10.1 Summary of the Book

The objective of this book has been to introduce neural networks as an important tool for RF and microwave modeling and design. In Chapter 1, we started with a very brief introduction to RF and microwave design and to artificial neural networks. Also, an overview of the book was included in this chapter.

Chapter 2 presented an overview of modeling and optimization for RF and microwave design. An understanding of the overall generic design process brings out two major segments of any design:

1. Design-in-the-large where one starts from specifications identification and arrives at an initial design;

2. Design-in-the-small where the initial design is processed into the final optimized design.

Currently available RF and microwave design tools concentrate on the second segment whereas it is recognized that quite often many significantdecisions affecting the design are made in the first segment of the design process. Conventional design and computer-aided design methodologies were presented. Concepts of knowledge-aided design were introduced. The importance of modeling and optimization in the design process was brought out. Techniques for RF and microwave circuits CAD and also for printed RF and microwave antennas were reviewed.