Foundation for wireless technology
Subal Kar · 2024
The foundation of wireless technology is, in general, based on Maxwell’s four equations of electromagnetism. In fact, the concept of electromagnetic signal propagation is rooted in two of the curl equations propounded by Maxwell. Though the circuit analysis at RF, i.e., in kHz to MHz is normally done with the so-called distributed circuit parameters but for frequencies in the GHz and above field analysis based on Maxwell’s equations is a must and it is known that most of the modern wireless systems of today work in the GHz and above frequencies. Thus, Chapter 2 has been devoted to the fundamentals of Maxwell’s equation, discussing what prompted Maxwell to propound those four fundamental equations of electromagnetism and Maxwell’s equation in differential, integral, and phasor forms has been given. Wave equation derived from Maxwell’s equation has been discussed and its applications discussed in brief. The chapter also takes care of the brief discussion regarding evanescent waves, surface waves and surface Plasmon and plasmonic waves which are required for understanding many phenomena in the GHz and THz frequency domain of wireless technology. This foundation knowledge is essential for any wireless engineer and technologist.