Research Area: Electromagnetism, Radio-Frequencies and Microwaves
Description: All physical electrical devices involve the interaction of electro-magnetic fields. The higher the frequency at which a device operates, the smaller the wavelength of the electromagnetic fields involved and the larger the devices are relative to a wavelength. This requires more attention paid to the details of the electromagnetic phenomena than is done when components are just fractions of a wavelength in size. Also, the electromagnetic phenomena are used in ways different from what would be done at lower frequencies. Thus, we need to develop in-depth efficient circuit modelling tools and measurement techniques specifically suited to such components that make terrestrial wireless, satellite, and optical communications networks possible. This work includes the development of advanced electro-magnetic and circuit simulation CAD tools that help for the design, simulation and optimization of devices and components for use in communication systems. In most instances the work done results in the fabrication of the above devices and components, whose performance is then tested in our well-equipped lab.
Applications: Microwave equipment is now part of our daily life: cellular phones, cordless computer peripherals, indoor and outdoor security systems, positioning systems for cars and airplanes, satellite links, and many others. No one can imagine life without such high frequency communication systems. The evidence of the ever increasing use of such systems is all around us. In addition, RF/microwave and optical devices are nowadays also used in industrial production lines (radiofrequency identification of RFID systems), medical technologies, and transport systems and not just personal communications systems. Furthermore, the demands for smaller size and weight, as well as accessibility to services such as text messaging, email, Internet, photo and video camera, to name a few, are creating new challenges to RF/microwave engineers. In fact, integrating so many and different aspects in a single device leads to multi-task design, requiring experienced designers with both theoretical and experimental technical skills.
Professors:
| Ahmed | control of EM waves, mathematical formulation of MIMO channels based on Maxwell equations, capacity formulation subject to distributed source or Dirichlet source |
| Berini | electromagnetics, optoelectronics, microwave circuits |
| Gad (group) | efficient simulation algorithms for RF integrated circuits, model-order reduction for distortion analysis in RF circuits, model-order reduction for linear and nonlinear circuits, simulation of high-speed interconnects, sensitivity computation for linear and nonlinear circuits |
| Loyka | wireless & mobile communications (physical layer), multi-antenna (MIMO) systems (capacity analysis, propagation channel, performance), smart antennas, propagation channel modeling |
| McNamara (group) | antenna design / optimization, electromagnetic modeling and realization of passive microwave circuit elements for use in antennas, methods of computational electromagnetics |
| Yagoub(group) | use of neural networks in microwave applications, CAD tools for linear/nonlinear microwave device/circuit modeling and design, electromagnetic modeling of microwave passive devices for MMICs, RFID systems |
Research groups involving several professors:
- Radio-Frequency and Microwave Group (RF&M)
Some recent projects:
including partners such as Communications Research Center (CRC), Nortel Networks, National Research Council (NRC), Spectalis, Optiware, Canadian Photonics Fabrication Center, Carleton University
- Surface plasmons and their applications [Berini]
- Development of simulation algorithms for RF integrated circuits [Gad, Yagoub]
- Model-order reduction for distortion analysis in RF circuits [Gad]
- Simulation of high-speed interconnects [Gad]
- Sensitivity computation for linear and nonlinear circuits [Gad]
- Use of adaptive methods in planar near-field techniques for the performance characterization of antennas [McNamara]
- Application of characteristic mode analysis for the fundamental understanding of antenna operation, and in antenna design [McNamara]
- Fundamental studies on electrically small antennas [McNamara]
- Development of new configurations for the physical realization of MIMO antennas for use on handheld devices [McNamara]
- Theoretical & experimental work on the use of holographic principles for antenna innovation & synthesis [McNamara]
- Development of RFID systems [Yagoub]
- Computation of EM coupling in microwave integrated circuits [Yagoub]
- Linear/nonlinear circuit modeling and design [Yagoub]
- Neuro-fuzzy modeling and optimization of microwave systems [Yagoub]
Slide Show
Opportunities for collaboration: Opportunities for joint research exist at all levels, from exploratory research to contract research, from sponsoring a student to supporting a dedicated project, and many variations in between. University-based research can be very cost-effective for your company and in most cases your support can be used to leverage additional grants from government agencies resulting in a multiplying effect. To find out more about a specific lab/group, project, or to discuss your research needs, contact the Technology & Research Development Office at (613) 562 5800 x2440. Email: research@eng.uottawa.ca , or the researcher directly (The School of EECS).
Printable Handout 
Research Area Coordinator: Yagoub