductor Devices
ECE 525 Digital Integrated Circuit Design I
ECE 526 Digital Integrated Circuit Design II
ECE 528 VLSI Computer-Aided Design

One additional 4-credit ECE course:
ECE 545 Power Electronics Systems Design I

Elective suggestion:
ECE 533 Advanced Electromagnetics (if offered)

Suggested Schedule for Students following the Communications Secondary Focus

The schedule below is for full-time students beginning the ECE MS program in Fall term.

First Year Plan

Note: International Students on F-1 visas with internship offers will take 1 internship credit of ECE 504 the summer after their first year, if applicable. Please contact the ECE Graduate Program with any questions.

Second Year Plan

*This plan has 4 credits above the required 45. Students hoping to complete ECE 562 in the Spring may need to adjust their Fall plan in their second year.

Suggested Schedule for Students following the Devices and Circuits Secondary Focus

The schedule below is for full-time students beginning the ECE MS program in Fall term. 

First Year Plan

Note: International Students on F-1 visas with internship offers will take 1 internship credit of ECE 504 the summer after their first year, if applicable. Please contact the ECE Graduate Program with any questions.

Second Year Plan

Track Director

Supporting Faculty