INF9490 – 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.
In addition, each PhD student will be given an extended curriculum within the field/research area of the course. The syllabus must be approved by the lecturer so that the student can be admitted to the final exam.
Admission
PhD candidates from the University of Oslo should apply for classes and register for examinations through Studentweb.
If a course has limited intake capacity, priority will be given to PhD candidates who follow an individual education plan where this particular course is included. Some national researchers’ schools may have specific rules for ranking applicants for courses with limited intake capacity.
PhD candidates who have been admitted to another higher education institution must apply for a position as a visiting student within a given deadline.
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 and passed before given deadlines. Matlab and the simulation package CoventorWare will be used.
Examination
The final exam is held at the end of the term either as a written one (3 hours) or orally. Graded marks (A – F). No written material is allowed. Required material, if any, will be distributed at the exam.
Examination support material
No examination support material is allowed.
Language of examination
You may submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English. If you would prefer to have the exam text in English, you may apply to the course administrators.
Explanations and appeals
Resit an examination
This course offers both postponed and resit of examination. Read more:
Special examination arrangements
Application form, deadline and requirements for special examination arrangements.