RF and Microwave Fundamentals
RDR 101 introduces technicians to the core concepts governing radio frequency (RF) and microwave systems. Beginning with a thorough exploration of decibel notation and its applications in power budget calculations, the course progresses to the critical behavior of transmission lines, including characteristic impedance, standing waves, and impedance matching techniques. Students will learn to characterize high-frequency components using scattering parameters (S-parameters) and master the use of the Smith chart as a powerful graphical tool for impedance matching and circuit analysis. Through a blend of theoretical instruction and practical laboratory exercises, participants will develop the analytical and problem-solving skills necessary to work with high-frequency signals and components in various technical fields. This course is ideal for individuals pursuing careers in RF maintenance, testing, and system integration.
InstructorJacob CalhounCourse outline
Lectures, virtual labs, and graded assignments — completed in your browser.
Syllabus
["Week 1: Lesson 1: Introduction to RF and Microwave Concepts","Week 2: Lesson 2: Decibels and Power Ratios","Week 3: Lesson 3: Introduction to Transmission Lines","Week 4: Hands-on Lab: Decibel Measurements and Power Calculations","Week 5: Lesson 5: Characteristic Impedance and Reflection Coefficient","Week 6: Lesson 6: Standing Waves and VSWR","Week 7: Lesson 7: Introduction to Impedance Matching","Week 8: Hands-on Lab: Transmission Line Characteristics and VSWR Measurement","Week 9: Lesson 9: Scattering Parameters (S-Parameters) Fundamentals","Week 10: Lesson 10: The Smith Chart: Basic Operations","Week 11: Hands-on Lab: S-Parameter Measurement and Analysis","Week 12: Lesson 12: Advanced Smith Chart Applications","Week 13: Lesson 13: RF and Microwave System Integration Concepts","Week 14: Capstone Service Project: RF System Design and Analysis"]