RF / Antenna Fundamentals from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

Fundamentals in rf wave propagation
Understanding of how antennas receive and transmit
Ability to clearly explain rf principles

Knowledge of wifi data-transfer mechanisms
Factors in rf link budgets

Fundamentals in rf wave propagation
Understanding of how antennas receive and transmit
Ability to clearly explain rf principles
Knowledge of wifi data-transfer mechanisms
Factors in rf link budgets

Syllabus

Students will be able to understand RF and how it is utilized in the modern data-transfer mechanisms. This understanding will be built upon visual examples of each topic covered.

This module briefly describes the items under each topic of the course.

This module lays the groundwork for building a solid understanding of RF. This is the "start-from-zero" module. RF topics covered include: sending, receiving, polarization, wavelength/frequency, measurement, EIRP (Equivalent Isotropically Radiated Power), field strength vs. orientation, how waves shape signal, reflection, penetration and diffraction.

A brief description of common antenna types used is provided in this module. Essentially, the "type" assigned to an antenna boils down to its signal pattern.

This module dissects how antennas are used to beneficially manipulate RF. Topics covered are: signal spread, gain, reciprocity, range/antenna type, range/frequency, mounting and signal-spread morphing.

This module details factors that are mostly external to an RF link that have an effect on its performance. Topics covered are: multipath, obstructions, Fresnel zone, weather, interference, noise floor/signal-to-noise ratio and VSWR (voltage standing wave ratio).

Radio transceivers are responsible for generating transmitted signal, and interpreting received signal. These are the devices to which the antennas are mounted. Topics covered are: data rate vs. throughput, range (Tx power, Rx sensitivity), receive sensitivity and data rate, range/data rate relationship and link formation.

This module discusses all items that contribute to the strength of a received signal. Each item plays a part in conveying the signal from the sending transceiver to the receiving transceiver. The goal of a link budget is to quantify these items, and make sure the link is appropriately engineered. Topics covered are: radio transceivers, cables and connectors, antennas, attenuation and fade margin.

Modern data-transfer protocols use RF in innovative ways. This module shows several of these mechanisms. Topics covered are: receive diversity/transmit diversity, maximal-ratio combining, MIMO (multiple in, multiple out), MU MIMO (multi-user MIMO), QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation), OFDMA (orthogonal frequency division multiplexing), transmit beamforming and smart-antenna beamforming.

This is a comprehensive summary to ensure all material covered is properly absorbed.

This exam is intended to test the student's comprehension of the course material. There are fifty multiple choice questions. A passing score is considered 70% or higher.

Course Exam

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Guides learners through RF fundamentals and then RF's more advanced principles

Highly visual, enabling learners to understand RF quickly and intuitively

Covers topics such as signal transmission, antenna types, and RF link budgets, building a solid foundation in RF

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 / Antenna Fundamentals with these activities:

Brush up on basic physics concepts

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Reviewing basic physics concepts will provide a solid foundation for understanding RF and antenna fundamentals.

Browse courses on Physics

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Review concepts like electric fields, magnetic fields, and electromagnetic waves
Solve practice problems involving these concepts

Watch tutorials on RF and antenna fundamentals

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Watching tutorials will reinforce your understanding of the basics and prepare you for more advanced topics.

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Search for tutorials on YouTube or other online platforms
Take notes on key concepts and formulas

Identify antenna types and their applications

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Practice identifying different types of antennas and understanding their applications will solidify your grasp of antenna fundamentals.

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Review the different types of antennas covered in the course.
Find examples of each type of antenna in real-world applications.
Write a brief description of each antenna type, including its advantages and disadvantages.

Three other activities

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Design and build a simple RF antenna

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Designing and building a simple RF antenna will provide you with hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of antenna principles.

Browse courses on Antenna Design

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Choose a type of antenna to design and build.
Research the materials and components needed.
Design the antenna using appropriate software or tools.
Build the antenna according to your design.
Test the performance of the antenna.

Design and simulate an antenna using software

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Designing and simulating an antenna will allow you to apply your knowledge and gain practical experience.

Browse courses on Antenna Design

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Choose antenna design software
Input the required parameters and design the antenna
Simulate the antenna's performance
Analyze the results and make necessary adjustments

Write a blog post or article on a topic related to RF or antennas

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Writing a blog post or article will help you solidify your understanding and share your knowledge with others.

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Choose a topic related to RF or antennas
Research the topic and gather information
Write a clear and concise blog post or article
Publish your content online

Career center

Learners who complete RF / Antenna Fundamentals will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

RF Engineer

RF Engineers design, test, and maintain radio frequency (RF) systems, ensuring reliable and efficient communication between devices. This course is an excellent fit for RF Engineers, as it provides a comprehensive foundation in RF and antenna fundamentals. The course covers topics such as RF wave propagation, antenna design, and link budgets, which are essential for understanding the design and performance of RF systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for RF Engineer

Antenna Engineer

Antenna Engineers design, test, and maintain antennas, ensuring reliable and efficient communication between devices. This course is an excellent fit for Antenna Engineers, as it provides a comprehensive foundation in RF and antenna fundamentals. The course covers topics such as antenna design, antenna testing, and antenna measurements, which are essential for understanding the design and performance of antennas.

See salaries and explore the career path for Antenna Engineer

Software Architect

Software Architects design, build, and maintain software systems, using their deep knowledge of software engineering principles and practices. This course may be useful for Software Architects, as it provides a foundation in RF and antenna fundamentals, which are essential for designing and deploying wireless networks. Additionally, the course covers topics such as data-transfer protocols and link budgets, which are important for understanding the performance and reliability of wireless systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Architect

Network Engineer

Network Engineers design, implement, and maintain computer networks, ensuring reliable and efficient communication between devices. This course may be useful for Network Engineers, as it provides a foundation in RF and antenna fundamentals, which are essential for understanding the physical layer of networks. Additionally, the course covers topics such as data-transfer protocols and link budgets, which are important for optimizing network performance.

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Embedded Systems Engineer

Embedded Systems Engineers design, develop, and test embedded systems, which are computer systems designed to be embedded within a larger system. This course may be useful for Embedded Systems Engineers, as it provides a foundation in RF and antenna fundamentals, which are essential for understanding the design and implementation of wireless embedded systems. Additionally, the course covers topics such as data-transfer protocols and link budgets, which are important for optimizing the performance of wireless embedded systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Embedded Systems Engineer

Telecommunications Engineer

Telecommunications Engineers design, implement, and maintain telecommunications systems, ensuring reliable and efficient communication between devices. This course may be useful for Telecommunications Engineers, as it provides a foundation in RF and antenna fundamentals, which are essential for understanding the physical layer of telecommunications systems. Additionally, the course covers topics such as data-transfer protocols and link budgets, which are important for optimizing the performance of telecommunications systems.

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Wireless Communications Engineer

Wireless Communications Engineers design, implement, and maintain wireless communication systems, ensuring reliable and efficient communication between devices. This course may be useful for Wireless Communications Engineers, as it provides a foundation in RF and antenna fundamentals, which are essential for understanding the physical layer of wireless communication systems. Additionally, the course covers topics such as data-transfer protocols and link budgets, which are important for optimizing the performance of wireless communication systems.

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Project Manager

Project Managers plan, execute, and close projects, ensuring that they are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. This course may be useful for Project Managers who are managing projects that involve RF and antenna technology, as it provides a foundation in RF and antenna fundamentals. Additionally, the course covers topics such as data-transfer protocols and link budgets, which are important for understanding the performance and reliability of wireless products.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Sales Engineer

Sales Engineers provide technical support to customers, helping them to select and implement the right products for their needs. This course may be useful for Sales Engineers who are selling products that use RF and antenna technology, as it provides a foundation in RF and antenna fundamentals. Additionally, the course covers topics such as data-transfer protocols and link budgets, which are important for understanding the performance and reliability of wireless products.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help organizations make informed decisions. This course may be useful for Data Analysts who are working with data that is related to RF and antenna technology, as it provides a foundation in RF and antenna fundamentals. Additionally, the course covers topics such as data-transfer protocols and link budgets, which are important for understanding the performance and reliability of wireless products.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Business Analyst

Business Analysts analyze business needs and develop solutions to improve efficiency and productivity. This course may be useful for Business Analysts who are working on projects that involve RF and antenna technology, as it provides a foundation in RF and antenna fundamentals. Additionally, the course covers topics such as data-transfer protocols and link budgets, which are important for understanding the performance and reliability of wireless products.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the development and marketing of products. This course may be useful for Product Managers who are working on products that use RF and antenna technology, as it provides a foundation in RF and antenna fundamentals. Additionally, the course covers topics such as data-transfer protocols and link budgets, which are important for understanding the performance and reliability of wireless products.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create and maintain documentation for technical products, such as software, hardware, and systems. This course may be useful for Technical Writers who are writing documentation for products that use RF and antenna technology, as it provides a foundation in RF and antenna fundamentals. Additionally, the course covers topics such as data-transfer protocols and link budgets, which are important for understanding the performance and reliability of wireless products.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Quality Assurance Engineer

Quality Assurance Engineers test and evaluate products to ensure that they meet quality standards. This course may be useful for Quality Assurance Engineers who are testing products that use RF and antenna technology, as it provides a foundation in RF and antenna fundamentals. Additionally, the course covers topics such as data-transfer protocols and link budgets, which are important for understanding the performance and reliability of wireless products.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Engineer

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts analyze and design business systems, ensuring that they meet the needs of the organization. This course may be useful for Systems Analysts who are working on systems that use RF and antenna technology, as it provides a foundation in RF and antenna fundamentals. Additionally, the course covers topics such as data-transfer protocols and link budgets, which are important for understanding the performance and reliability of wireless products.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst