eLearning Course Catalogue

RF and Microwave Engineering Topics

Find courses at www.thetechnologyacademy.com

 Company Overview
Since 2008, The Technology Academy has been providing instructor-led classroom courses on a
range of RF and microwave engineering topics in partnership with leading test and measurement
equipment manufacturer Rohde & Schwarz. Courses have been delivered to companies and
organisations across the United Kingdom, Europe and USA.

Based on the success of these courses and in response to customer requests, we have created
38 online courses covering a range of RF and microwave engineering topics. The courses cover
the same technical content as our instructor-led classroom courses and are delivered by the same
expert instructors.

Online courses consist of Powerpoint videos with annotations and a voiceover by the course
instructor. Many courses include review quizzes to test knowledge and understanding. Some
include practical demonstration videos to show how theory is put into practice. Several provide
additional resources, such as recommended reading lists and links to useful downloads including
application notes and smartphone apps.

Key features of Online Courses

• Quickly get up-to-speed with structured learning focused on what you need to know

• Learn from leading technical experts selected from industry and academia

• Save on travel time and accommodation expenses associated with classroom courses

• Create customised study programs for individuals and teams by combining courses

• View video content on-demand 24/7 via a web browser on all popular browser devices

• Courses comprise short video lessons around 5-10 mins duration

• Replay videos as many times as desired even after completion

• Test knowledge retention and understanding with progress quizzes

• De ne, agree and achieve learning and development objectives with your line manager

• Demonstrate CPD for professional membership (eg. IEEE) and Professional Engineer status

• Receive completion certi cates and detailed course transcripts on completion (optional)

• Receive colour printed training manuals containing all selected modules (optional)

• Receive instructor support for focused Q&A and measurement demonstrations (optional)

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 Training Options
Di erent training options are available depending on the number of sta requiring training and
your speci c learning and development objectives at an individual, team and organisational level.
Contact us so we can understand your requirements in detail and nd the optimum online training
solution for your organisation.

Contact Us
The Technology Academy

37-39 Southgate Street

Winchester

Hampshire SO23 9EH

England

United Kingdom

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.thetechnologyacademy.com

O ce: +44 (0)1962 920 123 – from 9.00am to 5.30pm UK time

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 RF and Microwave Engineering Courses

Online Diploma Courses

Online diploma courses bring together selected topics from our range of certi cate courses and
have been curated to provide a comprehensive knowledge of a given subject. Diploma courses
typically take 8 to 16 hours to complete depending on the subject.

RF001 – Foundation Diploma in RF and Microwave Engineering

RF002 – Diploma in RF and Microwave Measurements

RF003 – Diploma in RF and Microwave Communications

RF004 – Diploma in RF and High-Speed Digital Design for Signal Integrity and EMC

Online Short Courses

Online short courses focus on speci c topics. They are shorter than diploma courses and typically
take from 30 mins to 4 hours to complete depending on the speci c topic.

RF Basics

RF100 – RF and Microwave Basics

RF200 – Transmission Lines, S-Parameters and the Smith Chart

Antennas & Propagation


RF300 – RF and Microwave Propagation: Key Concepts

RF502 – RF and Microwave Antenna Basics

Modulation Methods

RF400 – Understanding Modern RF and Wireless Digital Modulation

RF Components & Systems


RF500 – RF and Microwave Components: System Building Blocks

RF600 – RF and Wireless Transceiver System Architectures


IEEE 802.11 WLAN Physical Layer


RF701 – 802.11 WLAN Digital Modulation Overview 

RF702 – 802.11 WLAN PHY Standards and Speci cations 

RF703 – 802.11 WLAN PHY Propagation and Fading

RF704 – 802.11 WLAN PHY MIMO and Space Time Block Coding



RF and High-Speed Digital PCB Design

RF801 – Understanding RF and High-Speed Digital Signals

RF802 – Transmission Line Concepts for PCB Design


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RF803 – Transmission Lines and Trace Routing in PCB Design

RF804 – Transmission Line Re ections and Terminations in PCB Design

RF805 – Transmission Line Losses in PCB Design

RF806 – Controlling and Measuring PCB Line Impedance 

RF807 – Modern PCB Materials and Fabrication Techniques

RF808 – Understanding Noise, Interference and Crosstalk in RF and Digital Circuits

RF809 – Electromagnetic Interference in RF and Digital Circuits

RF810 – Power Distribution and Decoupling in RF and Digital PCBs

RF811 – PCB Grounding in RF and Digital Circuits

RF812 – PCB Parasitics in RF and Digital Circuits

RF813 – RF PCB Layout Guidelines and Design Reviews

RF814 – RF and High-Speed Digital PCB Design and Manufacturability

RF Test & Measurement


RF901 – RF and Microwave Connector Types and Connector Care 

RF1000 – E ective Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) Measurements

RF1100 – E ective Spectrum Analyzer Measurements 

RF1201 – Measuring RF and Microwave Power

RF1202 – Noise Figure and Noise Figure Measurement

RF1203 – Measuring Frequency Stability and Phase Noise

RF1300 – Modern RF and Wireless Digital Modulation Measurements

RF1401 – EMC Antennas and Radiated RF Measurements

RF1500 – RF and Microwave Test and Measurement: The Essentials


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 RF001 – Foundation Diploma in RF and Microwave Engineering




Course Code

RF001



Overview

This course brings together a range of essential RF communications and measurements topics
into a complete and comprehensive foundation diploma course. The course provides a solid
grounding in the principles and practice of modern RF, wireless and microwave communications,
test and measurement engineering.



What you will learn

• Understand fundamental characteristics of RF waves

• De ne common RF and microwave terms such as dB and dBm

• Describe di erent 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


Courses included

RF100, RF200, RF300, RF400, RF500, RF502, RF600, RF901, RF1000, RF1100, RF1201, RF1202,
RF1203, RF1300, RF1401


Time to complete

Approx. 15 hrs



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© 2021 The Technology Academy. All rights reserved. Page 6 of 43

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 RF002 – Diploma in RF and Microwave Measurements




Course Code

RF002



Overview

This course brings together key measurement topics in one place and has been designed to
provide a solid grounding in the principles and practice of common measurements performed by
RF and microwave engineers and technicians. Throughout the course, important concepts are
simpli ed and explained in a way that conveys the essence of each topic without complex
mathematics. The course includes a series of practical measurement demonstration videos using
modern RF and microwave test and measurement instruments to help reinforce concepts.



What you will learn

• Understand basic principles of RF, wireless and microwave measurements

• Describe key RF, wireless and microwave measurement parameters

• Understand how to use a range of high-frequency measurement equipment

• Reduce the risk of expensive test equipment damage, repair costs and downtime

• Understand how to correctly perform common RF and microwave measurements

• Better utilise test and measurement equipment features and functionality

• Develop your problem solving capability due to improved understanding


Courses included

RF200, RF901, RF1000, RF1100, RF1201, RF1202, RF1203, RF1300, RF1401


Time to complete

Approx. 10 hrs



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 RF003 – Diploma in RF and Microwave Communications




Course Code

RF003



Overview

This course brings together essential RF communications topics in one place and has been
designed to provide a solid grounding in the principles and practice of modern RF and microwave
communications engineering.



What you will learn

• Understand fundamental characteristics of RF waves

• De ne common terms used in RF, wireless and microwave systems

• Describe di erent 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

• Know the essentials of RF and microwave measurements


Courses included

RF100, RF200, RF300, RF400, RF500, RF502, RF600, RF1500



Time to complete

Approx. 10 hrs



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© 2021 The Technology Academy. All rights reserved. Page 8 of 43

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RF004 – Diploma in RF and High-Speed Digital Design for Signal Integrity and EMC




Course Code

RF004



Overview

This course provides a solid foundation for designing high-performance RF and high-speed digital
circuits with fewer design iterations, reducing both development times and costs. The course
covers key design considerations such as signal integrity, noise, crosstalk, EMI and EMC within
RF, digital and mixed-signal circuits. The course also provides a thorough overview of modern
PCB design principles and layout best practice. This includes a series of useful design rules and
checklists to aid development reviews.



What you will learn

• Know the challenges of RF, high-speed digital and mixed-signal circuit design

• Understand PCB design and manufacturing technology, materials and processes

• Identify and troubleshoot sources of electromagnetic interference (EMI)

• Understand and troubleshoot the impact of grounding and digital noise

• Know how to minimise cross-coupling between circuits

• Understand performance limitations of physical components and packaging types

• Apply a range of schematic and PCB design review checklists to reduce errors

• Reduce development costs and time to market due to fewer PCB design iterations


Courses included

RF801, RF802, RF803, RF804, RF805, RF806, RF807, RF808, RF809, RF810, RF811, RF812,
RF813, RF814



Time to complete

Approx. 10 hrs



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© 2021 The Technology Academy. All rights reserved. Page 9 of 43

 RF100 – RF and Microwave Basics




Course Code

RF100



Overview

This course introduces a range of basic concepts in RF and microwave engineering. It has been
designed to provide a solid foundation for follow-on courses covering more speci c topics.
Review quizzes are included throughout the course to test knowledge and understanding.



What you will learn

• Understand basic concepts of radio waves

• De ne RF and microwave frequency bands

• De ne the electromagnetic frequency spectrum

• Know the basics of electric and magnetic elds

• Appreciate the signi cance of Maxwell’s equations

• Describe RF wave characteristics such as amplitude, frequency and phase

• De ne RF power units such as dB, dBm and dBW

• Learn about Marconi’s early radio system

• Understand RF exposure, SAR limits and FCC regulations




Time to complete

Approx. 1 hr 30 mins


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 RF200 – Transmission Lines, S-Parameters and the Smith Chart




Course Code

RF200

Overview

This online course provides an introduction to transmission lines and S-parameters without
complex mathematics. Transmission lines are a fundamental concept in RF and it is important to
understand their basic properties, particularly the e ects of di erent load terminations. Review
quizzes are included throughout the course to test knowledge and understanding.



What you will learn

• Understand the principle of power transfer e ciency

• Know the fundamentals of transmission lines

• De ne transmission line characteristic impedance Zo

• Understand the e ects of di erent transmission line terminations

• De ne common high-frequency parameters such as VSWR

• Know the basic features of the Smith chart



Time to complete

Approx. 1 hr 30 mins


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 RF300 – RF and Microwave Propagation: Key Concepts




Course Code

RF300

Overview

This course describes free space propagation followed by terrestrial propagation, where
environmental features such as buildings, trees and moving objects give rise to multipath e ects.
It also includes an overview of RF link budgets and a simple link budget calculation. Review
quizzes are included throughout the course to test knowledge and understanding.



What you will learn

• Understand the basics of wireless propagation and channels

• Know the e ects of multipath propagation

• Know the e ect of propagation delay and delay spread on signals

• Understand the concept of frequency-dependent fading

• De ne the elements that make up a link budget analysis




Time to complete

Approx. 1 hr

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RF400 – Understanding Modern RF and Wireless Digital Modulation


Course Code

RF400

Overview

This course explains modulation and demodulation without complex mathematics. It includes an
overview of a simple digital communications transceiver. Review quizzes are included throughout
the course to test knowledge and understanding.



What you will learn

• Describe the elements of a basic wireless communications system

• Understand how the modulation process works

• Understand how the demodulation process works

• Know the basics of a digital communications receiver




Time to complete

Approx. 2 hr 30 mins


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© 2021 The Technology Academy. All rights reserved. Page 13 of 43

RF500 – RF and Microwave Components: System Building Blocks

Course Code
RF500

Overview
This course describes and explains the operation of a range of discrete components commonly
found in RF and microwave communications systems. A review quiz is included to test knowledge
and understanding.

What you will learn

• Transceiver building blocks

• Mixer

• Oscillator

• Attenuator

• Directional coupler

• Power ampli er

• Duplexer/diplexer

• Isolator/circulator

• Low noise ampli er (LNA)

• Filters

• Modulator/demodulator

• Diode detector

Time to complete

Approx. 1 hr 20 mins


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© 2021 The Technology Academy. All rights reserved. Page 14 of 43

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 RF502 – RF and Microwave Antenna Basics

Course Code
RF502

Overview
This course provides an overview of RF and microwave antennas including antennas types as well
as terms used to quantify their performance such as antenna gain and e ective isotropic radiated
power (EIRP). A review quiz is included to test knowledge and understanding.

What you will learn

• Know the basics of how antennas work

• Describe a range of RF and microwave antenna types

• De ne commonly used antenna terms

• Understand the concept of e ective isotropic radiated power (EIRP)

• Describe antenna polarization and why it is used

Time to complete
Approx. 1 hr


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© 2021 The Technology Academy. All rights reserved. Page 15 of 43

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RF600 – RF and Wireless Transceiver System Architectures

Course Code
RF600

Overview
This course describes and discusses key performance aspects of RF and wireless transceiver
architectures including the classical superheterodyne (superhet) and more recent direct
conversion (zero-IF) types. The course also includes an overview of various modern transceiver
chipsets.

What you will learn

• Transceiver architectures

• Superheterodyne receivers and transmitters

• Direct conversion (zero-IF) transceivers

• Modern transceiver chipsets

Time to complete
Approx. 1 hr


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© 2021 The Technology Academy. All rights reserved. Page 16 of 43

RF701 – 802.11 WLAN Digital Modulation Overview

Course Code
RF701

Overview
This course provides an overview of quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) used in IEEE 802.11
WLAN systems and the use of OFDM to improve data throughput and reliability. Included is a
description of how OFDM signals are generated within an OFDM system.

What you will learn

• Wireless ethernet concept

• Linear modulation schemes

• 16-QAM, 32-QAM and 64-QAM

• OFDM concept

• OFDM signal generation

Time to complete

Approx. 1 hr



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© 2021 The Technology Academy. All rights reserved. Page 17 of 43

RF702 – 802.11 WLAN PHY Standards and Speci cations

Course Code
RF702

Overview
This course describes a range of IEEE 802.11 physical layer (PHY) standards, speci cations and
features including 802.11a, b, g, n and ac. The module also reviews some of the current
developments taking place in the standard.

What you will learn

• 802.11 family

• 802.11 current developments

• 802.11 layers and functions

• 802.11b speci cations

• 802.11a,g speci cations

• 802.11n speci cations

• 802.11ac speci cations

Time to complete

Approx. 1 hr 45 mins



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© 2021 The Technology Academy. All rights reserved. Page 18 of 43

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 RF703 – 802.11 WLAN PHY Propagation and Fading

Course Code
RF703

Overview
This course describes propagation and fading mechanisms in IEEE 802.11 wireless LAN systems.
It includes a review of line-of-sight (LOS) and non-LOS channels as well as indoor propagation.

What you will learn

• Free space propagation

• Terrestrial propagation

• Multipath propagation and OFDM

• Rician channel

• OFDM fading

• Indoor propagation

• Doppler e ects

Time to complete

Approx. 1 hr



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© 2021 The Technology Academy. All rights reserved. Page 19 of 43

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RF704 – 802.11 WLAN PHY MIMO and Space Time Block Coding

Course Code
RF704

Overview
This course explains how multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) and techniques such as
beamforming and block coding are used to improve data capacity and reliability in IEEE 802.11
wireless LAN systems.

What you will learn

• Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) concept

• MIMO in 802.11n and 802.11ac

• Spatial division multiplexing (SDM)

• Beamforming

• Cyclic shift diversity (CSD)

• Maximal ratio combining (MRC)

• Space-time block coding (STBC)

• Alamouti's code

Time to complete

Approx. 1 hr



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© 2021 The Technology Academy. All rights reserved. Page 20 of 43

RF801 – Understanding RF and High-Speed Digital Signals

Course Code
RF801

Overview
This course explains when a design can be considered 'high-speed' and describes key features of
high-speed signals such as pulse rise and fall time and propagation time.

What you will learn

• When is a design ‘high speed'?

• The rise of clock frequencies

• Properties of high-speed digital

• RF vs. high-speed digital requirements

• Features of high-speed digital

• Signal integrity

• Pulse rise and fall times

• Digital pulses and RF energy

• Propagation time

Time to complete

Approx. 30 mins



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© 2021 The Technology Academy. All rights reserved. Page 21 of 43

 RF802 – Transmission Line Concepts for PCB Design

Course Code
RF802

Overview
This course explains transmission lines concepts as applied to RF and high-speed digital PCB
design including di erent transmission lines types used in modern multilayer PCBs.

What you will learn

• Electromagnetic wave behaviour

• Power transfer e ciency

• Transmission line fundamentals

• Re ection and transmission of pulses

• Transmission line Zo

• Re ection and transmission parameters

• S-parameters

• Phase, group velocity and dispersion

• Stripline and o -centre stripline

• Microstrip and buried microstrip line

• Other transmission line types

• TX-LINE® transmission line calculator app

• Coupled line concepts

Time to complete

Approx. 1 hr 30 mins



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© 2021 The Technology Academy. All rights reserved. Page 22 of 43

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 RF803 – Transmission Lines and Trace Routing in PCB Design

Course Code
RF803

Overview
This course describes trace routing schemes in RF and digital PCB design. It includes a DDR3
design case study and guidelines for optimising trace bends and corners to minimise signal
re ections.

What you will learn

• Use of transmission lines

• Trace routing schemes

• Multi-drop con guration

• Signal skew

• Delay line design guidelines

• DDR3 example

• Transmission line bends and corners

Time to complete

Approx. 30 mins



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© 2021 The Technology Academy. All rights reserved. Page 23 of 43

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 RF804 – Transmission Line Re ections and Terminations in PCB Design

Course Code
RF804

Overview
This course discusses signal re ection in traces and when transmission line e ects need to be
considered. It also provides guidelines for correctly terminating traces in order to maintain signal
integrity.

What you will learn

• Re ections and terminations

• When to account for transmission line e ects

• Re ected waves – key concepts

• Use of terminations to eliminate re ections

• Series and parallel terminations

• RC, Thévenin and diode terminations

• Which termination to use?

Time to complete

Approx. 1 hr



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RF805 – Transmission Line Losses in PCB Design

Course Code
RF805

Overview
This course describes di erent loss mechanisms found in transmission lines and signal traces.

What you will learn

• Loss in transmission lines

• Resistive losses

• Skin depth

• Resistance at higher frequencies

• Dielectic loss

• Radiation loss

Time to complete

Approx. 30 mins



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© 2021 The Technology Academy. All rights reserved. Page 25 of 43

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RF806 – Controlling and Measuring PCB Line Impedance

Course Code
RF806

Overview
This course describes how to control and measure the impedance of transmission lines and
traces using time-domain re ectometry (TDR).

What you will learn

• Controlling and measuring line impedance

• Microstrip impedance tolerance

• Time-domain re ectometry (TDR) and equipment

• TDR characterisation

• Test coupons

• Using test resonators to determine PCB properties

Time to complete

Approx. 30 mins



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© 2021 The Technology Academy. All rights reserved. Page 26 of 43

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RF807 – Modern PCB Materials and Fabrication Techniques

Course Code
RF807

Overview
This course describes and discusses material properties and fabrication methods used for
modern RF and high-speed digital circuit boards including high-speed multi-layer PCBs.

What you will learn

• PCB materials and fabrication processes

• Dielectric material properties and constants

• PCB fabrication process

• Etching tolerances

• Board layer construction

• Multilayer impedance design

• Technology in uence on PCB cost

Time to complete

Approx. 1 hr



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RF808 – Understanding Noise, Interference and Crosstalk in RF and Digital Circuits

Course Code
RF808

Overview
This course discusses the concept of noise, interference and crosstalk in RF and high-speed
digital circuits. Capacitive coupling, inductive coupling and induced noise e ects are described
together with techniques for decreasing their impact on circuit performance.

What you will learn

• Noise, interference, crosstalk and EMI

• Crosstalk-induced errors

• PCB capacitive coupling

• PCB coupling noise reduction

• Inductive cross-talk coupling by magnetic elds

• How to decrease inductive cross-talk

• Crosstalk-induced noise

• Crosstalk guidelines

• Ribbon cable topologies

Time to complete

Approx. 1 hr



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© 2021 The Technology Academy. All rights reserved. Page 28 of 43

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RF809 – Electromagnetic Interference in RF and Digital Circuits

Course Code
RF809

Overview
This course discusses di erent types of electromagnetic interference (EMI) commonly found in RF
and digital circuits together with practical techniques for minimising EMI e ects. The course
begins by introducing some basic EMI concepts and mitigation techniques before illustrating how
these are applied in practice through a range of case studies.

What you will learn

• Types of EMI

• Conducted and radiated emissions

• Radiated susceptibility

• Use of balanced circuits

• Techniques for minimising EMI

• Case studies

Time to complete

Approx. 2 hrs



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RF810 – Power Distribution and Decoupling in RF and Digital PCBs

Course Code
RF810

Overview
This course describes di erent approaches to distributing and decoupling supply power in RF and
digital circuits. The course includes a discussion of how to select correct decoupling capacitors
for a given application and where to place them. Decoupling rules are provided for future
reference. A case study is used to illustrate how the decoupling of an RF PCB was improved in
practice.

What you will learn

• Power distribution

• Power planes

• Capacitors at high frequencies

• Selecting and placing decoupling capacitors

• Shunt component grounding

• Decoupling rules

• Splitting power/ground planes

• Case study

Time to complete

Approx. 1 hr



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 RF811 – PCB Grounding in RF and Digital Circuits

Course Code
RF811

Overview
This course discusses PCB grounding in RF and digital circuits. Understanding how ground
currents ow is increasingly important at higher frequencies in order to obtain correct circuit
performance. Common high-frequency grounding issues are highlighted and strategies for
preventing them. A practical case study is used to illustrate how a ground return path problem
was solved in a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) circuit.

What you will learn

• PCB grounding

• Common grounding issues

• Ground return paths

• Slots in ground planes

• Grounding and supply distribution

• Groundplane oods

• Ground and Vcc bounce

• Case study

Time to complete

Approx. 1 hr



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 RF812 – PCB Parasitics in RF and Digital Circuits

Course Code
RF812

Overview
This course discusses a range of PCB parasitics and their e ects in RF and high-speed digital
circuits. A practical case study illustrates how stubs are used for matching, ltering and biasing in
RF circuits.

What you will learn

• Vias and stubs

• PCB trace resistance

• PCB inductance and capacitance

• Impedance discontinuities 

• Stub e ects

• Via holes and their properties

• Case study

Time to complete

Approx. 1 hr



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RF813 – RF PCB Layout Guidelines and Design Reviews

Course Code
RF813

Overview
This course provides design rules and layout guidelines for minimising errors and improving circuit
performance when designing and laying out RF and digital PCBs. The course includes a range of
useful checklists that can be referred to during design reviews.

What you will learn

• RF design rules

• Manufacturing design rules

• Schematic good practice

• PCB layout guidelines

• PCB design checklists

Time to complete

Approx. 1 hr



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© 2021 The Technology Academy. All rights reserved. Page 33 of 43

RF814 – RF and High-Speed Digital PCB Design and Manufacturability

Course Code
RF814

Overview
This course uses four case studies to illustrate di erent approaches to designing and laying out
various types of RF and high-speed digital PCB, including how a range of manufacturability
problems were solved.

What you will learn

• DDR3 SODIMM memory module PCB design case study

• RF power ampli er PCB design case study

• Troubleshooting EMC problems in a GPS module case study

• PCB manufacturability case study

Time to complete

Approx. 1 hr 20 mins



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RF901 – RF and Microwave Connector Types and Connector Care

Course Code
RF901

Overview
This course describes di erent connector types used at RF and microwave frequencies. It also
discusses mechanical compatibility of connectors to avoid expensive equipment damage. Correct
connector cleaning is also demonstrated, which helps ensure measurement accuracy. A short
review quiz is included to test knowledge and understanding.

What you will learn

• Importance of connector care

• Coaxial connector categories

• Common coax line sizes

• Inner conductor concepts

• Slotted vs slotless connector interface

• Precision connector frequency ranges

• APC-3.5, APC-7, N-type and SMA connectors

• Mechanically compatible connectors

• Cleaning coaxial connectors

• Connector savers and adaptors

• Interface dimensions and gauging

Time to complete

Approx. 1 hr



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© 2021 The Technology Academy. All rights reserved. Page 35 of 43

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RF1000 – E ective Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) Measurements

Course Code
RF1000

Overview
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to VNAs, which are one of the most widely
used instruments in high-frequency engineering. A series of video demonstrations is included as
well as a short review quiz to test knowledge and understanding.

What you will learn

• Network analyzers and architecture

• Error-correction and calibration methods

• Multiport and balanced device measurements

• Group delay measurements

• RF and microwave ampli er measurements

• Time-domain re ectometry measurements

• Review quiz

Time to complete

Approx. 4 hrs



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© 2021 The Technology Academy. All rights reserved. Page 36 of 43

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RF1100 – E ective Spectrum Analyzer Measurements

Course Code
RF1100

Overview
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles and practice of using
spectrum analyzers at RF and microwave frequencies. A short review quiz is included to test
knowledge and understanding.

What you will learn

• Introduction to spectrum analysis

• Basic spectrum analyzer block diagram

• Microwave spectrum analyzer

• Harmonic mixer responses

• Front-end ltering

• Preselector response

• Microwave and low band architecture

• Tracking generator architecture

• Spectrum analyzer controls

• Spectrum analyzer speci cations

Time to complete

Approx. 2 hrs



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© 2021 The Technology Academy. All rights reserved. Page 37 of 43

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 RF1201 – Measuring RF and Microwave Power

Course Code
RF1201

Overview
This course describes the techniques and equipment used to measure power at RF and
microwave frequencies. It’s important to select the correct type of power sensor if meaningful
results are to be obtained for a given type of RF signal. A review quiz is included to test
knowledge and understanding.

What you will learn

• Measuring RF voltage and power

• RF power measuring equipment overview

• Diode detection and linearity

• Practical diode detectors

• E ects of modulation on diode detectors

• Thermoelectric detectors

• Wider dynamic range diode detector

• Example detector hardware – R&S NRP power sensor

• Mismatch and summing errors

Time to complete

Approx. 1 hr



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© 2021 The Technology Academy. All rights reserved. Page 38 of 43

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 RF1202 – Noise Figure and Noise Figure Measurement

Course Code
RF1202

Overview
This course introduces the concept of noise in RF and microwave systems and how it is
measured. It begins by de ning a basic noise equation before explaining how noise sources are
used to provide a known reference for measuring noise gure. The course concludes with a
review of a typical noise gure measurement system and how to use a noise gure meter. A
review quiz is included to test knowledge and understanding.

What you will learn

• De nition of noise gure

• Why and how noise gure is measured

• Use of noise sources

• Avalanche diode noise source

• Typical noise gure measurement system

• Noise gure meters

• Simpli ed noise gure measurement with a VNA

• Noise gure and gain measurements using a signal analyzer

Time to complete

Approx. 1 hr



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© 2021 The Technology Academy. All rights reserved. Page 39 of 43

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 RF1203 – Measuring Frequency Stability and Phase Noise

Course Code
RF1203

Overview
This course describes the concept of phase noise and shows how it can degrade the
performance of wireless systems due to reciprocal mixing. The module also reviews and
compares a range of phase noise measurement methods. A review quiz is included to test
knowledge and understanding.

What you will learn

• De nition of phase noise

• Phase noise of sources and devices

• Phase noise concept

• Stability and carrier noise terms

• E ects of phase noise – reciprocal mixing

• Single-sideband phase noise

• Phase noise measurement methods

• Comparison of methods and sources of uncertainty

Time to complete

Approx. 40 mins



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© 2021 The Technology Academy. All rights reserved. Page 40 of 43

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RF1300 – Modern RF and Wireless Digital Modulation Measurements

Course Code
RF1300

Overview
This course describes and explains key digital modulation measurements made on modern RF
and wireless transmitters and receivers.

What you will learn

• Power spectral density

• AM-AM and AM-PM nonlinearities

• Spectral regrowth

• Two-tone intermodulation

• Adjacent channel power (ACP)

• Harmonics and spurious signals

• Error vector magnitude (EVM)

• Receiver modulation measurements

• Handset testing

• Bit error rate (BER)

• Receiver sensitivity

• Spurious response measurements

• Receiver chain measurements

Time to complete

Approx. 1 hr



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© 2021 The Technology Academy. All rights reserved. Page 41 of 43

 RF1401 – EMC Antennas and Radiated RF Measurements

Course Code
RF1401

Overview
This course provides an overview of radiated electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) measurement
fundamentals including EMC antennas and their characteristics.

What you will learn

• Radiation from conducted currents

• Types of EMC measurement

• EMC measurements and antennas

• Anechoic chamber

• Open area test site (OATS)

• Antenna parameters and terms

• Antenna characterization using the three antenna method

• Calculation of antenna factor

• Power radiation pattern

• E ective isotropic radiated power (EIRP)

Time to complete

Approx. 1 hr



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© 2021 The Technology Academy. All rights reserved. Page 42 of 43

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RF1500 – RF and Microwave Test and Measurement: The Essentials

Course Code
RF1500

Overview
This online course provides a thorough introduction to a range of essential RF and microwave
measurements from high-frequency (HF) up to 40 GHz.

What you will learn

• RF Signal Generators

• RF Power Measurement

• Network Analyzers

• Spectrum Analyzers

• Noise Figure Measurement

• Phase Noise Measurement

• Vector Signal Analyzers

• Nonlinear Measurements

Time to complete

Approx. 2 hrs 30 mins



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© 2021 The Technology Academy. All rights reserved. Page 43 of 43