Re: how to learn low level RF design
- From: Joerg <notthisjoergsch@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Wed, 10 Dec 2008 08:54:49 -0800
bulegoge@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:
On Dec 9, 4:10 pm, acann...@xxxxxxxxx wrote:I work as an EE, I don't have a degree, but I do have a working
knowledge of analog and digital electronics and have worked on a very
wide variety of circuits.
I have always wanted to learn low level RF "black art" circuit design,
but its just too difficult on my own, and believe me I have tried.
Whats the best kind of job or environment to get started in this? A
"furnace" to be forged in?
A good RF Engineer needs to understand the following topics (Each
requiring a fair amount of study and work to understand):
1. Matching concepts. (Why is matching concepts so critical to RF -
must understand - it is a constant theme in RF)
1a. Matching with lumped elemenets
1b. Matching with distibutive elements
1b1. Understanding how distributive (Transmission lines)
elements work
(First step - a quarter wave short is an open :-)
2. Noise, Noise bandwidths,
(as an example, why can you send a signal around the world
in
morse code with 1 watt, and you need a KW for voice?)
3. Amplifier system concepts , Noise figure, IM products, cascading
noise
figures
4. Feedback control theory. Concepts of stability, Loop bandwidth and
loop
response as a function of loop bandwidth.
You need to understand this to do Phase Lock Loops, and ALC
circuits.
5. Filtering concepts and filter designs. Need to understand Zverev
book of filter
tables and how to use it. Need to undersatand concepts of group
delay and
filter trade offs
6. Need to understand , inside and out, how to use a network analyzer
and a spectrum analyzer. Absolutelty must get access to these two
instruments and really , understnd them. (Must play around with
distributive elements on network analyzer)
And always keep a good analog scope. Always. If the OP doesn't yet have one I'd recommend the Tektronix 2465. Several of my clients followed that recommendation and got them for around $500 off Ebay. "Wow, it's like someone turned on the light!" was a common comment. Start every measurement job with the analog scope first and use a DSO only when the analog one really, really can't do the job. Like on data lines or very low frequency erratic noise.
7. Perhaps most importand is grounding concepts. I would say that in
my experience, 50% of all problems I have ever had ultimately boil
down to a grounding problem. Even to this day, and I know this, I
invariably chase down other issues before I chase grounding, and sure
enough, its a grounding problem.
Sssssht! Don't take away my business base ... ;-)
These are your first steps, the circuit design concepts are not so
hard, but you must be willing to really really bang your head against
the wall to get your circuits to work. You must have tenacity.
You forgot one for the guys building analog power circuitry:
8. Always know where the next fire extinguisher is.
--
Regards, Joerg
http://www.analogconsultants.com/
"gmail" domain blocked because of excessive spam.
Use another domain or send PM.
.
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