Combining Equivalent Circuits, NanoVNAs, and Standard EDA Tools for Engaging Electromagnetics and RF Engineering Laboratory Exercises

We introduce a reverse-design exercise for electromagnetic, RF, and antenna engineering courses, based on equivalent circuit models. With accurate measurement and modelling skills being the most fundamental and transferable skills in an RF engineering workplace, a series of lab exercises for based on co-simulation and measurements is presented. Combining electromagnetic simulations, closed-form transmission line modelling, and NanoVNA measurements, the exercise allows the student to evaluate different simulation approaches and develop their own lumped equivalent circuit models. This paper introduces the lab hardware design kit, an example structure for a Masters-level course lab exercise, and preliminary insights into the implementation challenges and benefits from a student and instructor perspective.