Course program
1) Introduction and General Concepts (3h)
a) Introduction to radiopropagation
b) Telecommunication applications: terrestrial links
c) Telecommunication applications: satellite links
d) Remote sensing applications: radar meteorology
THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
2) Perturbative methods and Born scattering (5h)
a) Born Method (Value Perturbation)
b) Born Scattering from Turbulent Volumes
c) Bragg Scattering from Rough Surfaces
d) Geometrical Optics (Scale Perturbation)
3) Geometric optics (2h)
a) Fundamental Equations and Theorems
b) Optical Propagation
4) Diffraction theory and propagation in the presence of obstacles (3h)
a) Diffraction Theory and Fraunhofer Diffraction from an Infinite Semi-plane
b) Fresnel Integrals, Cornu Spiral, and Diffraction Gain
c) Fresnel Ellipsoids and links in Line-of-Sight, No Line-of-Sight and partial obstruction
d) Numerical Methods
5) Noise and radiative transfer theory (7h)
a) Antenna noise and Antenna noise temperature
b) Molecular spectroscopy
c) Planck's Law and Brightness Temperature
d) Radiative Transfer Theory
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS ON RADIOPROPAGATION
6) Tropospheric propagation in clear air (8h)
a) Dielectric Models and Polarizability
b) Tropospheric Refractivity
c) Ray Bending in a Stratified Atmosphere
d) Scintillation effects due to atmospheric turbulence and Statistical Aspects
7) Tropospheric propagation in presence of hydrometeors (6h)
a) EM Scattering and Absorption by Hydrometeors
b) Attenuation from Hydrometeor Distribution
c) ITU Model for Rain Attenuation Prediction in Satellite and Terrestrial Links
8) Ionospheric propagation (5h)
a) Physics of the Ionospheric Plasma
b) Propagation in Amagnetic Ionospheric Plasma
c) Propagation in Ionospheric Magnetoplasma
d) Ionospheric Radio Links
9) Effects of terrain on propagation (3h)
a) Surface Wave Propagation
b) Reflection Wave Propagation and Surface Properties
APPLICATIONS
10) Telecommunications (5h)
a) Link Budget Design for satellite and terrestrial links
b) Optimization of satellite communications and deep-space systems
c) Advanced Propagation Impairment Mitigation Techniques (PIMTs) for High throughput Satellite Communication systems
11) Urban area propagation (3 h)
a) Cellular Coverage and Radio Base Stations
b) Attenuation in Non-LOS Conditions
c) Basic Reference Models
d) Short-term and Long-term Fading; Delay and Azimuth Spread
12) Radar meteorology: fundamentals and applications (4h)
a) Introduction and General Concepts
b) Electromagnetic Scattering Theory: Integral Equations and Cross Sections
c) Fundamentals and Meteorological Radar Systems
INVITED LECTURES (6 h)
Prerequisites
To successfully follow the course, students are expected to have a basic knowledge of classical electromagnetism, with particular reference to Maxwell’s equations, the propagation of plane electromagnetic waves, and the boundary conditions in material media. A fundamental understanding of radiation theory and antenna operation is also required, including the main parameters of directivity, gain, and antenna efficiency.
Supplementary review material on these topics will be provided during the course to help students align their background knowledge.
Recommended references for review:
• G. Gerosa, P. Lampariello, Lezioni di Campi Elettromagnetici, Edizioni Ingegneria 2000.
• F. S. Marzano, N. Pierdicca, Fondamenti di Antenne, Carocci, 2011.
Books
Lecture slides provided by the instructor and made available on the course Classroom platform.
Frequency
Attendance is strongly recommended.
Exam mode
The assessment is designed to verify the achievement of the theoretical knowledge, analytical skills, and application-oriented competences described in the expected learning outcomes. It consists of two mandatory and complementary components: a written and oral examination and a project work.
Written and oral examination
The first part of the exam consists of two open-ended written questions covering topics discussed in class and listed in the course program. The written answers are then discussed with the professor during an oral session aimed at deepening and assessing the overall understanding of the subject, including aspects not directly addressed in the written part. The written and oral components are held in a single session, on the same day and in the same room, with the oral discussion immediately following the written test. The examination takes place during the regular exam sessions scheduled in the academic calendar of the degree program. The combined evaluation of the written and oral parts accounts for approximately two-thirds of the final grade and is intended to assess the student’s ability to present, argue, and apply theoretical concepts clearly and coherently.
Project work
The second part of the exam consists of an individual or group project (maximum of three students) on a topic agreed upon with the professor and selected from a list of proposed subjects. The project involves the use of MATLAB codes provided by the professor to simulate telecommunication or remote sensing systems and to analyze how their performance varies with atmospheric propagation effects.
The project report is assessed separately and contributes approximately one-third of the final grade, evaluating the student’s independent judgment, analytical ability, and critical integration of the course content.
The project may be submitted at any time, and may also be delivered during a different exam session from that of the written and oral test.
The final grade is recorded only after both components have been successfully completed.
Bibliography
• R. E. Collin: Antennas and Radiowave Propagation, Mc Graw Hill, Int. Ed., 1985
• Balanis, C. A. (Ed.). (2008). Modern Antenna Handbook. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
• Bringi V. N. and V. Chandrasekar, Polarimetric Doppler Weather Radar: principles and applications, Cambridge University Press, 2001
Lesson mode
The course is delivered in person through lectures in which the various topics are presented and discussed in a systematic and in-depth manner. The instructor makes use of multimedia and interactive tools, such as an electronic whiteboard (LIM) for graphical explanations and demonstrations, slide presentations, and online resources or web links illustrating practical and applied aspects. Each topic is complemented by research examples and case studies developed within academic and research institutions, in order to highlight the connection between theoretical principles, real-world applications, and the professional context.
The course includes practical exercises held in class, aimed at applying theoretical concepts and strengthening analytical and modeling skills in radiowave propagation. Additional optional individual exercises will be assigned to be completed at home, aligned with those carried out during lectures, to foster independent learning and self-assessment of theoretical and practical understanding.
The course also features invited lectures given by external experts from research institutions and industry, providing students with an applied and interdisciplinary perspective on the course topics and exposing them to recent scientific and technological developments in the field.
Finally, educational visits to research centers or companies operating in telecommunications, remote sensing, and applied meteorology may be organized to promote experiential learning and to help students identify potential paths for further study and professional development.
