THE RHODE AND SCHWARZ RF AND MICROWAVE LAB

The Rhode and Schwarz RF and Microwave Lab at KNUST plays a pivotal role in fostering engineering research and education within the dynamic fields of radio frequency and microwave technology, directly aligning with the KNUST Engineering Education Project (KEEP) vision. KEEP's vision is to contribute to Ghana and the sub-region's industrial and digital revolution through excellence in engineering education, research, and innovation to serve industry and society. Furnished with cutting-edge equipment from Rhode and Schwarz, a world leader in test and measurement, the lab boasts essential instruments such as Vector Network Analyzers, Spectrum Analyzers, Oscilloscopes, and vector signal generator, all crucial for analysing and characterising RF and microwave systems and directly supporting this technological advancement.

Strategically organised into a research centre and a teaching laboratory, the RF and Microwave Lab caters to diverse needs, embodying KEEP's mission to generate new knowledge and address regional challenges. The research centre serves as an advanced platform for postgraduate students, providing them access to sophisticated measurement tools necessary for their in-depth exploration of RF and microwave frequencies. This dedicated space empowers students to tackle intricate research problems and realise their innovative ideas, perfectly embodying the Rhode and Schwarz philosophy: "Make ideas real." Current research endeavours within the lab encompass a range of impactful areas, including the design and analysis of phase shifters, power amplifiers and various antenna types such as circularly polarised antennas, pattern reconfigurable antennas, intelligent reflecting surfaces for 6G applications, lens antennas, and spiral antennas – all contributing to the digital revolution envisioned by KEEP. The lab also conducts investigations into improving radio wave propagation within the KNUST campus and the impact of rain attenuation on radio wave signals, knowledge directly relevant to improving communication infrastructure in the sub-region.

Complementing the research activities, the teaching laboratory provides invaluable practical experience for undergraduate and postgraduate students, particularly those in Telecommunication Engineering.  It offers hands-on training in operating advanced measurement instruments, enabling students to gain a comprehensive understanding of the processes that RF and microwave signals undergo during communication. By bridging the gap between theoretical concepts taught in lectures and real-world applications, the teaching lab ensures students develop a strong practical foundation in RF and microwave engineering, ultimately contributing to the skilled workforce needed for Ghana's industrial and digital progress as envisioned by KEEP. The lab's support for Telecommunication Engineering students and its potential for future collaborations with telecommunications companies and research institutions further underscore its commitment to KEEP's mission of knowledge generation and collaborative engagement.