Propagation of Electromagnetic waves

The propagation of electromagnetic waves between subsystems is one central aspect of high-frequency applications. Possible applications can be found in cellular mobile communications, automotive or aerospace applications as well as in the field of bio-medical engineering.

In general, electromagnetic wave propagation can occur as guided wave on special high-frequency transmission lines or as radiated wave in free space. For example, on the picture above a hornantenna is used for transmission in free space. The transmission in free space flexibly connects transmitter and receiver of a radio system. Contrary to this, waveguides are used to connect the subsystems of a circuit to each other and to adapt them to one another. Between these two extremes mixed forms of propagation also play a significant role. For example, body-worn sensors communicate in biomedical and fitness sector either by free space propagation or by waves guided on the body.

The lecture is based on the basic lectures of electrical engineering, mathematics and physics. To gain a fundamental understanding of the different propagation effects the lecture first deals with the electrodynamic modeling of wave propagation. Subsequently, current concepts for guided and free space wave propagation are discussed in regard to above mentioned applications. In addition to analytical approaches current methods for the computer-assisted analysis and synthesis as well as practical relevant measurement technologies are covered.