Use of computers in the instruction of EM propagation in the classroom

Transmission of information is the basis for all societal activities and is the basis of communication all over the world and through space. Its importance in day to day activities cannot be overstated. Progress in human activities has been possible largely because of progress in the transmission of information. The explosion of information transmission in the information age has necessitated the use of wider bandwidths for different applications and this is conveniently accommodated in the radio frequency range. Information transmission systems can be broadly categorized into two groups, wired and wireless. Even though wired transmission form a part of all communications equipment, wireless applications support a wide variety of communications systems both on land, across the oceans and through space. Antennas form a necessary component for wireless systems for both transmission and reception of information and therefore students need to have a good practical understanding of antennas just as they learn the theory, and they need to appreciate how practical results conform to theory. The computer can be used to facilitate this process in the learning environment by providing the students with realizable concept of electromagnetic radiations. The versatility of the computer enables different types of antenna measurements to be made, and various parameters to be determined. This paper discusses the usefulness of computers in antennas laboratory exercises in a Telecommunications course. It also discusses student design experiments, and experiments planned for the next step of the learning experience.