Analysis of Previous Year Questions (PYQ) for Radiation and Microwave Theory
(2019 Pattern, Semester VII, 404181)
1. Exact Repeated Questions
The following questions appeared verbatim (or with negligible changes) in both Oct-2022 and
Sep-2023 papers:
Derive the fundamental equation for free space propagation.
Appeared as Q2(a) in Oct-2022 and Q1(a) in Sep-2023.
The radiation resistance of an antenna is 72Ω and loss resistance is 8Ω. Calculate
directivity in dB if power gain is 16.
Appeared as Q2(b) in Oct-2022 and Q1(b) in Sep-2023.
Explain the radiation mechanism of antenna with suitable diagram (details requested).
Appeared as Q1(c) in Oct-2022 and Q1(c) in Sep-2023.
Enlist/explain the different types of antennas.
Appeared as Q2(c) in Oct-2022 and Q2(c) in Sep-2023.
2. Conceptually Similar/Modified Questions
Characteristics of Antenna: Radiation Pattern and Efficiency
Oct-2022 Q1(b): "Explain the following characteristics in detail:... Radiation Pattern,
Efficiency."
Sep-2023 Q2(a): Same phrasing.
Comparison Between Co-axial Cable and Waveguide
Oct-2022 Q3(a) and Sep-2023 Q3(a): Almost identical.
Microwave: Definition, Advantages, Applications
Oct-2022 Q3(b): "What are micro waves. Enlighten on advantages and applications of
microwave."
Sep-2023 Q3(b): Same question text.
Cavity Resonator - Re-entrant Type
Oct-2022 Q3(c): "What is cavity resonator. Explain re-entrant type..."
Sep-2023 Q3(c): Focus on "constructional details, advantages and applications of re-
entrant type...", adding more specifics but retaining conceptual focus.
Structural Details, Types, and Applications of Striplines
Oct-2022 Q4(b) and Sep-2023 Q4(b): Same question repeated.
Waveguide Questions: Cut off, Phase Velocity, Guide Wavelength
Oct-2022 Q4(c): Calculations for cut-off frequency, phase velocity, guide wavelength
(TE10 mode, air-filled rectangular waveguide).
Sep-2023 Q4(c): Similar calculation for cut-off wavelength, guide wavelength, group,
and phase velocity (breadth and frequency changed, but same concepts; dominant
mode focus).
3. Emerging Trends and Recent Shifts
Focus on Calculation-Based Problems for Waveguides and Antennas
Increasing emphasis on numerical questions referencing physical dimensions,
frequencies, and operating modes.
Each year, at least one waveguide/antenna calculation question involving formula
application.
Application and Advantages Questions
High frequency of questions asking to explain "advantages" and "applications" (e.g.,
microwaves, cavity resonators, striplines).
Concept Interlinking
Questions increasingly interlink theory and application (e.g., describing construction
AND applications).
Field Pattern Diagrams and Modes
Sep-2023 added context for field pattern diagrams (TE10 mode), showing slight
evolution from purely descriptive to diagram-based analysis.
Ranked Probability List of High-Yield/As-it-Is Questions for Upcoming Paper
1. Highest Probability Questions (Likely As-Is Repeats)
1. Derive the fundamental equation for free space propagation.
2. Explain the characteristics of antenna: radiation pattern & efficiency.
3. Explain in detail the radiation mechanism of antenna with suitable diagram.
4. Enlist/explain the different types of antennas (often expecting details for two types).
5. Comparison between co-axial cable and waveguide.
6. What are microwaves? Explain their advantages and applications.
7. Structural details, types, and applications of striplines.
2. Modified/Slightly Adjusted Repeats (Likely in Bridged or Modified Form)
8. Numerical: Calculate directivity in dB if power gain is given along with radiation and loss
resistance.
9. Calculation in rectangular waveguide: cut-off frequency or wavelength, phase, and
guide/group velocity (breadth/frequency may vary).
10. Explain cavity resonator—focus on re-entrant type, construction, advantages, and
applications.
11. Field pattern diagram for TE10 mode or explanation of dominant modes in waveguides.
3. Emerging Concepts and Patterns to Watch
Expect a numerical/application question tying antenna/waveguide theory to practical
dimension and frequency scenarios.
High chance of theory + diagram requirement, especially for modes (TE, TM) or cavity
resonator structures.
A growing trend for answers requiring both constructional detail and application/advantage
discussion for passive microwave devices/components.
Summary
Strongest repeats: Fundamental equations, antenna characteristics, mechanism, types,
coaxial cable vs waveguide, microwaves (definition and applications), striplines.
Calculation-based questions: Radiation resistance, power gain; waveguide cut-off/velocity
formulas.
Recently enhanced: Theory questions now favor diagrams, practical scenarios, and merged
construction/application focus.
Strategy: Prepare answers for the above as-is formats, understand the calculations, and
be ready for minor tweaks shifting context, numbers, or linking multiple subtopics.
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