RF Circuits and Systems - RF Receiver Architectures from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

This course will provide an in depth teaching of radio-frequency receiver architectures.
The course covers fundamentals of radio-frequency receivers including direct-coversion, heterodyne, image-rejection, dual-downconversion architectures.

The course offers practical and insightful information about rf receivers
The case studies include wifi receivers and cellular recievers.

This course will provide an in depth teaching of radio-frequency receiver architectures.
The course covers fundamentals of radio-frequency receivers including direct-coversion, heterodyne, image-rejection, dual-downconversion architectures.
The course offers practical and insightful information about rf receivers
The case studies include wifi receivers and cellular recievers.

Syllabus

RF Receiver Architectures

An overview of the course is provided. Materials covered in this course include:

- An overview of the wireless systems' performance parameters

- Heterodyne receiver architectures and issues associated with this structure

- Direct-conversion receiver architectures and issues associated with this structure

- Image-reject receivers including Hartley and Weaver schemes

- Low-IF receivers

- Polyphase filters

- General considerations

- Wireless standards and link budget. Common specs including:

+ Frequency bands and channelization

+ Data rate

+ Antenna duplexing method

+ Types of modulation

+ TX output Power and spectral mask

+ TX EVM

+ RX sensitivity

+ RX tolerance to blockers

- Solving a useful example on the communication link budget

Narrowband Design, Channel Selection, Band Selection

- Basics of RF receivers

- Introducing low-side injection

- Introducing high-side injection

RF Receiver Architecture

- An overview of bandpass representation of RF signals

- The need for quadrature mixing in zero-IF downconversion

- Introduction to heterodyne receivers

- A comparative study of direct conversion and heterodyne receivers

- The problem of the image in heterodyne receivers

- Trade-off between image rejection and channel selection in heterodyne receivers

- Dual downconversion receivers

- Mixing spurs

- Dual downconversion receivers with zero second IF

- Why downconversion to zero-IF frequency is done by a quadrature downconversion stage

- Direct conversion receiver (DCR) architecture

- DCR vs. heterodyne

Solving two examples:

1. Mixing spurs in a DCR

2. A dual downconversion RX with zero second-IF. the second LO is half the first LO frequency

- DCR vs. heterodyne receiver

- Issues in a DCR

+ LO leakage

+ DC offsets

+ Even-order distortion

+ I/Q mismatch

+ Flicker noise (1/f noise)

+ Mixing spurs

- LO leakage

- DC offsets

- Examples and methods to overcome LO leakage and DC offset

- Original root cause of even-order distortion

- Even order distortion causing the problem of beat frequency due to strong in-band interferes in a DCR

- Even order distortion causing the problem of unwanted AM demodulation of QAM in a DCR

- Studying the root cause of I/Q mismatch

- Why is it more important in a DCR compared to a heterodyne RX?

- Analysis of phase and amplitude imbalances

- Explanation of the need for image-reject architectures with no explicit image-reject filtering

- Signal analysis of a 90-degree phase-shifting mechanism

- An insightful graphical approach in studying the 90-degree phase shift

- An intuitive analysis of image-reject architectures using a three-dimensional spectral plot

- Studying the spectral impact of 90-degree phase shift and Hilbert transform

- Quadrature downconversion stage as a way of realizing a 90-degree phase-shift

- Studying the low-side and high-side injections in a quadrature downconversion stage

- Introducing step-by-step analysis and synthesis of an image-reject architecture

- A study of Hartley architecture

- A review of the issues in Hartley architecture

- Defining image-rejection ratio (IRR)

- An overview of issues in Hartey architecture

- Introducing Weaver architecture based on intuitive spectral analysis

- Issues in Weaver architecture including

1. the need for two more mixers and an additional LO compared to Hartley

2. the problem of the secondary image

- A comprehensive study of the fundamentals of polyphase filters

- Analyzing the polyphase filters in image-rejection receiver architectures

- Study and design of polyphase filters to improve the image-rejection ratio

- Introducing the concept of complex mixers and the corresponding system design

- The use of the complex mixer in a double-quadrature receiver architecture

- Why is the problem image non-existent in a double-quad receiver?

- Ccomprehensive analysis of gain and phase errors in a double-quad receiver

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides an in-depth understanding of fundamental RF receiver architectures, including direct-conversion, heterodyne, image-rejection, and dual-downconversion architectures

Features practical and insightful information about RF receivers

Emphasizes image-reject architectures, which are commonly used in modern communication systems

Includes practical case studies of WiFi and cellular receivers, making the learning more applicable

Requires a strong foundation in RF and communication systems

The course materials are mostly text-based and lack interactive elements

Reviews summary

Recommended course for rf circuits and systems

Learners say this RF Circuits and Systems course is well-received. Students remark that Sal Jade is an amazing instructor who explains topics clearly and in an engaging way. They say the course is especially helpful for beginners wishing to learn the basics of RF Circuits and Systems. Furthermore, the lectures are easy to follow and support the theoretical concepts well.

Students appreciate the well-structured nature of the course, making it easy to understand the material.

""I like the way the course is set up. I've found the topics easy to remember so far.""

""Easy to understand for beginners. Well-structured. Thank you Sal.""

""I like the segmented nature of Sal’s approach; bite size nuggets of information.""

The course is easy to follow and understand, making it great for beginners.

""It was great course for beginners. simple to follow.""

""Loved the course. It was easy to learn as Iam beginner.""

""I am a total beginner and the explanations are great to understand the tarot clearly!""

Instructor, Sal Jade, is praised for clear and engaging teaching.

""She makes the material engaging and easy to understand.""

""Sal Jade teaches every aspect of the deck, leaving nothing out.""

""Sal's background as a teacher really shows in the way she structures her courses and in the way she produces the content.""

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in RF Circuits and Systems - RF Receiver Architectures with these activities:

Review Nyquist sampling theorem

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Review the Nyquist sampling theorem to strengthen your understanding of fundamental signal processing concepts.

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State the Nyquist sampling theorem and its implications.
Analyze the impact of undersampling and oversampling on signal quality.
Apply the theorem to practical scenarios in wireless communication or digital audio.

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Career center

Learners who complete RF Circuits and Systems - RF Receiver Architectures will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

RF Engineer

An RF Engineer designs, develops, and maintains radio frequency (RF) systems used in various applications such as telecommunications, aerospace, and defense. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of RF receiver architectures, which is essential for RF Engineers to design and optimize wireless receivers. The course covers fundamental concepts, such as heterodyne and direct-conversion architectures, image rejection techniques, and low-IF receivers. By gaining a deep understanding of these concepts, RF Engineers can effectively design and troubleshoot RF receiver systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for RF Engineer

Wireless Systems Engineer

A Wireless Systems Engineer designs, develops, and maintains wireless communication systems used in mobile phones, Wi-Fi networks, and other wireless applications. This course provides a thorough understanding of RF receiver architectures, which is crucial for Wireless Systems Engineers to optimize the performance of wireless systems. The course covers topics such as narrowband design, channel selection, and dual downconversion receivers. By mastering these concepts, Wireless Systems Engineers can effectively design and troubleshoot wireless communication systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Wireless Systems Engineer

Telecommunications Engineer

A Telecommunications Engineer designs, develops, and maintains telecommunications networks used for voice, data, and video transmission. This course provides a strong foundation in RF receiver architectures, which is essential for Telecommunications Engineers to understand the operation and performance of wireless networks. The course covers topics such as polyphase filters, image-reject architectures, and direct-conversion receivers. By gaining a deep understanding of these concepts, Telecommunications Engineers can effectively design and troubleshoot telecommunications networks.

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Antenna Design Engineer

An Antenna Design Engineer designs, develops, and tests antennas used in various applications such as wireless communication, radar systems, and satellite communication. This course provides a solid understanding of RF receiver architectures, which is important for Antenna Design Engineers to optimize the performance of antennas. The course covers topics such as RF receiver architecture, heterodyne receivers, and direct-conversion receivers. By mastering these concepts, Antenna Design Engineers can effectively design and troubleshoot antennas.

See salaries and explore the career path for Antenna Design Engineer

Microwave Engineer

A Microwave Engineer designs, develops, and maintains microwave systems used in various applications such as radar, satellite communication, and medical imaging. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of RF receiver architectures, which is crucial for Microwave Engineers to optimize the performance of microwave systems. The course covers topics such as low-IF receivers, polyphase filters, and image-reject architectures. By gaining a deep understanding of these concepts, Microwave Engineers can effectively design and troubleshoot microwave systems.

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Analog Circuit Designer

An Analog Circuit Designer designs, develops, and tests analog circuits used in various applications such as audio, video, and power electronics. This course provides a strong foundation in RF receiver architectures, which is beneficial for Analog Circuit Designers to understand the operation and design of analog circuits. The course covers topics such as RF receiver architecture, heterodyne receivers, and direct-conversion receivers. By gaining a deep understanding of these concepts, Analog Circuit Designers can effectively design and troubleshoot analog circuits.

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Embedded Systems Engineer

An Embedded Systems Engineer designs, develops, and maintains embedded systems used in various applications such as automotive, medical, and industrial automation. This course may be useful for Embedded Systems Engineers who are interested in developing wireless communication systems. The course covers topics such as RF receiver architecture, heterodyne receivers, and direct-conversion receivers. By understanding these concepts, Embedded Systems Engineers can gain insights into the design and implementation of wireless communication systems.

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Signal Processing Engineer

A Signal Processing Engineer designs, develops, and maintains signal processing systems used in various applications such as audio, video, and image processing. This course may be useful for Signal Processing Engineers who are interested in developing wireless communication systems. The course covers topics such as RF receiver architecture, heterodyne receivers, and direct-conversion receivers. By understanding these concepts, Signal Processing Engineers can gain insights into the design and implementation of wireless communication systems.

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Hardware Design Engineer

A Hardware Design Engineer designs, develops, and tests hardware systems used in various applications such as computers, smartphones, and medical devices. This course may be useful for Hardware Design Engineers who are interested in developing wireless communication systems. The course covers topics such as RF receiver architecture, heterodyne receivers, and direct-conversion receivers. By understanding these concepts, Hardware Design Engineers can gain insights into the design and implementation of wireless communication systems.

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Systems Architect

A Systems Architect designs, develops, and maintains complex systems that integrate hardware, software, and network components. This course may be useful for Systems Architects who are interested in developing wireless communication systems. The course covers topics such as RF receiver architecture, heterodyne receivers, and direct-conversion receivers. By understanding these concepts, Systems Architects can gain insights into the design and implementation of wireless communication systems.

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Project Manager

A Project Manager plans, organizes, and executes projects to achieve specific goals. This course may be useful for Project Managers who are involved in developing wireless communication systems. The course covers topics such as RF receiver architecture, heterodyne receivers, and direct-conversion receivers. By understanding these concepts, Project Managers can gain insights into the technical aspects of wireless communication systems and effectively manage projects related to their development.

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Technical Writer

A Technical Writer creates and maintains technical documentation such as user manuals, white papers, and training materials. This course may be useful for Technical Writers who are tasked with documenting wireless communication systems. The course covers topics such as RF receiver architecture, heterodyne receivers, and direct-conversion receivers. By understanding these concepts, Technical Writers can effectively convey the technical information related to wireless communication systems in their documentation.

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Quality Assurance Engineer

A Quality Assurance Engineer ensures that products and services meet quality standards. This course may be useful for Quality Assurance Engineers who are involved in testing and validating wireless communication systems. The course covers topics such as RF receiver architecture, heterodyne receivers, and direct-conversion receivers. By understanding these concepts, Quality Assurance Engineers can effectively evaluate the performance and reliability of wireless communication systems.

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Sales Engineer

A Sales Engineer provides technical expertise and support to customers during the sales process. This course may be useful for Sales Engineers who are selling wireless communication systems. The course covers topics such as RF receiver architecture, heterodyne receivers, and direct-conversion receivers. By understanding these concepts, Sales Engineers can effectively demonstrate the technical capabilities of wireless communication systems to potential customers.

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Product Manager

A Product Manager manages the development and marketing of products. This course may be useful for Product Managers who are responsible for wireless communication systems. The course covers topics such as RF receiver architecture, heterodyne receivers, and direct-conversion receivers. By understanding these concepts, Product Managers can effectively define the technical requirements, features, and roadmap for wireless communication systems.

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