On The Radio: RF Design In The ISM Band

Mastering the groundswell of radio waves

The intangible and the invisible electromagnetic spectrum of which radio frequency is a relatively small part is as valuable a natural resource like any other and one which commands our constant attention. From Hertz to Marconi to today’s RF engineers, microwave electronics basics may not have changed dramatically but the applications, particularly the increasingly intelligent wireless systems, are evolving so quickly it is difficult to stay current. New technology standards and the advent of the connected home and factory necessitate continuing education by the relatively few RF engineers in electronics engineering and introductory or refresher education about the technology to newbies, as well as those engineers who haven’t historically had to consider such things as communications protocols or regulations for long- and short-range devices.

The basic building blocks of an RF system — RFICs, crystals, baluns, matching, filters, and antennas — are just that. As products are being developed on top of those building blocks, the challenge of choosing frequencies or design tradeoffs becomes more complicated and complex. And even if RF is an engineer’s core competency, the opportunity to expand into the digital electronics and software that is becoming a larger part of the wireless landscape also has the potential to expand the opportunities of the RF designers and architects in the field and inspire the innovative products of the future.

Resources like this eBook offer a unique approach to matching supplier expertise with an engineer’s desire — and necessity — to improve skillsets that match a rapidly expanding and exciting global wireless market.

In this ebook from Maxim Integrated and Digi-Key, learn about: