Radio Frequency Certificate Program

Introduction to fundamental concepts and devices in RF including decibel scale (voltage, current, and power), electromagnetic wave properties, frequency spectrum, S-parameters, Smith Chart, Impedance Matching, Transmission Lines (coaxial cables, microstrip, strip lines), link budgets, radar range equation, power amplifiers, low noise amplifiers, attenuators, cables, antennas, mixers, Analog/digital frequency modulation, bias-T, directional couplers, diplexers, duplexers, RF filters, inter-series adapters, RF and antenna challenges,  System-level concepts of wireless communication systems including satellite links, terrestrial links and point-to-point links with examples on Global Positioning System (GPS), Cellular 5^th Generation (5G), and Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), respectively.  Introduction to RF measurement devices such as signal generator, spectrum analyzer, and vector network analyzer.  Introduction to simulation software for the design and analysis of antennas, RF passive circuits, filters, amplifiers, and communication system performance.

Overview of antenna performance parameters such as directivity, gain, input impedance, efficiency.  Common antenna designs for the Global Positioning System (ceramic patch), Cellular 5G (Monocone, 2-arm monopole, and planar inverted F (PIFA)), and Vehicle-to-Everything antennas (quarter-wave monopole and yagi-uda array. Types of antenna chambers, pattern measurements (near field vs far field), Examples of antenna applications and choosing specific antennas, introduction to smart antennas architectures such as multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO).  Antenna simulation and measurements will be covered in further detail.

Wireless propagation simulation tools will be used to evaluate the performance of cellular 5G and Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication systems in various channels such as rural and urban environments.  Overview of RF system performance parameters such as: SNR, receiver sensitivity, TRP, TIS, noise power and coverage area. Virtual drive test examples will be provided for various configurations of Cellular 5G and V2X communication systems based on on-vehicle antenna pattern based on placement.  Comparisons will be made for single input single output (SISO) to multiple input multiple output (MIMO) antenna configurations in various channels in terms of system availability and throughput.  Examples with be provided on how to extend simulations to over-the-air (OTA) measurements for system-level performance analysis and to ultimately road testing.

Days/Time:  W & R from 7-9:00am Eastern Standard Time

Location:  Online

Module 1. RF and Wireless System Basics
Dates:  Week of January 8, 2024 through Week of February 26, 2024

Module 2. Antenna Topologies for Cellular 5G, V2X and GNSS
Dates:  Week of March 11, 2024 through Week of April 29, 2024

Module 3. Wireless System Performance – Specification & Validation
Dates: Week of May 13, 2024 - Week of July 8, 2024

Pricing: 

• Individual: $9,000 ($3,000 per module)
• Alumni Discount (10%): $8,100 ($2,700 per module)
• Company Discount with 5 or more registrants (20%): $7,200 ($2,400 per module)