Introductory RF and Microwaves Course

This 3 day* course is an introduction to the exciting field of RF and Microwaves. It is intended for engineers, managers and technicians who need to be introduced to the particular aspects of RF and Microwave signals and the associated testing and measurement procedures. Includes hands on lab exercises utilizing common equipment and test setups.

*This 3 day course includes 1 day of RF measurement lab exercises. If conditions exist where test equipment is unavailable during the scheduled course dates, the course will be shortened to 2 days, removing the lab time.

Instructor: Robert A. Wood

• What is RF and Microwave?
• RF and Microwave Frequency Bands
• Difference between Analog and RF/Microwave Signals
• Electromagnetic Waves
• Microwave Power - dB's and dBm's
• Forward and Reflected Waves
• Insertion Loss and Gain
• Return Loss
• VSWR and Impedance Matching
• Characteristic Impedance
• Transmission Lines
  • Coax, Waveguides, Stripline, Microstrip
• S-Parameters
  • S11, S21, S12, S22
• Test Equipment - Signal Sources
• Test Equipment - Measurement Devices
  • Detectors
  • Power Meters
  • Spectrum Analyzer
  • Scalar Analyzer
  • Network Analyzer
  • Frequency Counter
• Test Equipment - Auxiliary Equipment
  • Couplers
  • Power Dividers, Combiners
  • Attenuators
  • Switches
• RF and Microwave Measurements
  • Power/Amplitude
  • Gain/Insertion Loss
  • VSWR
  • Frequency
  • S-Parameters
  • Spurious
  • Gain Compression
  • Phase Measurement
  • Group Delay
  • Noise Figure
  • Distortion Products
  • Phase Noise
• Computer Automated Testing
  • Software Programs
  • Platforms
• Calibration Concepts
• RF and Microwave Test Techniques and Tips
• Digital Modulation of RF Signals- Quick Overview

Understanding Microwaves by Allan Scott, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1993

Comprehensive seminar notes

Engineers, Managers and Technicians who are new to RF and Microwaves and need an overview of this field so they can immediately become productive in this exciting new area.

Click here to view comments from previous course attendees and where students have come from

Robert Wood has over 21 years experience in design, development, integration, and production programs for EW Systems. From 1979 to 1994, he worked at Martin Marietta (formerly GE Aerospace) in Utica, NY, where he has provided technical leadership for B-1, B-2, A-12, and F-22 EW programs. He has developed numerous analysis programs for RF and microwave system design. Most recently, Mr. Wood is president of R. A. Wood Associates, providing engineering consulting services for RF and microwave industries, both defense and commercial related. He received a BSEE from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 1979 and an MSEE from Syracuse University in 1982.