Applied RF Engineering I - Circuits and Transmission Lines

Course 270

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Sep 22-Feb 13, 2026 - RF Certifications Online, Besser Associates Online Academy / Rex Frobenius

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Summary

TRAINING HOURS: This course is equivalent to 24 hours of classroom training.

Based on Les Besser's famous RF course material, this program has been reworked and updated to meet the needs of today's engineers looking for online self-paced study. Video lectures are followed by our exclusive online workbooks featuring interactive problem sets and quizzes along with optional supplemental reading for those who wish to explore topics in more depth. This course is the first part of an RF Engineering Certificate program currently under development by Besser Associates.

Even when working with "off the shelf" integrated radio products, engineers still need a basic understanding of circuit operation and design considerations to assure a successful product implementation and avoid unexpected pitfalls. Switching from traditional circuit definitions based on voltages and currents, to power-flow concepts and scattering parameters, this course offers engineers a smooth transition into understanding circuit operation in the RF and wireless domain. We review S-parameter measurements and applications for both single-ended (unbalanced) and balanced circuits. Impedance matching is vitally important in RF systems and we use both graphical (Smith Chart ) and analytical techniques throughout the course. We also examine discrete and monolithic component models in their physical forms, discussing parasitic effects and losses, revealing reasons why circuit elements behave in surprising manners at RF.

Since wires and printed circuit conductors may behave as transmission line elements, we also cover microstrip and stripline realizations. Another important consideration is circuit layout, therefore we look at problems caused by coupling, grounding and parasitic resistance.

This is a self-paced course with each student given approximately 5 months to complete the program. During that time, the student has on-demand access to the course materials at a time that is most convenient for their schedule. The course utilizes a Learning Management System, which allows students to log in and access online course material at any time, ask questions and keep track of their progress. This course is equivalent to 24 hours of classroom training.

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:

design impedance matching networks analytically
use S-parameters to predict basic performance of components
use the Smith Char for matching network design and to visualize circuit performance
predict the effect of parasitics on capacitor and inductor performance at higher frequencies
convert series circuits to parallel equivalents and vice versa
decide when to treat interconnects as transmission lines
use transmission lines for matching networks
understand some basic principles of PC board behavior at high frequencies

Target Audience

This course is intended for students with an engineering background or equivalent practical experience. The material covered is similar to the RF Technology Certification program (part 1), but with with more in-depth numerical design examples and exercises.

The course follows the proven format of the RF Technology Certification program, with video lectures followed by online workbooks. The exercises in the workbooks are expanded with more custom calculators and design work. A free open-source RF circuit simulator is employed for working on simple design examples.

Outline

Section 1 - Introduction

Course Overview

• Frequency spectrum • Power levels at RF

Basic Analytical Tools

• dB, dBm • Complex number review • wave parameters

Section 2 - Complex Impedance, Resonance, Transmission Lines

Complex Impedance, Resonance

• Series RC, RL networks • Parallel RC, RL networks • Resonance • Q factor • conversion between series and parallel circuits

Transmission Lines

• transmission line types • characteristic impedance • the 5% rule • lumped vs. distributed networks • short and open terminated transmission lines

Reflections

• mismatch and reflections • reflection coefficient • return loss • mismatch loss • SWR

Section 3 - Smith Chart

Basic Derivation

• derivation of impedance curves - resistance - reactance • admittance chart

Component Manipulations

• Series Capacitor, Inductor, Resistor • Parallel Capacitor, Inductor, Resistor • Transmission lines

Section 4 - S-parameters

Definition

• what the S-parameters refer to • comparison with Z, Y, ABCD parameters

Measurement

• basic network analyzer block diagram

Cascaded Calculations

• Cascaded S-parameters • T-parameters

Differential Circuits

• Mixed mode S-parameters • Description of X-parameters

Section 5 - Impedance Matching

Analytical Techniques

• Using Q to Match Impedances • absorbing reactances • resonating reactances • Smith Chart • visualizing matching networks on the Smith Chart

Section 6 - Component Models

Lumped Elements at RF

• resistor component models • capacitor component models • inductor component models • behavior at high frequencies • package effects • ferrite behavior

Part 7 - Transmission Lines and Ground Parasitics

• Via hole inductance • multi-layer PC-board parasitics • via stub effects • PC board materials, dielectric constants

Transmission Lines

• transmission line realizations • discontinuities • converting a circuit schematic to physical form

Subject Areas:

I appreciate that the course is self paced. I was able to work my way through sections i had trouble with at my own pace. The supplied course material will help me in the future. J.F.

I enjoyed the sections at the end about PCB design and via holes. That's something I didn't get a chance to learn in college and found quite interesting. R.H.

I really enjoyed the format of example and demonstration in each aspect of theory, which were very detailed and realistic V.N.

The interactive parts of the course (smith chart, reflection coefficient etc) were great. I think the pace of the course was all in all very good. P.O.

I like I how this course is useful in my everyday work life, and it has helped me understand what I am doing. I also do like how you get a pdf and video which makes it easier to understand. E.T.

Practical layout tips in regards to via inductance. Smith chart matching explained well. Balanced device matching explained well. G.G.

I enjoyed the portions on impedance matching, both analytical and using the Smith chart. L.C.

I enjoyed the format and features of this course: Application. Videos. Problem sets. Lecture notes. Instructor correspondence. T.C.

I enjoyed the transition of topics. Breakdown of topics/subjects. Visuals. Lectures/presentations. Some more simulations would also be great. Many were, still provided. I enjoyed all topics, particularly stripline/microstrip. I have more to cover, still, from this course and wish to return to this material in the near future. Feed back from problems were also good. More challenging problems would also be of benefit. (I.E Challenge Problems). R.S.

I enjoy that's more practical and tangible than theory. R.G.

The mix of lecture & workbook is good, and breaks it up well. The real world examples are appreciated. Many practical examples are given, and that was great. D.L.

There are a few sections that I enjoyed in this course. The first being the thorough description of RLC components at RF and microwave frequencies. The impedance matching section was very helpful for me as an applications engineer. Customers frequently have tuning and matching issues in their systems and this course helped give me a better understanding of the topics as a new engineer. I also enjoyed the VSWR description and how we can use different terms to describe the same subject. The way the technical description and equations were related to real systems helped clarify (the java visualization of the superposition was especially helpful). J.V.

I enjoyed the structure and how the lecture videos were followed by related example problems. I also appreciated that it sometimes approached things with multiple methods, like explaining how impedance matching can be done with equations or with a smith chart. K.V.