Microwave Sensing, Signals and Systems

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Microwave Sensing, Signals and Systems

Department of Microelectronics

EE4565 Propagation and scattering of electromagnetic waves

Topics: Propagation and Scattering of radio- and microwaves, applied to wireless indoor/mobile communication, broadcasting, remote sensing and radar

The Propagation and Scattering of electromagnetic (EM) waves course provides an overview of the essential aspects of the physical layer for a wide range of applications that rely on electromagnetic waves for the information transmission and sensing (wireless communications, radar, and navigation). Both the propagation medium and environment change the characteristics of the electromagnetic waves and affects the quality of the wireless link. The course focuses on physical models of propagation and scattering phenomena with emphasis on practical estimations of these effects' influence on operation and design of telecommunication systems.

The following aspects will be covered in the course:

• Overview of radio spectrum, services and frequency allocation, propagation/scattering environment, frequency band designation for EM waves
• Characterization of propagation media
• Antenna and noise concepts
• EM waves interaction with material objects
• EM wave scattering on ensemble of discrete particles
• EM wave scattering on rough surface
• Direct transmission
• Power balance in case of direct transmission, atmospheric gas attenuation, signal attenuation and scattering in rain
• Refraction - wave propagation through a stratified medium
• Propagation near the Earth surface
• Diffraction on terrain, Fresnel zones, propagation over a plane/spherical Earth, practical propagation path analysis
• Empirical Path Loss Models
• Models of fading effects
• Ionospheric propagation/scattering of electromagnetic waves

Study Goals

After this course students have to be able

• to recognize and explain different mechanisms of electromagnetic waves (EMW) propagation/scattering and relations between them;
• to assess different mechanisms of EMW propagation/scattering in relation to characteristics of EMW and media;
• to estimate quantitatively the influence of the propagation and scattering mechanisms on trade-offs that have to be made when designing a wireless communication or sensing system.
• to analyze real-world scenarios and identify the involved propagation and scattering mechanisms and their relevant aspects;

Teachers

[### dr. Oleg Krasnov

Radar; polarimetry; signal processing; remote sensing](https://radar.tudelft.nl/People/bio.php?id=22) [### prof.dr. Olexander Yarovoy

microwave systems, radar](https://radar.tudelft.nl/People/bio.php?id=11)

Last modified: 2026-02-04

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