Electromagnetics
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The electromagnetics engineer typically deals with high frequency electrical systems or circuits that are comparable to or large relative to a wavelength. Such systems cannot be analyzed or designed using traditional circuit techniques. Instead the electromagnetics engineer views the system in terms of field and wave processes, as governed by Maxwell's equations. Given the mathematical complexities that arise when manipulating Maxwell's equations, most electromagnetics engineers are highly proficient in mathematics. However, even the simplest systems, such as a resonant dipole antenna, are mathematically challenging to analyze. This has led in recent years to the development of powerful computer simulation tools that allow the electromagnetics engineer to get precise performance data of the system. The electromagnetics engineer is also a hardware engineer who uses sophisticated measurement tools, such as a network analyzer, spectrum analyzer, or an anechoic chamber to determine the performance characteristics of the system. Students in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Idaho operates the Electromagnetic Laboratory. Students associated with this lab can receive a solid foundation in electromagnetic theory, hardware and computer simulation by taking the following courses.
ECE 330: Electromagnetic Theory In addition to this course work, both undergraduate and graduate students are engaged in scholarly research. By doing so, students receive the opportunity to work with state of the art equipment and software, including: Agilent 5260, 110 GHz Programmable Network Analyzer The philosophy of the department is to give students a solid foundation in electromagnetic theory and an opportunity to work with both hardware and computer simulation tools. Those students who graduate from the laboratory are fully equipped to make contributions to the difficult but fascinating field of electromagnetics. Interviews with the professionals |