RF Back to Basics 2013 Seminar

TECHNICAL PRESENTATIONS

The following are the slides used for the 2013 RF Back to Basics Seminar tour.

Click on presentation title to download copy of slides.

Fundamentals of Network Analysis (.pdf 5 MB)
This presentation addresses the principles of measuring high-frequency electrical networks with network analyzers. Attendees will learn what kind of measurements are made with network analyzers and how they allow characterization of linear and nonlinear device behavior. The session starts with RF fundamentals and takes you through the concepts of reflection, transmission, S-parameters, and X-parameters. The presenters will review the major components of a network analyzer as well as the advantages and limitations of different hardware approaches. The presentation will cover accuracy enhancement and various calibration techniques. Finally, we will conclude with some typical swept-frequency and swept-power measurements commonly performed on filters and amplifiers.

Signal / Spectrum Analysis Basics (.pdf 5 MB)
Learn why spectrum analysis is important for a variety of applications and how to measure system and device performance using a spectrum analyzer. This presentation begins with an introduction to spectrum analyzers and a discussion of the theory of operation. We will examine the instrument's major components and their significance as well as the spectrum analyzer specifications that are important for your application. Digital modulation concepts and analysis tools will be introduced. Finally, we will briefly discuss some measurement examples like phase noise, and noise figure.

Signal Generation (.pdf 3 MB) 
This presentation addresses the basics of signal generation, key specifications and applications of test signals. We will also show how they can be taken from general purpose to advanced applications such as simulating advanced signal with impairments and interference and how to perform signal capture and waveform correction.