Outline

Overview

This unit of study builds upon earlier work and provides an introduction to radio frequency components and systems used in wireless and satellite communications as well as in other high frequency applications. It assumes some knowledge of: basic circuit analysis; semiconductor device models and behaviour; transistor operation as switches and amplifiers; transistor operation as current sources and current mirrors; differential amplifiers. The following topics are covered: RF circuit element models, high-frequency effects and biasing in active devices, transmission lines and the Smith Chart, RF system characteristics, RF amplifiers, oscillators, mixers, power amplifiers, microwave measurements.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	School of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	Students will be expected to be familiar with ELEC3404 - Electronic Circuit Design and ELEC3104 - Engineering Electromagnetics.
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Sid Assawaworrarit, sid.assa@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Final exam xx	60%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Lab 1 Lab report on transmission lines	5%	Week 03 Due date: 13 Mar 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 23 Mar 2026	2 hours	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Quiz 1 out-of-class quiz covering transmission line and impedance matching	5%	Week 05 Due date: 23 Mar 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 02 Apr 2026	unlimited	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Lab 2 Lab report on stub matching	5%	Week 05 Due date: 27 Mar 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 06 Apr 2026	2 hours	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Quiz 2 out-of-class quiz on network, signal flow graph, and filters	5%	Week 08 Due date: 20 Apr 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 30 Apr 2026	unlimited	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Lab 3 Lab report on couplers/filters	5%	Week 08 Due date: 24 Apr 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 04 May 2026	2 hours	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Quiz 3 out-of-class quiz on microwave amplifiers and noise	5%	Week 10 Due date: 04 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 14 May 2026	unlimited	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Quiz 4 out-of-class quiz on microwave systems	5%	Week 12 Due date: 18 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 28 May 2026	unlimited	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Student presentation In-class student presentation on a topic of student choosing	5%	Week 13 Due date: 25 May 2026 at 09:00 Closing date: 25 May 2026	10 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Quiz: This assignment will require you to apply knowledge from lectures and practicals to solve problems in microwave circuits.
Lab report: A short write-up of the completed practical class following a given template.
Final exam: The exam will cover all material in the unit from both lectures and practical classes. The exam will have a mixture of multiple choice questions, short answer questions, and show-your-work questions.
Presentation: An in-class, 7-10 minute student presentation of a topic of student choosing.

Assessment criteria

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Demonstrates outstanding understanding of radio‑frequency and microwave engineering concepts. Shows excellent analytical, design, and problem‑solving skills across all assessed components. Work is technically accurate, well‑structured, and clearly communicated, with correct use of theory, assumptions, and professional presentation.
Distinction	75 - 84	Demonstrates strong understanding of course concepts and methods. Correctly applies analytical, design, and problem‑solving skills across all assessed components with only minor errors. Work is well organised and clearly presented, with sound technical reasoning and good interpretation of results.
Credit	65 - 74	Demonstrates a good, working understanding of the core material. Able to apply standard techniques and solve familiar problems, though with some gaps in depth or minor conceptual errors. Communication is generally clear, but analysis and justification may lack refinement.
Pass	50 - 64	Demonstrates a basic understanding of fundamental concepts and methods. Can solve simpler problems with guidance but shows limited depth, consistency, or accuracy. Technical explanations may be incomplete, and errors in analysis or presentation may be present.
Fail	0 - 49	The learning outcomes of the unit of study have not been met to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Standard university late policies apply to Quizzes and Lab Reports. No late presentations will be accepted.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Multiple weeks	Independent Study	Self-directed learning (50 hr)
Week 01	Introduction to the course, the challenges of working at radio frequencies, review of Maxwell’s equations and their applications	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Transmission line theory: distributed-circuit and field-theory models of transmission line, reflection and transmission at transmission line terminations. S parameters.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Tansmission lines	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Smith chart: theory and applications	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Wave propagation and reflection in transmission lines	Practical (2 hr)
Week 04	Impedance matching including lumped matching, stub matching, and quarter-wave matching. Application of Smith chart in impedance matching	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Smith chart and impedance matching	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Microwave network analysis and signal flow graph	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Stub matching	Practical (2 hr)
Week 06	Directional Couplers	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Network, signal flow graph, and couplers	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Microwave Filters	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	More signal flow graph and filters	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Microwave amplifiers: design, stability analysis	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Couplers and/or Filters	Practical (2 hr)
Week 09	Noise in microwave circuits	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Amplifiers and noise in microwave circuits	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Microwave oscillators, mixers, and resonators	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Microwave oscillators, mixers, and resonators	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Microwave systems	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Microwave systems	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Special topics in microwave engineering: Waveguides, microwave metamaterials	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Waveguides	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Course review	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Course review and practice exam	Tutorial (2 hr)

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Analyse and design solutions for radio-frequency specified systems up to microwave frequencies using principles and techniques presented
LO2. Demonstrate an understanding of transmission line operation at radio frequencies using concepts and principles presented throughout the course
LO3. Apply impedance matching techniques using clearly defined approaches
LO4. Formulate the application of scattering parameters for common microwave devices using principles and techniques developed throughout the course
LO5. Design transistor amplifiers and oscillators using stability criteria of active circuits to the extent of material presented
LO6. Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental theories which apply over broad radio frequency area
LO7. Undertake inquiry and knowledge development by firstly identifying the limitations of the current knowledge and then drawing on varied sources and media formats, selecting and synthesising the information most pertinent to the specific subject of radio frequency systems
LO8. Write and present technical reports to communicate technical engineering activities such as design, measurements, and analysis in a clear, coherent, and chronological order, maintain a professional record of work carried out
LO9. Work in a team sharing the load through clearly defined roles, drawing on the knowledge and skill of others through receptiveness to their opinions, while contributing constructively towards tackling design and testing challenges in a laboratory environment

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This unit is being resurrected for 2026, after a long period of absence.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

ELEC5403: Radio Frequency Engineering

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links