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Overview
This hands on course combines clear RF theory with live measurement and practical experimentation. Delegates explore frequency, wavelength, power, spectrum, propagation, antennas, transmission lines, modulation and multiple access, then immediately see those principles in action. Using spectrum analysers, signal generators, oscilloscopes and SDR, they capture real signals, measure power and loss, observe modulation and calculate link budgets. Rather than theory alone, the course focuses on what RF looks like in practice, how it behaves in real environments and how performance can be predicted and verified.
Prerequisites
None.
Delegates will learn how to
By the end of the course delegates will be able to:
- Analyse RF signals using spectrum analysers.
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Explain how modulation and multiple access enable modern wireless systems.
- Predict signal levels using dB/dBm calculations.
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Measure transmission line attenuation and verify power loss.
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Predict coverage using propagation and path loss principles.
Outline
What is RF?
Radio, Frequency, electromagnetic waves and spectrum, frequency, wavelength, amplitude, phase, Hertz, the radio spectrum, natural vs man made RF, RF safety.
Hands on: Use a spectrum analyser to pick up live transmissions, identify frequencies and measure power, including PMR.
RF systems
Basic RF system, Tx, Rx, RF signals, RF system categories, common properties. Radio spectrum use, world radio regions, standards, regulation, UK spectrum, bandwidth. Throughput vs bandwidth, simplex, half/full duplex.
Hands on: Generate RF signals with a signal generator, connect test equipment, locate and interpret frequencies.
RF propogation
Electromagnetic fields and waves, propagation, Free space path loss, interference, power, radio wave propagation, the atmosphere, surface and space waves, electrical properties, polarity, frequency, LOS, hop distance, diffraction, refraction, reflection, absorption, scattering, radiation, multipath. Solar radiation.
Hands on: Measure signal strength in different environments, demonstrate shielding with a faraday pouch.
Antennae
What an antenna does, transducers, Isotropic radio source, gain, EIRP, beamwidth, polarisation, polar diagrams, directional, semi and omni directional, basic antenna designs, Antenna examples: half wave dipole, dish,yagi… antenna arrays, sizing.
Hands on: Compare antennas on the same signal and observe pattern, efficiency and mismatch effects.
Transmission lines
What is a transmission line? Behaviour, copper, coaxial, micro strip, balanced lines, impedance, attenuation, insertion loss, return loss. Common connector types, measuring transmission lines.
Hands on: Measure power loss along transmission lines and visualise behaviour using a spectrum analyser and oscilloscope.
Wireless systems
Cellular (GSM, UMTS), Wifi, WiMax, others: GPS, DBS, RFID, radar, Bluetooth.
Hands on: cellular
Spread Spectrum technologies
Spread spectrum benefits and disadvantages, how it works, Direct Sequence, Frequency Hopping, hybrids.
RF propagation
Models, link budget, Smith chart, RF matching with the Smith chart. cell capacity, tradeoffs: power vs. bandwidth, free space, reflection, diffraction, multipath cancellation, propagation prediction and measurement tools.
Hands on: Smith charts.
Modulation
What is modulation? Baseband signals and carriers, analog and digital modulation, AM, FM, PM, keying, FSK, PSK, QPSK, QAM, symbols vs bits, channel capacity.
Hands on: View carriers and modulation on the oscilloscope and relate symbols to real signals.
Multiple access schemes
The need for multiple access, Issues with multiple access, FDMA, TDMA, CDMA, OFDM, OFDMA, Multiple access in real systems. Comparing modulation versus multiple access.
Hands on: Use SDR to observe contention, frequency sharing and time division in live signals.
Wireless systems
Classification by function: Broadcast, Fixed, Mobile: Point to point, point to multipoint, classification by range. Satellite systems, satellite hop, satellite orbits. Microwave links. Microwave letter bands. Cellular 1G to 5G, 5G architectures, UK cellular frequencies, 5G low, mid and high frequencies. WiFi, Access points, multi cell WiFi, WiFi4 (802.11n) to WiFi7. UK license exempt bands.
Hands on: Capture and decode live air band transmissions using SDR.
RF math
Power is measured in Watts. Power and mW. Power examples and safety, Decibel. dB, dBm, dBm to mW conversions, Rule of 3s and 10s. SNR, SNR and dB, SNR levels, RSSI, RSSI vs SNR.
Hands on: Measure signal levels, insert attenuation, predict results and verify in real time.
Link budgets
What are link budgets, link budget calculations, IR, EIRP, free space path loss, fresnal zone, precipitation, noise sources, interference.
Hands on: Build and validate a simple end to end link budget.
RF testing and measurement
Review of equipment used in course: spectrum analysers, signal generators, oscilloscope. Other equipment.
Frequently asked questions
How can I create an account on myQA.com?
There are a number of ways to create an account. If you are a self-funder, simply select the "Create account" option on the login page.
If you have been booked onto a course by your company, you will receive a confirmation email. From this email, select "Sign into myQA" and you will be taken to the "Create account" page. Complete all of the details and select "Create account".
If you have the booking number you can also go here and select the "I have a booking number" option. Enter the booking reference and your surname. If the details match, you will be taken to the "Create account" page from where you can enter your details and confirm your account.
Find more answers to frequently asked questions in our FAQs: Bookings & Cancellations page.
How do QA’s virtual classroom courses work?
Our virtual classroom courses allow you to access award-winning classroom training, without leaving your home or office. Our learning professionals are specially trained on how to interact with remote attendees and our remote labs ensure all participants can take part in hands-on exercises wherever they are.
We use the WebEx video conferencing platform by Cisco. Before you book, check that you meet the WebEx system requirements and run a test meeting to ensure the software is compatible with your firewall settings. If it doesn’t work, try adjusting your settings or contact your IT department about permitting the website.
How do QA’s online courses work?
QA online courses, also commonly known as distance learning courses or elearning courses, take the form of interactive software designed for individual learning, but you will also have access to full support from our subject-matter experts for the duration of your course.
Once you have purchased the Online course and have completed your registration, you will receive the necessary details to enable you to immediately access it through our e-learning platform and you can start to learn straight away, from any compatible device. Access to the online learning platform is valid for one year from the booking date.
All courses are built around case studies and presented in an engaging format, which includes storytelling elements, video, audio and humour. Every case study is supported by sample documents and a collection of Knowledge Nuggets that provide more in-depth detail on the wider processes.
When will I receive my joining instructions?
Joining instructions for QA courses are sent two weeks prior to the course start date, or immediately if the booking is confirmed within this timeframe. For course bookings made via QA but delivered by a third-party supplier, joining instructions are sent to attendees prior to the training course, but timescales vary depending on each supplier’s terms. Read more FAQs.
When will I receive my certificate?
Certificates of Achievement are issued at the end the course, either as a hard copy or via email. Read more here.