RF and millimeter-Wave Circuit Design from Coursera

This unique Master-level course offered by the Center for Wireless Technology Eindhoven (CWT/e) of the Eindhoven University of Technology, The Netherlands, provides students with in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience on RF and mmWave circuit design.

The course covers the topics on how to derive the RF wireless systems specifications, and how to design the main building blocks of a transceiver, i.e., low noise amplifier, power amplifier, RF mixers, oscillators, and PLL frequency synthesizers. It is divided into two parts: (1) theoretical lectures will cover the basis of RF and mmWave Circuit Design; and (2) design labs will include simulation and implementation of these circuits.

The design labs are completely optional for obtaining the certificate, but they are recommended because they allow students to put into practice all the acquired theoretical knowledge, and of course, implementing the circuits is where all the fun is! The students will be able to do 70% of the design labs using simulation tools, which already offers a great learning experience. The other 30% will require students to either get access to an electronics lab or to purchase a few off-the-shelf components. But ultimately, this would allow students to design and build their own transceiver at home!

The course contains theoretical video classes with examples, quizzes, and an entire set of simulation files, step-by-step procedures, recorded data of real-life circuits, and solution videos so that students can learn from and build even better circuits.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to RF & mm-Wave Circuit Design Course

This module will introduce the student to the RF and mm-Wave Circuit Design course and to the topic of wireless systems. It will present the learning objectives, grading system, supporting material, introductory class, and design labs. Besides, it will show the student how to use the simulation tools and the equipment used in the design labs.

Wireless Systems

The module on Wireless Systems will introduce the student to the history of wireless technologies, wireless system design, and RF system specifications. Concepts about transceivers will be detailed, such as path loss, interference signals, receiver sensitivity, and transmitter output power. It also includes the first design lab, the system design of a Wireless Tin Can Telephone.

Amplifiers

The Amplifiers module will introduce the student to the basic concepts of amplifiers, types of power gain, and the most used amplifier topologies. The student will also learn about low noise amplifier matching and power amplifiers classes. The second design lab will focus on designing LNAs and PAs.

Mixers

The Mixers module will introduce the student to the working principle of RF mixers and their basic concepts. The difference between active and passive mixers will be explained, the advantages and drawbacks of balanced and unbalanced mixers will be detailed, and the mixer's noise performance highlighted. The third design lab will cover the design of up and down-conversion mixers.

Oscillators

The Oscillators module will introduce the student to the working principles of frequency oscillators and their basic concepts, like condition to sustain an oscillation. The student will learn about different topologies of oscillators, why and how to tune oscillators, and the impact of noise in the oscillator's signal. At last, the influence of output buffering and breakdown voltage on oscillators will also be explained. The fourth design lab will focus on designing a Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO).

Synthesizers

The Synthesizers module will introduce the student to the working principles of frequency synthesizers and their basic concepts. The student will learn about the importance of using synthesizers in modern wireless communications, the Phase-Locked Loop types I and II, the advantages and drawbacks of using All-Digital PLL, and the impact of the PLL frequency synthesizer on the signal's noise performance. At last, the architecture and usage of fractional-N PLL frequency synthesizers will be detailed. The fifth and last design lab will contain the design of a frequency divider and a phase detector.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Prerequisites are recommended but not required

Provides students with in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience on RF and mmWave circuit design

Taught by Carlos Mendes, Jr. and Peter Baltus, recognized experts in the field

Developed by the Center for Wireless Technology Eindhoven (CWT/e) of the Eindhoven University of Technology

Provides an entire set of simulation files, step-by-step procedures, recorded data of real-life circuits, and solution videos for hands-on learning

The course covers the topics on how to derive the RF wireless systems specifications, and how to design the main building blocks of a transceiver

Reviews summary

Well-received rf course

Learners say this largely positive course covers the fundamentals of RF circuit design well. Lectures are engaging, lab components are practical, and assignments challenging but informative.

Professors are knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and present clearly

"Very nice and well structured course. The professor is very enthusiastic and entertaining and the content is presented in a very clear and simple way."

"Excellent coverage of the fundamental building blocks to RF design."

"The course was well-designed and the lecturers were very resilient and well-informed."

Hands-on labs complement theory and assignments are well-designed.

"It was the best course that I have enrolled in, It helped me to go well in my job and gave my deep understanding and high level of knowledge in RF Circuit Design"

"Basic course for RF Engineers. Course contents are nicely designed."

"A goof course that covers system design through oscillator and PLL implementation."

While challenging, learners report that they learned a lot from the assignments

"I learned a lot from this course. The instruction was very clear. Because I did not do the practical exercises myself, the demonstrationof them was helpful. The exercises were to the point and doable.Thanks!"

"I'm a digital communications engineer and I could learn a lot about the RF frontend design and especially related impairments. Overall, the course gives a nice overview, but, for my taste, it somtimes leaves a bit too large gap between the top-level concept oriented lectures and the practical asignments."

"Wish that there are more the Quizes tp answer and more details presentation slides"

Audio quality can be an issue at times.

"Its hard to make out what the professor is saying a lot of times. Even the sub-titles are auto-generated and don't match what the professor is saying a lot of the times. It's difficult to understand the course that's why."

Lab/simulation lectures may be difficult to follow due to presentation issues

"The theoretical lectures are excellent, interesting and detailed.However the lab/simulation lectures are not detailed enough. Most of these lectures were being read from the screen monotonously with no clear explanation."

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 and millimeter-Wave Circuit Design with these activities:

Review basic electronics concepts

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Brush up on fundamental electronics concepts to enhance your understanding in this course.

Browse courses on Circuit Analysis

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Review basic concepts such as voltage, current, and resistance
Solve simple circuit analysis problems
Simulate basic circuits using software

Review literature on the basics of RF and mmWave Circuit Design

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Build up background knowledge of RF and mmWave fundamentals before taking the course.

View Radio Frequency System Architecture and Design... on Amazon

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Read Chapter 1, Introduction to RF/Microwave Circuit Design
Read Chapter 2, Transmission Line Basics
Read Chapter 3, Smith Chart Basics
Read Chapter 4, Matching Networks and Filters

Follow online tutorials on RF and mmWave circuit design

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Online tutorials can provide you with additional explanations and examples to help you better understand the course material.

Browse courses on Amplifiers

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Identify the specific topics you need additional help with.
Find reputable online tutorials that cover those topics.
Follow the tutorials carefully and take notes.
Practice the concepts you learn in the tutorials.

Eight other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

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Join a study group or participate in online discussions

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Discussing the course material with peers can help you reinforce your understanding and identify areas where you need additional support.

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Find a study group or online discussion forum for the course.
Participate in discussions and ask questions.
Share your knowledge and help others understand the material.

Join a study group or discussion forum

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Enhance your learning by collaborating with peers and discussing course concepts.

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Find a study group or discussion forum related to RF and mmWave circuit design
Participate in discussions and ask questions
Share your knowledge and insights with others

Design a simple RF amplifier using simulation tools

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Apply the concepts learned in the Amplifiers module by designing and simulating an RF amplifier.

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Choose a suitable RF amplifier topology
Design the amplifier circuit using simulation software
Simulate the amplifier circuit
Analyze the simulation results and optimize the design
Write a short report summarizing your design

Solve practice problems on RF and mmWave circuit design

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Practice problems will help you solidify your understanding of the concepts covered in the course and improve your problem-solving skills.

Browse courses on Amplifiers

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Identify the key concepts and formulas related to the problem.
Break down the problem into smaller steps.
Apply the relevant formulas and concepts to solve the problem.
Check your answer and identify any errors.

Design and simulate an RF or mmWave circuit

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Designing and simulating a circuit will allow you to apply the concepts you learn in the course to a practical project.

Browse courses on Amplifiers

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Choose a specific type of RF or mmWave circuit to design.
Research the specifications and requirements for the circuit.
Design the circuit using simulation software.
Simulate the circuit to verify its performance.
Analyze the simulation results and make any necessary adjustments to the design.

Practice oscillator design calculations

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Reinforce your understanding of oscillator design by solving practice problems.

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Find practice problems on oscillator design
Solve the practice problems
Check your answers and identify areas for improvement

Design and build a simple RF receiver

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Challenge yourself by applying everything you've learned to design and build a working RF receiver.

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Choose a suitable RF receiver architecture
Design the receiver circuit using simulation software
Build the receiver circuit on a PCB
Test and debug the receiver circuit
Write a detailed report on your project

Volunteer at a local electronics lab or maker space

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Gain practical experience in RF and mmWave circuit design by volunteering.

Browse courses on Circuit Design

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Find a local electronics lab or maker space
Contact the lab or maker space and inquire about volunteer opportunities
Assist with projects and tasks related to RF and mmWave circuit design
Network with other electronics enthusiasts and professionals

Career center

Learners who complete RF and millimeter-Wave Circuit Design will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Microwave Engineer

A Microwave Engineer designs and develops microwave circuits and systems. They may work on a wide range of applications, from radar systems to satellite communications. This course can help you build a foundation in microwave engineering, which is essential for success in this role. You will learn about the basic principles of microwave circuits and systems, as well as how to design and simulate microwave circuits using industry-standard tools.

See salaries and explore the career path for Microwave Engineer

Radio Frequency Engineer

A Radio Frequency Engineer designs and develops radio frequency circuits and systems. They may work on a wide range of applications, from cellular phones to satellite communications. This course can help you build a foundation in radio frequency engineering, which is essential for success in this role. You will learn about the basic principles of radio frequency circuits and systems, as well as how to design and simulate radio frequency circuits using industry-standard tools.

See salaries and explore the career path for Radio Frequency Engineer

Antenna Design Engineer

An Antenna Design Engineer designs and develops antennas. They may work on a wide range of applications, from cellular phones to satellite communications. This course can help you learn the basics of antenna theory and design, as well as how to design and simulate antennas using industry-standard tools.

See salaries and explore the career path for Antenna Design Engineer

Hardware Design Engineer

A Hardware Design Engineer designs and develops electronic hardware. They may work on a wide range of applications, from consumer electronics to medical devices. This course can help you build a foundation in hardware design, which is essential for success in this role. You will learn about the basic principles of hardware design, as well as how to design and simulate hardware using industry-standard tools.

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Analog Circuit Designer

An Analog Circuit Designer designs and develops analog electronic circuits. They may work on a wide range of applications, from consumer electronics to medical devices. This course can help you build a foundation in analog circuit design, which is essential for success in this role. You will learn about the basic principles of analog circuits, as well as how to design and simulate analog circuits using industry-standard tools.

See salaries and explore the career path for Analog Circuit Designer

Electromagnetic Compatibility Engineer

An Electromagnetic Compatibility Engineer designs and develops electronic devices and systems that are compatible with their electromagnetic environment. They may work on a wide range of applications, from consumer electronics to medical devices. This course can help you build a foundation in electromagnetic compatibility, which is essential for success in this role. You will learn about the basic principles of electromagnetic compatibility, as well as how to design and test electronic devices and systems for EMC compliance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electromagnetic Compatibility Engineer

Quality Engineer

A Quality Engineer ensures that products and services meet quality standards. They may work on a wide range of applications, from manufacturing to software development. This course may help you learn the basics of quality engineering.

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Project Manager

A Project Manager plans, executes, and closes projects. They may work on a wide range of projects, from construction projects to software development projects.

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Power Electronics Engineer

A Power Electronics Engineer designs and develops power electronic circuits and systems. They may work on a wide range of applications, from renewable energy systems to electric vehicles. This course may help you learn the basics of power electronics.

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Product Design Engineer

A Product Design Engineer designs and develops products. They may work on a wide range of applications, from consumer electronics to medical devices.

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Business Analyst

A Business Analyst analyzes business processes and systems. They may work on a wide range of projects, from process improvement projects to software development projects.

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Data Analyst

A Data Analyst analyzes data to identify trends and patterns. They may work on a wide range of projects, from marketing projects to financial projects.

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Technical Writer

A Technical Writer creates user manuals, technical reports, and other documents that explain complex technical information. They may work on a wide range of products and systems, from software to medical devices.

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Sales Engineer

A Sales Engineer sells products and services to customers. They may work on a wide range of products and services, from software to medical devices.

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Test Engineer

A Test Engineer tests products and systems to ensure that they meet quality standards. They may work on a wide range of applications, from manufacturing to software development.

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