RF Productivity Improvement

Course 009

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Summary:

This three-day course provides a complete understanding of RF fundamentals, RF devices and RF testing. Participants will learn the significance of all RF terminology — dB, return loss, SWR, S parameters. Participants will learn to design microstrip boards and match devices with the Smith chart. The function and operating priciples of all RF devices, test procedures, and test equipment are detailed.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completing the course, the participant will be able to:

• Convert numbers to dB, and RF power levels from mw to dBm.
• Define the various ways that mismatch is defined — return loss, SWR, reflection coefficient — and convert between them.
• Design RF matches with the Smith chart.
• Determine the operating principles and performance of RF components — oscillators, power amplifiers, low noise receivers, filters, mixers.
• Understand digital modulation principles.
• Describe RF test setups and RF test equipment.

Target Audience:

RF test and assembly technicians, technician supervisors, manufacturing engineers will benefit from this course. Prerequisites for the course include understanding of basic electronics — resistors, inductors, capacitors, transistors — and the ability to use a scientific calculator.

Outline:

Day One

Characteristics of RF Waves
Converting Numbers to dB, RF Power to dBm
Mismatches
• Ways of expressing return loss, SWR, reflection coefficient • between ways of expressing S parameters
Matching with the Smith Chart
• Explanation of the Smith chart • Matching techniques • Matching exercises

Day Two

Design of Microstrip Transmission Lines
• Choice of substrate material • Design of 50 ohm and other impedance lines • Calculation of guide wavelength
RF Components
• Attentuators • Combiners and dividers • Resonators • Filters • Directional coupler • Power amplifier • Antennas • Low noise amplifier • Mixers • Receivers • Detectors • Modulators/demodulators

Day Three

Digital Modulation Fundamentals
RF Testing
• RF test equipment: signal generators, power meters, network analyzers, spectrum analyzers • RF test setups: return loss and insertion loss, power amplifier characteristics, receiver characteristics, oscillator phase noise

Subject Areas Covered

Fundamental RF Techniques
Fundamental RF Circuit Concepts & Parameters
RF & Wireless Circuit Components

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