Development of Low-cost Radio Frequency (RF) Laboratory for Microwave Filter and Antenna Course

This research aims to develop the low-cost radio frequency (RF) laboratory for microwave filters and antennas laboratory for the microwave engineering course in Technological University TU (DAWEI) Myanmar. The research includes two main parts: Firstly, the hardware and software system of the proposed magnitude RF network analyzer. Secondly, the hardware and software system of the antenna radiation pattern measurement equipment is proposed. The low-cost equipment such as the RF transmitter (Tx) using voltage control oscillate (VCO), receiver (Rx) using RF power detector and the turntable using low-cost motor are employed. The control unit, display unit and the graphic user interface (GUI) using MATLAB together with the Arduino controller are employed. The proposed low-cost RF measurement equipment was evaluated by 3 experts. Moreover, the student testing groups consisted of 3 groups with 3 students in each group. The results showed that the average score of students is 4.8 points (total of 5 points). As a result, it can be conducted that the proposed system can be used effectively and provide students with the knowledge and practical skills.