Online RF Engineering Course

Course Code

RF001

Course Overview

This online RF course is ideal if you need to quickly get up-to-speed with modern RF and microwave communications and measurements without having to spend time searching through a large amount of free online content of variable quality, magazine articles and dry academic textbooks that all too often obscure subjects with complicated mathematics. The course brings together a range of essential RF communications and measurements topics into a single, complete and comprehensive RF and microwave foundation diploma course.

This IEEE approved online course has been designed to provide you with a solid grounding in the principles and practice of modern RF, wireless and microwave communications, test and measurement engineering. Throughout the course, important concepts are simplified and explained in a way that conveys the essence of each topic without resorting to complex mathematics.

Developed by PhD-qualified RF engineers who have contributed over 50 years of combined industry experience and knowledge, the course focuses on the essential real-world knowledge needed to help you develop a successful career in the fast-paced and rapidly changing world of modern RF, wireless and microwave engineering.

This complete online diploma course consists of 35 separate topic modules containing 265 individual video lessons totalling over 700 minutes of video content. Every module includes a short multiple-choice quiz to test your progress and downloadable supporting notes.

Successfully completing all modules and quizzes results in the award of a high-quality printed certificate and transcript to demonstrate your achievement.

The course is based on a series of instructor-led classroom courses delivered in partnership with leading global test equipment manufacturer Rohde & Schwarz. Technical content has been continuously refined based on attendee feedback.

Included with the course is a set of high-quality wire-bound course notes printed full-colour A4-size with heavy-duty plastic covers – ideal for taking into the lab. These notes include copies of all the slides featured in the course videos and space for taking notes as you work through the course. Course notes are packaged and shipped to you worldwide as soon as you enrol.

What You Will Learn

Understand fundamental characteristics of RF waves
Define common RF and microwave terms such as dB and dBm
Describe different types of transmission line and their properties
Describe common components used in RF, wireless and microwave systems
Understand the fundamentals of RF propagation
Understand digital modulation and various modulation methods
Describe various RF, wireless and microwave measurement parameters
Know how to use a range of RF, wireless and microwave measurement equipment
Reduce the risk of expensive test equipment damage, downtime and repair costs

Course Keywords

rf fundamentals, microwave fundamentals, electromagnetic frequency spectrum, rf power, decibels, db, dbm, rf exposure limits, transmission line basics, scattering parameters, smith chart, rf propagation, multipath, digital modulation, bit error rate, constellation diagrams, shannon’s formula, cdma, spread spectrum, ofdm, rf components, mixer, oscillator, attenuator, directional coupler, power amplifier, duplexer, isolator, circulator, low noise amplifer, filter, modulator, demodulator, rf antennas, transceivers, vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, noise figure, phase noise, emc

Target Audience

This online RF and microwave course is ideal for graduates, interns and new entrants to the field of RF and microwave engineering. It is also suitable for those with industry experience, but with knowledge gaps that need to be addressed. Students and job seekers will also find the course beneficial since it covers areas likely to arise during a technical interview.

Staff members taking this RF course typically include RF engineers and technicians, RF test engineers and technicians, wireless design engineers, microwave design engineers, RFIC and MMIC design engineers, RF applications engineers, digital design engineers, hardware design engineers, hardware applications engineers, technical sales engineers and technical managers who need to improve their understanding of RF, wireless and microwave communications in order to better manage projects.

New Starters
Recent Graduates and Interns
RF and Microwave Engineers and Technicians
RF and Microwave Test Engineers and Technicians
RFIC and MMIC Design Engineers
RF and Hardware Design and Applications Engineers
Technical Sales Engineers
Technical Managers

Technical Level

Although there are no formal prerequisites for the certification course, an ability to absorb and understand technical concepts is essential together with a desire to learn more about the topics covered. A technical background is desirable in order to derive maximum benefit from the course. Those taking the course would normally have a college-level technical qualification or equivalent experience in an engineering, physics or mathematics-related subject.

Time to Complete

Approx. 15 hours

What’s Included?

Unlimited individual access to all course content on-demand 24/7 for 365 days
706 minutes of focused video content
35 subject modules covering a range of key RF, wireless and microwave topics
265 individual video lessons
Over 130 quiz questions to test your learning and progress
Printed course notes including 295 course slides posted to you worldwide
Downloadable supporting materials and applications notes
1.5 IEEE Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
15 IEEE Professional Development Hours (PDHs)
IEEE Certificate of Completion issued by IEEE on completion (PDF)
Certificate of Achievement issued by TTA on completion (PDF and hardcopy)
Add certificate to your LinkedIn profile

RF001 – Foundation Diploma in RF and Microwave Engineering Course Notes

Printed Course Notes

High-quality printed course notes are included with this diploma course. These are posted to you worldwide when you enrol. They are wire-bound and printed full-colour A4-size with heavy duty plastic covers. They include all 295 slides featured in the course videos and space for notes as you work through the course.

IEEE Certificate of Completion

This course has been approved by IEEE for the quality of its technical content and adherence to IEEE’s strict criteria for educational excellence. Successfully completing all of the course modules and quizzes results in the award of 1.5 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and 15 Professional Development Hours (PDHs). CEUs are widely recognized as the standard of excellence for continuing education programs in IEEE’s fields of interest. An official IEEE Certificate of Completion will be emailed directly by IEEE on completion.

Foundation Diploma in RF and Microwave Engineering Printed Certificate

Printed Certificate of Achievement

Successfully completing all of the course modules and quizzes also results in the award of a high-quality printed Certificate of Achievement issued by The Technology Academy. Certificates are made from heavyweight A4 card stock and include a 3D security hologram and attractive gold foil strip – ideal for framing.

Course Curriculum

35 modules – 265 video lessons – 706 mins video

Module 1 – What is Radio Frequency? (10 mins)

1.1 RF Propagation – Ripples on a Pond
1.2 Definition of RF and Microwaves
1.3 Supporting Notes
1.4 Module Quiz

Module 2 – Frequency Spectrum and Band Allocations (6 mins)

2.1 Electromagnetic Frequency Spectrum
2.2 Attenuation of EM Waves by the Atmosphere
2.3 Frequency Allocations
2.4 Microwave Frequency Bands
2.5 USA Frequency Allocations Wallchart
2.6 Supporting Notes
2.7 Module Quiz

Module 3 – Electromagnetic Fields and RF Radiation (22 mins)

3.1 Distributed Not Lumped
3.2 Electric Fields
3.3 Magnetic Fields
3.4 Electromagnetic Radiation
3.5 Maxwell’s Equations for Harmonic Time Dependence
3.6 Plane Wave Fields
3.7 Supporting Notes
3.8 Module Quiz

Module 4 – RF Waves and Units of Power (14 mins)

4.1 RF Wave Characteristics
4.2 Units of RF Power, dB and dBm
4.3 Application Note – dB or not dB?
4.4 Supporting Notes
4.5 Module Quiz

Module 5 – A Brief History of Wireless (7 mins)

5.1 Marconi’s Early Radio System
5.2 Timeline of Wireless Communications Development
5.3 Supporting Notes
5.4 Module Quiz

Module 6 – RF Hazards and Safety (7 mins)

6.1 Exposure Limits
6.2 Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) Limits
6.3 Supporting Notes
6.4 Module Quiz

Module 7 – Transmission Line Basics (27 mins)

7.1 Power Transfer Efficiency
7.2 Transmission Line Fundamentals
7.3 Transmission Line Characteristic Impedance Zo
7.4 Transmission Line Terminated in Zo
7.5 Transmission Line Terminated with Short and Open Circuit
7.6 Transmission Line Terminated with 25 Ω
7.7 Supporting Notes
7.8 Module Quiz

Module 8 – High-Frequency Parameters (16 mins)

8.1 High-Frequency Device Characterization
8.2 Reflection Parameters
8.3 Transmission Parameters
8.4 Supporting Notes
8.5 Module Quiz

Module 9 – Understanding S-Parameters (15 mins)

9.1 Introduction to S-Parameters
9.2 Explanation of S-Parameters
9.3 S-Parameter Equations
9.4 Supporting Notes
9.5 Module Quiz

Module 10 – Introduction to the Smith Chart (10 mins)

10.1 Introducing the Smith Chart
10.2 Smith Charts
10.3 Supporting Notes
10.4 Module Quiz

Module 11 – Wireless Propagation Basics (23 mins)

11.1 Harnessing Wireless Propagation
11.2 Wireless Channel Characteristics
11.3 Free Space Propagation
11.4 Terrestrial Propagation
11.5 Two-Ray Model for Terrestrial Propagation
11.6 Multipath Effects
11.7 Propagation Delay and Delay Spread
11.8 Multipath Propagation Mechanisms
11.9 Gaussian Statistics
11.10 Measured Indoor Propagation
11.11 Frequency Dependent Fading
11.12 Link Budget Elements
11.13 RF Propagation – Sample Calculation
11.14 Supporting Notes
11.15 Module Quiz

Module 12 – Modulation Concepts (9 mins)

12.1 It’s a Digital World
12.2 The Communications Model
12.3 What Is Modulation Exactly?
12.4 Modulation
12.5 Demodulation
12.6 Digital Communications Transceiver
12.7 Supporting Notes
12.8 Module Quiz

Module 13 – Digital Modulation Basics (18 mins)

13.1 Digital Modulation Principles
13.2 Digital Representation (Ones and Zeros)
13.3 The Sampling Process
13.4 How Fast Do I Sample?
13.5 How Many Bits Do I Need?
13.6 Simple Communications Example
13.7 The Bit Error Rate (BER) Function
13.8 Forward Error Correction (FEC)
13.9 Supporting Notes
13.10 Module Quiz

Module 14 – Pulse Shaping and Filtering (13 mins)

14.1 Ones and Zeros are Square Waves Aren’t They?
14.2 Pulse Shaping – Bandwidth and Intersymbol Interference (ISI)
14.3 Simple Pulse Filtering Example
14.4 Raised Cosine Example
14.5 Supporting Notes
14.6 Module Quiz

Module 15 – Bits, Symbols and Diagrams (18 mins)

15.1 Bits and Symbols
15.2 Signal Vector Representation
15.3 Making a Modulated Carrier
15.4 Carrier Signal Changes – Representation in the IQ Plane
15.5 Constellation and Eye Diagrams
15.6 Signal and Noise Power
15.7 Shannon’s Capacity Formula
15.8 Supporting Notes
15.9 Module Quiz

Module 16 – Linear and Non-Linear Modulation Schemes (21 mins)

16.1 Linear Modulation Schemes
16.2 M-ary PSK
16.3 QPSK and OQPSK
16.4 8-PSK and π/4-QPSK
16.5 EDGE Modulation
16.6 M-ary QAM
16.7 16, 32 and 64-QAM
16.8 Non-Linear Modulation Schemes
16.9 Frequency Shift Keying (FSK)
16.10 Minimum Shift Keying (MSK)
16.11 Supporting Notes
16.12 Module Quiz

Module 17 – OFDM (10 mins)

17.1 Introduction to OFDM
17.2 OFDM Concept
17.3 OFDM Transmitter Signal Generation
17.4 802.11a Modulator Block Diagram
17.5 Supporting Notes
17.6 Module Quiz

Module 18 – CDMA (15 mins)

18.1 Spread Spectrum
18.2 CDMA – How It Works
18.3 Chip Rate and Spreading Factor
18.4 CDMA – How It Works (Continued)
18.5 Supporting Notes
18.6 Module Quiz

Module 19 – Multiple User Access Methods (5 mins)

19.1 Multiple Access Techniques
19.2 Uplink and Downlink Separation
19.3 Supporting Notes
19.4 Module Quiz

Module 20 – Discrete RF and Microwave Components (51 mins)

20.1 Transceiver Building Blocks
20.2 Mixer
20.3 Oscillator
20.4 Attenuator
20.5 Directional Coupler
20.6 Power Amplifier
20.7 Duplexer/Diplexer
20.8 3GPP Duplex Operation
20.9 Isolator/Circulator
20.10 Low Noise Amplifier (LNA)
20.11 GPS Receiver LNA Example
20.12 Filters
20.13 Modulator/Demodulator
20.14 Diode Detector
20.15 Supporting Notes
20.16 Module Quiz

Module 21 – RF and Microwave Antenna Basics (22 mins)

21.1 Introduction to Antennas
21.2 Types of RF and Microwave Antenna
21.3 Antenna Terms
21.4 EIRP
21.5 Antenna Polarization
21.6 Antennas for Portable Products
21.7 Application Note – Designing with an Inverter-F PCB Antenna
21.8 Supporting Notes
21.9 Module Quiz

Module 22 – Wireless Transceiver System Architectures (11 mins)

22.1 Transceiver Architectures
22.2 Superheterodyne (Superhet) Receivers and Transmitters
22.3 Superhet Receiver and Basic Offset PLL Transmitter
22.4 Supporting Notes
22.5 Module Quiz

Module 23 – Modern Wireless Transceiver Chipsets (12 mins)

23.1 GSM/EDGE/UMTS Multi-mode Chipset
23.2 LTE/3G MIMO Transceiver Chipset
23.3 Bluetooth Radio Chipset
23.4 Module Quiz

Module 24 – RF and Microwave Connectors and Care (27 mins)

24.1 Importance of Connector Care
24.2 Coaxial Connector Categories
24.3 Common Coax Line Sizes
24.4 Inner Conductor Concepts
24.5 Slotted vs Slotless Connector Interface
24.6 Precision Connector Frequency Ranges
24.7 The 3.5 mm Connector (APC-3.5)
24.8 The 7 mm Connector (APC-7)
24.9 The N-Type Connector
24.10 The SMA Connector
24.11 Mechanically Compatible Connectors
24.12 Cleaning Coaxial Connectors
24.13 Use of Connector Savers and Adaptors
24.14 Interface Dimensions and Gauging
24.15 Application Note – Guidance on Using Precision Coaxial Connectors in Measurement
24.16 Supporting Notes
24.17 Module Quiz

Module 26 – VNA Error-Correction and Calibration (73 mins)

26.1 Vector Error Correction
26.2 Calibration Standards and Types
26.3 Simple Response Calibration
26.4 Two-Port Calibration
26.5 Response Versus Two-Port Calibration
26.6 Calibration Kits
26.7 Respect Your Cal Kit
26.8 ECal – Electronic Calibration
26.9 Thru-Reflect-Line (TRL) Calibration
26.10 TRL and LRL Calibrations
26.11 TRL Calibration on Microstrip
26.12 Semi-Rigid Coax Calibration Kit
26.13 Video Demo – Performing Network Analyser Coaxial Calibration
26.14 Video Demo – Defining Waveguide Calibrations Kits
26.15 Video Demo – Measuring the Return Loss of a Printed Antenna
26.16 Amplifier Measurements Using VNAs
26.17 Video Demo – Characterising Power Amplifiers Using a VNA
26.18 Video Demo – Two Tone Intermodulation Measurements Using a VNA
26.19 Supporting Notes
26.20 Module Quiz

Module 27 – Spectrum Analyzer Basics (21 mins)

27.1 Introduction to Spectrum Analysis
27.2 Basic Spectrum Analyzer Block Diagram
27.3 Microwave Spectrum Analyzer
27.4 Harmonic Mixer Responses
27.5 Front-End Filtering
27.6 Preselector Response
27.7 Microwave and Low Band Architecture
27.8 Tracking Generator Architecture
27.9 Supporting Notes
27.10 Module Quiz

Module 28 – Spectrum Analyzer Controls (21 mins)

28.1 Spectrum Analyzer Controls
28.2 RF Attenuator
28.3 Intermediate Frequency (IF) Gain
28.4 Sweep Time
28.5 Resolution Bandwidth Filters
28.6 Resolution Bandwidth Filter Shape Factor
28.7 Noise Floor
28.8 Dynamic Range of Modulated Signal Measurements
28.9 Video Signal Processing
28.10 Video Filter Bandwidth
28.11 Detector Sampling Methods
28.12 Detector Types and Properties
28.13 Supporting Notes
28.14 Module Quiz

Module 29 – Spectrum Analyzer Performance and Specifications (35 mins)

29.1 Spectrum Analyzer Specifications
29.2 Uncertainty Contributions
29.3 Dynamic Range
29.4 2nd and 3rd-Order Distortion
29.5 3rd-Order Intermodulation Levels
29.6 Dynamic Range, Distortion and Noise
29.7 Effect of LO Phase Noise
29.8 Inaccuracies Due to VSWR
29.9 Video Demo – Measuring Two-Tone Intermodulation
29.10 Video Demo – Measuring a Modulated Carrier
29.11 Supporting Notes
29.12 Module Quiz

Module 30 – RF Power and Its Measurement (25 mins)

30.1 Measuring RF Voltage and Power
30.2 RF Power Measuring Equipment Overview
30.3 Diode Detection
30.4 Detector Linearity
30.5 Practical Diode Detectors
30.6 Effects of Modulation on Diode Detectors
30.7 Modulation Affects Linearity Correction
30.8 Thermoelectric Detectors
30.9 Wider Dynamic Range Diode Detector
30.10 Example Detector Hardware – R&S NRP Power Sensor
30.11 Mismatch Errors
30.12 Summing Errors
30.13 Supporting Notes
30.14 Module Quiz

Module 31 – Noise Figure and Its Measurement (28 mins)

31.1 What is Noise Figure?
31.2 Why Do We Measure Noise?
31.3 What Do We Measure?
31.4 How Do We Measure Noise?
31.5 Noise Sources
31.6 Avalanche Diode Noise Source
31.7 Typical Noise Figure Measurement System
31.8 Typical Noise Figure Meters
31.9 Video Demo – Simplified Noise Figure Measurement with a VNA
31.10 Video Demo – Noise Figure and Gain Measurements Using a Signal Analyzer
31.11 Supporting Notes
31.12 Module Quiz

Module 32 – Phase Noise and Its Measurement (19 mins)

32.1 What is Phase Noise?
32.2 Phase Noise of Sources and Devices
32.3 Phase Noise Concept
32.4 Terms Used to Define Stability and Noise on a Carrier
32.5 Effects of Phase Noise – Reciprocal Mixing
32.6 Single-Sideband Phase Noise
32.7 Phase Noise in Digital Communications Systems
32.8 Constellations with Phase Noise
32.9 Phase Noise Measurement Methods
32.10 Basis of All Phase Noise Measurement Techniques
32.11 Measuring Phase Noise with a Spectrum Analyser
32.12 Spectrum Analyser with External Preselection
32.13 Comparison of Methods and Sources of Uncertainty
32.14 Video Demo – Measuring Phase Noise Using a Spectrum Analyzer
32.15 Supporting Notes
32.16 Module Quiz

Module 33 – Modern Transmitter Measurements (32 mins)

33.1 Transmitter Modulation Measurements Overview
33.2 Power Spectral Density Measurements
33.3 Why Does Linearity Matter?
33.4 AM-AM and AM-PM Nonlinearities
33.5 AM-AM and AM-PM Characteristics from Modulation Measurements
33.6 Spectral Regrowth
33.7 Two-Tone Intermodulation
33.8 Adjacent Channel Power
33.9 Harmonics and Spurious Signals
33.10 Power-Time Response
33.11 Error Vector Magnitude (EVM)
33.12 EVM Measurement
33.13 Types of EVM Measurement
33.14 GSM-EDGE EVM Measurement Example
33.15 802.11a WLAN EVM Measurement Example
33.16 EVM Specifications in Practice
33.17 EVM Combination and Uncertainty
33.18 Supporting Notes
33.19 Module Quiz

Module 34 – Modern Receiver Measurements (10 mins)

34.1 Receiver Modulation Measurements
34.2 Handset Test Setup
34.3 Bit Error Rate (BER) Testing
34.4 Receiver Sensitivity
34.5 Spurious Response Measurements
34.6 Receiver Chain Measurements
34.7 Supporting Notes
34.8 Module Quiz

Module 35 – Radiated EMC Measurements (37 mins)

35.1 Radiation from Conducted Currents
35.2 Types of EMC Measurement
35.3 EMC Measurements
35.4 EMC Measurement Antennas
35.5 Anechoic Chamber
35.6 Open Area Test Site (OATS)
35.7 Antenna Parameters
35.8 Antenna Terms
35.9 Antenna Characterization – Three Antenna Method
35.10 Calculation of Antenna Factor
35.11 Standard Antenna Method
35.12 Typical Antenna Factor
35.13 Points to Be Aware Of
35.14 Power Radiation Pattern
35.15 EIRP – Effective Isotropic Radiated Power
35.16 Supporting Notes
35.17 Module Quiz

RECENT TESTIMONIALS

“I’d like to thank your team for the service you have provided. This foundation course has proven very useful to me as a beginner in RF technologies. I have taken many notes and will continue to refer back to the course and will be proud to display this qualification on my CV.”

Ben H
RF Engineer, RN Electronics

“The course is very well organised and executed. The presenter is very knowledgeable and engaging and presents the material in a concise and easy-to-follow way. The course slides are also very well structured; they will form a useful reference going forward. Overall an excellent course.”

Peter S
RF Engineer, Airbus Defence & Space

“I liked the enthusiastic and knowledgeable presenter, informative slides and demonstrations of hands-on use of the test equipment.”

Kevin H
Software Engineer, Cambridge Consultants

“Excellent content, very knowledgeable trainer. Very detailed course that flows well.”

Alex T
Graduate Engineer, Arqiva

“After 6 years in the British Army focusing on Advanced Communications (signals) I found trying to get a career as an RF Engineer very difficult without a degree. This course is well presented and much clearer than most online courses. I have found that it has boosted the experience I already have from the military and then some. It also gets you focused on the needs of industry and your military experience compliments this qualification. After putting this course on my CV, I received many interview offers. I highly recommend this course if you wish to enter industry. It clearly explains all the basics you need and unlike a degree that gives you little practical information, it gives you a solid foundation to build on. I would like to thank you for a well presented course."

Alexander G
ex-Signals Regiment, British Army

100% No-Risk Guarantee

We want you to be satisfied with this course and therefore offer a 100% no-risk refund guarantee. To receive a full refund, all we ask is that refund requests are made within 30 days of purchase and that you have viewed no more than 5 individual course videos.

Includes 1-year unlimited individual course access, printed notes, certificates and IEEE CEUs/PDHs

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