This 3 day* course is an introduction to the exciting field of RF and Microwaves. It is intended for engineers, managers, and technicians who need to be introduced to the particular aspects of RF and Microwave signals and the associated testing and measurement procedures. Includes hands on lab exercises utilizing common equipment and test setups.
*This 3 day course includes 1 day of RF measurement lab exercises. If conditions exist where test equipment is unavailable during the scheduled course dates, the course will be shortened to 2 days, removing the lab time.
- What is RF and Microwave?
- RF and Microwave Frequency Bands
- Difference between Analog and RF/Microwave Signals
- Electromagnetic Waves
- Microwave Power - dB's and dBm's
- Forward and Reflected Waves
- Insertion Loss and Gain
- Return Loss
- VSWR and Impedance Matching
- Characteristic Impedance
- Transmission Lines
- Coax, Waveguides, Stripline, Microstrip
- S-Parameters
- S11, S21, S12, S22
- Test Equipment - Signal Sources
- Test Equipment - Measurement Devices
- Detectors
- Power Meters
- Spectrum Analyzer
- Scalar Analyzer
- Network Analyzer
- Frequency Counter
- Test Equipment - Auxiliary Equipment
- Couplers
- Power Dividers, Combiners
- Attenuators
- Switches
- RF and Microwave Measurements
- Power/Amplitude
- Gain/Insertion Loss
- VSWR
- Frequency
- S-Parameters
- Spurious
- Gain Compression
- Phase Measurement
- Group Delay
- Noise Figure
- Distortion Products
- Phase Noise
- Computer Automated Testing
- Software Programs
- Platforms
- Calibration Concepts
- RF and Microwave Test Techniques and Tips
- Digital Modulation of RF Signals- Quick Overview
Setup 1 - Spectral Measurement
- 1 or 2 Signal Generators
- 1 Spectrum Analyzer
- Input & Output calibration
- Measure amplifier gain
- Measure amplifier harmonics
- Conversion loss
- Spurious products
Setup 2 - S-Parameter Test
- 1 Scalar or Network Analyzer
- Calibrate Gain & Return Loss
- Filter Gain & Return Loss
- Power Divider Gain & Return Loss
- Amplifier Gain & Return Loss
- Plus Much More!
Setup 3 - Power Measurement
- 1 Signal Generator
- 1 Power Meter
- Calibrate input cable loss
- Measure amplifier gain
- 1 dB compression point
- Measure pulse characteristics
Learn how to design RF and Microwave Receivers from a system design viewpoint. Understand the receiver requirements and how to flow the requirements to circuit design level and back. A must for anyone involved in specifications, receiver design, RF circuit design, and microwave system development. The material applies to all types of receiver design, from commercial wireless designs to defense-related RF and microwave systems. An example receiver design will be followed throughout the course and includes hands on use of computer software to aid the development process.
- Overview of Receiver Applications
- Radar
- Electronic Warfare
- Communications
- Receiver System Requirements
- EW Receiver Example
- Radar Example
- Communications Example
- Overview of Receiver Types and Architectures
- Receive System Characteristics
- Sensitivity
- Noise Figure
- 1 dB Compression Point
- Dynamic Range
- Third Order Intercept Point
- Second Order Intercept Point
- Flatness, Gain Variation
- Receiver Interference Considerations
- In-Band Spurious Signals
- Pre-Selection Spurious
- Leakage Signals
- Noise
- Sample Receiver Design - Part 1
- Receiver Components and Parameters
- Antennas
- Amplifiers
- Mixers
- Filters and Diplexers
- Attenuators
- Isolators and Circulators
- Switches
- Local Oscillator (LO)
- Couplers and Power Dividers
- LO Oscillators (LO)
- Thermal and Phase Noise
- LO Spurious
- Sample Receiver Design - Part 2
- Sample Receiver Design - Part 3
- Lessons in Interfacing with Receivers
- System Analysis Process Flow
- Future Trends and Analysis Tools
- Spreadsheet Analysis
- Receiver Design Software Packages
- Statistical Design Techniques
- Wireless System Design Considerations
- Requirements Derivation
- Recommended Further Reading