INF5490 – RF MEMS
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Course content
The all pervasive use of wireless systems requires modules with ever increasing functionality, compactness and reduced power consumption. The performance of current RF (Radio Frequency) systems can be enhanced by replacing critical components by their micromechanical counterparts, MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems). This is a strong drive for developing RF MEMS units.
The course will start by giving an overview of typical features of RF and wireless systems and describe central steps in MEMS micro machining. The functionality, modeling and implementation issues of central RF MEMS components are described. This comprises transmission lines, phase shifters, switches, capacitances, varactors and inductors implemented by micromechanics. Special weight is laid on mechanical vibrating resonators and their use as filters and oscillators. The course concludes by giving a short overview of packaging and possibilities for monolithic integration with microelectronics, together with examples of more composite systems.
Learning outcome
The course will give the students insight in how critical modules in wireless systems can be designed and implemented using MEMS technology, thereby making integration with microelectronics feasible. The students will get to know the fundamental and technological possibilities and constraints when designing and implementing RF MEMS subsystems.
Admission
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Prerequisites
Recommended previous knowledge
General background in microelectronics. Some physics and signal processing is advantageous. The courses INF5480 – RF-kretser, teori og design (discontinued) (might be taken in parallel) and FYS4230 – Modelling and design of micro- and nanosystems (discontinued), are strongly recommended.
Teaching
The course is a one term course with 2 lectures and one joint group gathering each week. Two mandatory exercises are required, and the reports must be delivered before given deadlines. Matlab and the simulation package CoventorWare will be used. Rules for mandatory assignments.
Examination
The final exam is held at the end of the term either as a written one (4 hours) or orally. The mandatory assignments must be approved prior the exam. General information about the examination.
Examination support material
No examination support material is allowed.
Required material, if any, will be distributed at the exam.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Resit an examination
This subject does not offer new examination in the beginning of the subsequent term for candidates who withdraw during an ordinary examination or fail an ordinary examination. For general information about new examination, see /studier/admin/eksamen/sykdom-utsatt/mn/index.html and /english/studies/admin/examinations/new-exam/index.html
Withdrawal from an examination
It is possible to take the exam up to 3 times. If you withdraw from the exam after the deadline or during the exam, this will be counted as an examination attempt.
Other
It is strongly recommended to attend the first lecture since it will be given important information.