RF Technology Certification - Online

Course 009

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Jan 27-Jul 25, 2025 - RF Certifications Online, Besser Associates Online Academy / Rex Frobenius

$1,495

Apr 21-Oct 17, 2025 - RF Certifications Online, Besser Associates Online Academy / Rex Frobenius

$1,495

Jun 16-Nov 14, 2025 - RF Certifications Online, Besser Associates Online Academy / Rex Frobenius

$1,495

Sep 22-Mar 20, 2026 - RF Certifications Online, Besser Associates Online Academy / Rex Frobenius

$1,495

Summary

TRAINING HOURS: This course is equivalent to 40 hours of classroom training.

This online program has been designed for applications, production, manufacturing engineers and technicians as well as other professionals who need to have a solid background in the fundamentals of working with RF and wireless products. This four part program provides a thorough understanding of RF analytical tools, communications signals, RF devices and test instruments. Starting with basic analytical tools such as the decibel scale, S-parameters and the Smith Chart, this program covers test instrumentation, RF components, and modulation. A basic block diagram of a transmitter/receiver chain forms the backbone of the course outline. Each component is described, and the relative performance parameters defined. Key impairments are introduced as they become relevant to the operation of the system. Basic system calculations are covered, as well as modulation formats and multiple access techniques.

The self-paced program is divided into four parts, each consisting of pre-recorded self-paced lectures followed by custom online "workbooks" that contain a summary of formulas learned and practice exercise questions or measurement procedures. A bonus on-demand tutorial webcast in each part offers an additional perspective on a related topic of interest. Each part has a brief test as well. The program is equivalent to approximately 40 hours of training and students are given six months to complete the material. After finishing the program students will receive a signed certificate of completion.

This course is intended for registered students only. Please contact us for group rates at info@besserassociates.com or 650-949-3300. Recording, copying, or re-transmission of classroom material is prohibited.

Alternative On-Demand schedule dates are available. Please contact us at info@besserassociates.com for details.

Learning objectives

Upon completing the course you will be able to:

work natively with dB values (without using a calculator)
understand basic wave parameters and propagation
appreciate the effects of parasitics on component behavior
understand the effects of mismatches at RF
create basic matching networks using the Smith Chart
describe basic transmission line structures and input impedance
interpret S-parameters from measurements and datasheets
describe the basic function of spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers, and power meters
know the limitations on accuracy/uncertainty that affect all RF and high frequency measurements
describe the operation of the main components of an RF transceiver system
interpret key performance parameters such as P1dB, IP3, noise figure, etc.
describe the modulation formats used to impress information onto the RF carrier
understand the basic principles of multiple access techniques such as TDMA, CDMA, OFDMA

Target Audience

This program is ideally suited for applications, manufacturing and production engineers or technicians who are new to the RF/wireless field. It is also suitable for those who have been working in the field but who have not had a formal introduction to the key concepts that form the basis of understanding and troubleshooting wireless systems. A knowledge of basic circuit theory/operation (resistors, inductors, capacitors) is assumed.

Outline

Part 1

Analytical tools

• wave parameters • dB & dBm • mismatches and reflection • impedance matching and the Smith Chart • transmission lines • device parasitics and their effects • S-parameters

Part 2 - Signals and Modulation

Modulation

• Analog - AM, FM • IQ Modulation - PSK - QAM

Multiple Access Techniques

• FDMA • TDMA • CDMA • OFDMA

Performance of RF Components with Digital Signals

• digital modulation fundamentals • adjacent channel power ACP • error vector magnitude EVM • EVM due to power amplifier compression and AM to PM • EVM due to group delay • EVM due to phase noise • IQ modulator troubleshooting with the VSA

Description of Bit Error Rate

Part 3 - Test Equipment

Cables and Connectors

• cable and connector care • connector types

Vector Network Analyzer

• directional couplers • basic block diagram • calibration • basic measurement setup

Spectrum Analyzer

• time domain vs. frequency domain • basic block diagram • typical measurements

Signal Generator

• basic block diagram

Power Meters

• power detection

Noise Figure Meter

Vector Signal Analyzer

• basic introduction

Measurement Uncertainties

• mismatch uncertainty • systematic errors in VNA measurements • VNA calibration • instrument-generated distortion products

Measurements of Non-connectorized devices

• de-embedding • alternate calibration types: TRL • fixturing

Part 4 - System Components

Phase Locked Oscillator

• principles of operation • phase noise - measurement techniques - impacts of phase noise on sytem performance

Upconverter

• modulation basics • principles of operation • 1 dB compression point for active devices • output spectrum of upconverter

Power Amplifier

• principles of operation • 1 dB compression point, saturation • AM to PM distortion • harmonics

Antennas

• description of antenna types • dBi, dBd gain parameters

Filters

• common filter types - Butterworth, Chebychev, Gaussian • transfer function • inband loss • match • bandwidth • group delay

Noise and Noise Figure

• definition of thermal noise • definition of noise figure • techniques for measuring noise figure - Y-factor technique - cold-source

Low Noise Amplifiers

• principles of operation • noise figure • intermodulation products • S-parameters - input vs. output match • 1 dB compression point

Mixer

• principles of operation • image noise from LNA

Intermodulation products

• how intermodulation products are produced • definition of IP3 • definition of IP2

Overall Receiver Performance

• typical overall receiver performance • cascaded noise figure, IP3 • SFDR Spur Free Dynamic Range

Subject Areas:

Important points covered as bullet points rather than us having to go through 200 page text book or internet was very convenient. V.S.

I liked how the course was set up, it worked really well for me. S.A.

I liked that it focused a lot on practical application understanding rather than proofs and high level math that while good to know won't be applied by 99.9% of engineers in the field. M.F.

I liked seeing block diagrams of instruments which I use fairly often; this helped me really understand what the instruments were doing. They no longer feel like big black and white boxes. S.J.

I liked the pacing of this course. I came here to get a high level understanding of the material and I achieved that without dedicating an unreasonable amount of time to it. E.F.

Not too hard. Not too easy. I learned something I didn't know, or I have a better grasp of something I thought I knew. J.M.

Good overview of formats and modulation techniques and comparisons between each are helpful--especially tradeoff info. J.V.

The pace of the lecture was about right, not too fast not too slow. Also how complex subjects were explained in easy to understand manner. I like that there are a variety of approaches in the material, like start from video part (lecture) with good slow pace, and then increase dificulty and adding some excercisses without any notes. I think that course and materials are based in a well built structure. In general it meet my expectations. I like also video based examples with demo and the way how the subject was presented and explained during this presentation. Perhaps adding more of those type material would be also beneficial for students. J.B.

I particularly liked the sections that dealt with power meters, spectrum analyzers and vector network analyzers. L.C.

I liked it. The key points and sample questions at the end of each section do a good job of re-enforcing the important points of each presentation. C.S.

I liked the pace of the course. I found also useful apps and simulations from different sources which helped to visualize difficult subjects of the material. I like how the fundamentals are explained to the bones. I really helped me to understand foundation or background of some aspects of the subject. J.B.

Well rounded, lots of information.

I liked the instructors delivery, pace and teaching style. I also liked the manner in which the quizes were given, incldung the duration and content. L.C.

I'm learning RF concepts that will be directly applicable to my job. T.B.

Very good review of the basics. Even though I have been doing this for many years, it was still useful and challenging to reinforce all the basics and get more practice. H.R.

I think that the topics covered in this part of course were exactly what I would like to learn more deeply. L.R.

The Course covers mainly the top real issues faced during RF design / test, ie: the backoff values for a PA ( to sort out EVM issues ); the spectral regrowth ( at PA saturation ) ie for a QPSK , QAM modulation; and the group delay. The 3 above above topics helped me to figure out / fix a real problem I was encountering on a project. Excellent topics. C.V.

I've always struggled to understand phase noise and how to measure it. This course helped me out significantly. It did a good job explaining what it is (how its generated) and the effects on system performance. The last section on system calculations was also superb. L.K.

The pattern of lectures, notes and examples gives a good overview of the topic A.A.

I liked pace as in all lessons. That definitely is a plus. I also like format of the materials, lecture and how complex matter is explained. I wish that lecture could cover a little bit more details. J.B.

Good mix of video and written portions. J.B.

I particularly liked the part on intermodulation products and receiver performance L.C.