| Occupation | |
|---|---|
| Names |
RF engineer
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| Description | |
| Competencies | Technical knowledge, Management skills, Professionalism |
| Education required | Mathematics, Physics, Electronics, Information technology |
Radio frequency (RF) engineering is a subset of electrical engineering that deals with devices that are designed to operate in the Radio Frequency spectrum. These devices operate within the range of about 3 kHz up to 300 GHz.
RF engineering is incorporated into almost everything that transmits or receives a radio wave, which includes, but is not limited to, Mobile Phones, Radios, WiFi, and walkie talkies.
RF engineering is a highly specialized field. To produce quality results, an in-depth knowledge of mathematics, physics, general electronics theory as well as specialized training in propagation and microstrip design may be required. Even with this, the initial design of an RF circuit usually bears very little resemblance to the final physical circuit produced, as revisions to the design are often required to achieve intended results.
RF engineers are specialists in their respective field and can take on many different roles, such as design, installation, and maintenance. RF engineers require many years of extensive experience in the area of study. This type of engineer has experience with transmission systems, device design, and placement of antennas for optimum performance. An RF Engineer at a broadcast facility is responsible for maintenance of the stations high-power broadcast transmitters, and associated systems. This includes transmitter site emergency power, remote control, main transmission line and antenna adjustments, microwave radio relay STL/TSL links, and more.
In addition, an RF design engineer must be able to understand electronic hardware design, circuit board material, antenna radiation, and the effect of interfering frequencies that prevent optimum performance within the piece of equipment being developed.
Many notable individuals have contributed to the advancement of RF engineering theory and design, including the following:
Guglielmo Marconi, who transmitted the first radio signal across the atlantic. Heinrich Hertz, who developed the unit of measure to describe frequency of a wave. Chris Pinter[1], who developed a method of improving radio sensitivity through the use of dynamic range software. Phillip H. Smith, who developed a graphical method of calculating impedances, admittances, reflection coefficients and scattering parameters.
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