| LEDs & LCDs | LED Notes By Data Display Products. | LED Design Guides Tech Notes on laser diodes, LCD displays & modules, color & light, gas tubes, miniature & subminiature incandescent lamps, and solid state lamps, by The LED Light. | LED Theory By Lumex. | | Lightning Protection | Lightning Damage Minimization
on Satellite Antennas Communications Design magazine article, Jan 2006 | | Mixers / Modulators | Mixers & Oscillators Very informative presentation from the National Taiwan University (in English) | Quadrature Modulators By RF Micro Devices. | Mixers, Image Rejection & SSB Image-Reject and Single-Sideband Mixers by Watkins Johnson. | Mixers in a System Part 1, 2 Mixers in Microwave Systems by Watkins Johnson. | Mixer Spurious Products A Graphical Approach To Mixer Spurious Analysis by Kirt Blattenberger. |
| | Modulation | | Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing White paper by Mark Elo, Marketing Director of RF Products, Keithley Instruments. Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) is a form of digital modulation used in a wide array of communications systems. This paper will explain what OFDM is, why it’s important, where it’s used, and what test instrumentation is required to maintain it. | | Unraveling Modulation Quality in Mobile WiMAX™ Uplink and Downlink with Multiple Zones and Bursts White paper By: VISWANATHAN GANESAN WiMAX Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies. This article delves into the complexities associated with digital demodulation of Mobile WiMAX uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) signals. It covers the modulation quality measurement required for Mobile WiMAX transmitters and provides a recommendation of the best tools to use for developing Mobile WiMAX products. | Modulation Techniques for Low-Cost RF Data Links In radio frequency applications there are many techniques to choose from. Some, such as Carrier-Present Carrier-Absent (CPCA), are very simple and inexpensive to implement, while others, such Gaussian Minimized Shift Keying (GMSK), allow for very efficient use of bandwidth at high data rates. Other modulation techniques include Frequency Shift Keying (FSK), Phase Shift Keying (PSK), Quadrature Modulation, Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS). By Linx Technologies. | | Motors | Motors Motor control articles, advice, technical information, forum. | Multipath Fading Phenomena Understanding Terrestrial Multipath Fading Phenomena by Microwaves & RF. | National Instruments Communications
Tutorial Series Multipath, channel fading, noise, signal diversity, pulse shaping to improve spectral efficiency, OFDM, FDM, CDM, TDM. | | Network Analyzers | | Understanding the Fundamental Principles of Vector Network Analysis by Agilent | | Noise | Noise Analysis of Microwave Systems Very informative presentation from the National Taiwan University (in English) | Noise Basics A layman's explanation of noise - without all the mathematics, although references are provided. By Microwaves Laboratory | Understanding Noise Figures
in Radio Receivers Feature story from the CommsDesign website | Noise & Interference Primer EMC mitigation | Noise, Receiver Equation The Receiver Noise Equation: A Method for System Level Design of an RF Receiver - Technical Feature by Microwave Journal. | Noise Figure Spectrum Analyzer Measurements and Noise application note by Agilent Technologies. | Noise Figure Cascade Simulating the Cascaded Noise Figure of a Receiver using the 32-bit version of SystemView by ELANIX. | Noise Figure, Relating to Real World Relating Cascaded Noise Figures to Realworld Performance, by By Rulon VanDyke, Eagleware Corp. | Noise Figure Uncertainty Calculate The Uncertainty Of NF Measurements, by Duncan Boyd, Hewlett-Packard Co. | Noise in Communications Systems Tutorial by National Instruments covering mathematical models. | Optoelectronics By Perkin Elmer. | Passive Component Models Understanding Basic Analog - Passive Devices, by Texas Instruments. | PCB Design Guide High Freq. Connectors Engineering High Frequency Applications at the Board Level Using RF Connectors, by Trompeter. | PCB Layout Guide for RF/Microwave RF/Microwave PC Board Design and Layout, by Rick Hartley, L-3 Avionics Systems. | PCB Partitioning and Layout, Mixed-Signal Partitioning and Layout of a Mixed-Signal PCB, by Henry W. Ott. | Phase Detectors, Using Mixers As By Watkins Johnson. | | Phase Noise & Jitter | Phase Noise Phase Noise Reference, by Applied Radio Labs. | Phase Noise By Vectron International. | Phase Noise Measurements & Jitter Analysis The Agilent JS-1000 Performance Jitter Solution is a Phase Noise System that measures clock jitter characteristics | Phase Noise Prediction Accurate Phase Noise Prediction in PLL Synthesizers, by Lance Lascari. | | Measuring Jitter in Digital Systems Agilent App Note 1448-1 | | Phase Shifters | Phase Shifters Phase Shifters/Frequency Translators by Herley. | | Piezoelectric Devices | Piezoelectric Device Usage Designing with Piezoelectric Devices by Eagleware. | | Power Meters & Monitors | Power Meters and Monitors From Narda Microwave East. | | Power Splitters / Combiners | Power Dividers From Narda Microwave East. | Power Dividers & Directional Couplers Very informative presentation from the National Taiwan University (in English) | Power Dividers as Combiners Why most power dividers are not suitable for combining, from MECA Electronics. | Power Splitter/Combiner Power Dividers/Combiners, by M/A-COM. | Power Splitter/Combiner Power Dividers and Combiners, by Synergy Microwave. | Reactive Splitters Basic introduction, common applications and information on why reactive splitters should not be used in combining applications, from MECA Electronics. | | Radar | Radar Cross-section Electronic Warfare and Radar Systems Engineering Handbook | | Radar Horizon Electronic Warfare and Radar Systems Engineering Handbook. | Radar Simulations in MATLAB Comprehensive set of *.m files and function, including GUI, to calculate and plot Radar design and analysis issues. This include, the radar equation, radar waveform analysis, pulse compression, matched filter, stretch processing, HRR, phased arrays, Kalaman filter, MTI, clutter analysis, Swerling models and Pd calculations, PRN and Barker codes, SAR, etc. | | Radiation / Field Measurement | Field Strength to Power Conversion RF Micro Devices. | Radiation Hazard Measuring Systems By Herley. | | Receiver Design | Radio Design 101 Basics of Designing a Digital Radio Receiver (Radio 101), Brad Brannon, Analog Devices. | Receiver Design Understanding and Enhancing Sensitivity in Receivers for Wireless Applications, by Texas Instruments. | Direct Conversion Receivers By Skyworks. | Link Calculations: Optimization Part II Optimizing Link Performance, Cost and Interchangeability by Predicting Residual BER, by Microwave Journal. | Receiver Design, Direct Conversion A tutorial by Microwave Journal. | Receiver Design By Watkins Johnson. | Receiver Design for Pulsed Signals Part 1, 2 By Watkins Johnson. | Receiver Dynamic Range, Part 1, 2 By Watkins Johnson. | | Regulators | Linear Regulators in Portable Applications Application note from Maxim Integrated Products. | Low Resistance Measurement Errors The 2-wire versus 4-wire (Kelvin connection) debate, including the offset-compensated ohms method, by QuadTech. | Maxwell's Equations Presentation Another great PowerPoint presentation from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, by Professor Amanogawa. | MEMs: Part I, Part II MEMS for RF/Microwave Wireless Applications: The Next Wave - Tutorial by Microwave Journal. | A Microstrip Edge-Fed Patch Antenna with Inset Feed Application note from Sonnet. | Millimeter Wave Components 18-40 GHz by Herley. | Resonant Circuits:
Oscillators, Synthesizers, VCOs | Crystal Oscillator Circuit Design A good transistor-level design tutorial - many topologies, 33 pages. By AXAL. | Crystal Oscillator Model Simulation of crystals and resonators | Dielectric Resonators, Introduction By Trans-Tech. | Dielectric Resonators, Thermal Coefficients By Trans-Tech. | Free Running Oscillators From Narda Microwave East. | Oscillators Oscillators application notes by Herley. | Oscillators & Mixers Very informative presentation from the National Taiwan University (in English) | Oscillator Design Basics A collection of RF oscillator design notes, including a fresh look at the correct application of Leeson's equation as it applies to feedback. | Quartz Crystal Oscillators Tutorial The mother of all quartz crystal oscillator tutorials - 287 pages, courtesy of the U.S. Army | Resonant Circuits Very informative presentation from the National Taiwan University (in English) | Synthesizer Design By Synergy Microwave. | Synthesizer, Fractional-N By Skyworks. | Tank Circuits By RF Micro Devices. | Understanding Synthesizer Designs & Specifications From Spinnaker Microwave. | Understanding VCO Specifications This will help to specify your microwave source. From Spinnaker Microwave. | VCO - Differential Design By Skyworks. | VCO - Low Phase Noise Design By Skyworks. | VCO Modeling & Simulation in WinSPICE3 Application note compliments of Silicon Devices (UK) Limited | VCO Soldering Notes Guidelines from Spinnaker Microwave. | VCO/Synthesizer Basics Oscillator Basics and Low-Noise Techniques for Microwave Oscillators & VCOs, by Synergy Microwave. | | RF Basics | RF 101 Information for the RF Challenged This application note goes to great lengths to remove the mysteries of RF. Please don't mistake the ease with which you may grasp these basic principals for the effort required to actually execute an RF design. Nooo, noooo, kiddies, don't try this at home. At least not if your job’s on the line. The science of RF is unlike any other area of discipline in electronics. By Linx Technologies. | | RFID | | Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Overview This technical brief focuses on RFID automatic identification technologies which utilize low-power, short-range wireless communications technology to provide radically enhanced data handling capabilities. By Tektronix. | RFID Online Tutorial myTek course - requires login. |
| | RF System Planning:
Cascade Analysis - Gain, NF, IP3, IP2,
P1dB, Intermods | FCC Part 15 Rules From the ARRL site. | Path Loss Model UWB Channel Measurements and Modeling for DARPA NETEX, by Virginia Tech. | Half-IF (2x2 product) By Maxim. | IM3 Frequency Prediction for any Number of Tones By Chris Arnott, RF Micro Devices. | FM Broadcast RF Systems A collection of technical papers and data about FM broadcast antenna and transmitter systems, by Richard Fry. | Prototyping Techniques, RF RF Prototyping Techniques, by Christian Bourde, Jeff Fuller & Steve Long, University of San Diego, CA. | Intercept Points & Receiver Sensitivity By Maxim. | RF/Microwave Theory Files Many brief tutorials that include equations. | RF Design Manual This is a really handy PDF file by Philips Semiconductors with all sorts of good RF basics stuff, from VSWR and S-parameters to the Smith Chart and antennas. Its 83 pages are packed with good explanations and design equations. Of course, all the examples use Philips parts. | Point-to-Point Site Planning Guide This guide includes RF path planning, site preparation, and installation of outdoor components such as outdoor units, antennas, lightning protection devices, and cabling suitable for outdoor conditions. Usually, you also need to investigate the zoning laws as well as FCC and FAA regulations. By Cisco. | Architecting Next-Generation
Wireless Networks By Broadcom. | SHF Communication Technologies Application notes in Adobe Acrobat format. | RF System Design Receiver budget analysis, by Peter Kinget, Bell Laboratories, Lucent Technologies | | Sampling Theory | See A/D & D/A Converters | Semiconductors:
Diodes, Transistors, BJTs, FETs | Diodes The Unusual Diode FAQ, by Avtech. | Microwave Integrated Circuits / Multifunction Assemblies (MIC and MFA) From Narda Microwave East. | PIN Diodes Design With PIN Diodes by Skyworks. | PIN Diodes Design With PIN Diodes by Gerald Hiller, M/A-Com. | RF Transistor Small Signal Design By M/A-COM. | Step Recovery Diode Modeling Nonlinear Modeling of Step Recovery Diodes Using Verilog-A frequency multipliers by Eagleware. | FET Design Guide By M/A-COM. | | Shielding | | Shielding ITEM Publications. | Shielding & Guarding By Analog Devices. | | Signal Generators | SG-5000A Signal Generator User Manual Colby Instruments SG-5000A Signal Generator User Manual | Signal Generator (Source) Basics By Agilent Technologies. | Signal Generator Spectral Purity By Agilent Technologies. | | Simulation | Simulation Techniques By Designers-Guide. | | Smith Chart - Impedance Matching | Smith Chart Here is a long list of great application notes and presentation for the Smith Chart. | Smith Chart for Excel By Kirt Blattenberger. | Impedance Matching Impedance Matching Techniques for Mixers and Detectors, by Agilent Technologies. | Mysteries of the Smith Chart Transmission lines, impedance matching, and little known facts, by Stephen D. Stearns, K6OIK | Impedance Matching - Smith Chart Very informative presentation from the National Taiwan University (in English) | Smith Chart Tutorial This is one of the nicest presentations I have seen. PowerPoint presentation from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, by Professor Amanogawa. | | Software / Modeling | Component Model Building
for first-Pass Results Modelithics paper on creating accurate component models based on substrate parameters, using both vendor parameters and measured results. | | Soldering | Soldering Tip By Kirt Blattenberger. | | S-Parameters | S-Parameter Design By Agilent Technologies. | S-Parameter Design
for Faster, More Accurate Network Design Application Note 95-1, by Agilent Technologies | S-Parameters By Test & Measurement World. | S-Parameters of PCB Interconnects
(Correctly Correlating) By Tan Tran, Intel, and Donald Telian, Cadence | | Spectrum Analysis | Fundamentals of Real-Time Spectrum Analysis A 42-page tutorial by Tektronix. Given the challenge of characterizing the behavior of today’s RF devices, it is necessary to understand how frequency, amplitude, and modulation parameters behave over short and long periods of time. In these cases, using traditional tools like swept spectrum analyzers (SA) and vector signal analyzers (VSA) might provide snapshots of the signal in the frequency domain and the modulation domain, but this is often not enough information to confidently describe the dynamic RF signals produced by the device. | Spectrum Analyzer Accuracy By Agilent Technologies. | Using Spectrum Analyzers for Audio Amplifier Design Application note from Pico Technology. | SpecAn App Note A Simple Scalar Network Analyzer System Automated With TESTLINK, by Eagleware. | Spectrum Analyzer Speed By Agilent Technologies. | | Spread Spectrum | Spread Spectrum & CDMA Theory Spread spectrum systems & theory, PN codes & generators, correlation & correlators, PN synchronization, PN acquisition, PN tracking modulation (GMSK, MSK, ...), multipath fading. By New Wave Instruments. | | Switches | | Coaxial Electromechanical Switches How Operating Life and Repeatability of Agilent’s Electromechanical Switches Minimize System Uncertainty | Solid State Switch Products From Nara Microwave East. | Switch Drivers (PIN, FET) Drivers for GaAs FET Switches and Digital Attenuators, by M/A-COM. | Switching Power Supply Inductor Selection By Chris Likely, Cooper Electronic Technologies, Power Electronics Technology magazine. | Switch, PIN Diode T/R By Skyworks. | Switches By Herley. | Substrates / PCBs
Microstrip, Stripline, Suspended, Vias | Striplines, Suspended Reviewing the Basics of Suspended Striplines tutorial by Microwave Journal. | Substrates - Via Analysis In time domain, by Microwave Journal. | Flip-Chip Tutorials FlipChip.com - New tutorials are posted monthly, except in August, compliments of George A. Riley, PhD, "Dr. Flip Chip." More than 60 currently available. | Power Plane & Ground Design for RF PCBs Power supply and ground design for WiFi transceiver, by By Roger Bremer, Tracey Chavers, Zhongmin Yu, RF Design magazine. | | Synthesizers | See Resonant Circuits | | Terminations | Terminations From Narda Microwave East. | | Thermal Analyzer | Thermal Analysis Power System Thermal Design by Artesyn. | Thermal Analysis By L.A. AFB Systems Engineering. | Time and Frequency Domains A nicely done brief tutorial by Gary Breed, editor of High Frequency Electronics magazine. | | Thermocouples | Introduction to Thermocouples - app note by Dataforth Corp. Practical Thermocouple Temperature Measurements - app note by Dataforth Corp. | | Transformers | Signal Transformers Signal Transformer Application and Specification, by CoilCraft. | | Transmission Lines | Transmission Lines By Agilent. | Transmission Lines Waves and Impedances, from University of San Diego, CA. | Transmission Lines Primer By the Radio Electronics School, by Ron Bertrand | Transmission Lines, Principles of An online tutorial provided by Integrated Publishing website | Transmission Lines & Waveguides Very informative presentation from the National Taiwan University (in English) | | Transponders | Bulk Transponders -
Their Design and Development By Cornell Drentea When driving through the LAX airport tunnel, a long wire is visible hanging on its walls. ...intended for re-broadcasting local AM and FM radio stations inside the tunnel, all at the same time. Without it, normal AM and FM broadcast reception in the tunnel would be impossible. | | UMTS / WCDMA Design | | A series of design and testing notes by Tektronix | | Ultra Wideband (UWB) | Ultra Wideband Communications and Radar
Part I, Part II History of Ultra Wideband Communications and Radar, by Microwave Journal. | | Voltage Regulators | Voltage Regulator Handbook By ON Semiconductor. |
| | Waveguide | Waveguide Design aids by Continental Microwave. | Waveguide From Narda Microwave East. | Waveguide, Parallel Plate Presentation from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, by Professor Amanogawa. | Waveguide Theory This is a very good basics course on waveguide theory - from the Fast Neutron Research Facility | Waveguide Tuning By Gerling Applied Engineering. | | WCDMA / CDMA | CDMA2000 Design & Performance
Requirements February 2005 RF Design magazine, by Bill Schofield and Brad Brannon | CDMA & Spread Spectrum Theory Spread spectrum systems & theory, PN codes & generators, correlation & correlators, PN synchronization, PN acquisition, PN tracking modulation (GMSK, MSK, ...), multipath fading. By New Wave Instruments. | Cross-Modulation (CDMA) By Samsung. | | Wire Bonding | Wire Bonding By Mike Greenelsh, California Fine Wire. | | Wireless Networks & Systems | GSM Overview from the UK. | GMSK A nice explanation, from University of Hull. | Wireless Networking for Home Automation System strategy and implementation whitepaper featuring the Z-Wave RF module, by Zensys A/S, Denmark | WiMAX Spectrum Utilization White Paper By Fujitsu. | | Unraveling Modulation Quality in Mobile WiMAX™ Uplink and Downlink with Multiple Zones and Bursts White paper By: VISWANATHAN GANESAN WiMAX Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies. This article delves into the complexities associated with digital demodulation of Mobile WiMAX uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) signals. It covers the modulation quality measurement required for Mobile WiMAX transmitters and provides a recommendation of the best tools to use for developing Mobile WiMAX products. | Wireless & Telecom By Texas Instruments. | | ZigBee | Coexistence of ZigBee & WiFi This application note discusses how to avoid RF interference when deploying WiFi and IEEE 802.15.4 / ZigBee radios simultaneously or in close proximity. | ZigBee Applications for Developers FlexiPanel makes a lot of turnkey modules for ZigBee and Bluetooth applications. | Zigbee Transceiver RF Design article by Khanh Tuan Le. |
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