Introduction to Computational Electromagnetics

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 17:24:44 -0800

Abstract
Computational electromagnetics (CEM) arose from the "method of moments," which was introduced into electrical engineering by R.F. Harrington in 1967. The method was quickly adopted by antenna engineers who had wrestled with partial differential equations for the previous 80 years. Steve Stearns will review the history of the method of moments and its applications to the computation of electromagnetic fields with a focus on antennas. He will survey inexpensive software, show advanced modeling capabilities, and indicate where the future of computational electromagnetics is headed.
Biography
Steve Stearns is Senior Staff Engineer at Northrop Grumman Mission Systems (formerly TRW), Electromagnetic Systems Laboratory, in San Jose. He previously held positions at Technology for Communications International, GTE Government Systems Corporation in Mountain View, Probe Systems, and Hughes Aircraft Company. Steve attended California State University Fullerton, the University of Southern California, and Stanford University. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE, has over 50 publications and presentations, and eight U.S. and foreign patents. He holds two federal FCC licenses: Amateur Extra class and commercial General Radio Operator with Radar Endorsement. He writes a column on electromagnetics and antennas, and serves as a reviewer for an IEEE Transactions journal. IEEE SCV MTT-S members will remember his presentation on Impedance Matching Networks and Fundamental Limits from February 2007. This talk is based on Steve's presentation on antenna modeling given at the ARRL Pacificon Antenna Seminar, October 2008.

Recent Advances in Microwave Frequency Synthesizers: Will YIG Survive?

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:00:44 -0800

Abstract
Microwave frequency synthesizers have been continuously evolving and will continue to do so with time. The major technology challenge is in increasing the synthesizer tuning speed as dictated by the ongoing increase of the data throughput of modern microwave test and Measurement systems. Historically, high-performance PLL synthesizers have relied on YIG-tuned oscillators featuring broadband operation and excellent phase noise characteristics. However, today’s market requirements demand that new synthesizers must be faster, smaller, and cheaper, while simultaneously other characteristics (e.g., resolution, phase noise, and spurious) must be kept unaffected. This presentation addresses recent advances in VCO-based synthesizers, which offer microsecond tuning speed together with comparable spectrum purity of the lower-speed YIG-based designs.
Biography
Dr. Alexander Chenakin is the Director of the Frequency Synthesis Group at Phase Matrix, Inc. (www.phasematrix.com). He earned his degree from Kiev Polytechnic Institute, Ukraine and has worked in a variety of technical and managerial positions. He has led the development of advanced products for Celeritek, Nextek, Micro Lambda Wireless, General Electronic Devices, and other companies. In 2005 Dr. Chenakin joined Phase Matrix, Inc. where he oversees the development of advanced frequency synthesizer products for test and measurement applications. His professional achievements have been widely presented in professional magazines and international conferences. Dr. Chenakin was a lecturer for the 2008 IEEE International Frequency Control Symposium tutorials.
Resources
Slides from the presentation and images from the event are provided below.

MTT-SCV Technical Presentations

Introduction to Computational Electromagnetics

Recent Advances in Microwave Frequency Synthesizers: Will YIG Survive?