Radio Frequency Principles and Applications: The Generation, Propagation, and Reception of Signals and Noise (IEEE Press
"Now, in a single convenient volume, you can have all the information you need on real-world applications of electromagnetic theory, including the prediction, analysis, and measurement of electromagnetic fields and their effects. RADIO FREQUENCY PRINCIPLES and APPLICATIONS will guide you from the basics of electromagnetic theory to the full range of new and vital applications.
Author Albert A. Smith, Jr. provides a wealth of practical information in an accessible style, without using obtuse theory or requiring complex mathematical derivations.
This exceptionally ""readable"" text ties together the various related topics in a logical development, and the material flows from the fundamentals of electromagnetic fields to areas of practical application. The numerous figures provide helpful illustrations, and the appendicies offer additional mathematical details.
This book will be of particular use to engineers working in the many diverse fields relating to the application of electromagnetic concepts, including engineers involved in RF technology, EMC, radio wave propagation, antennas, radio frequency environments, wireless communications, microwaves, and space systems.
Professors: To request an examination copy simply e-mail collegeadoption@ieee.org."
Sponsored by:
IEEE Electromagnetic Compatibility Society, IEEE Microwave Theory and Techniques Society.
Why Read This Book
You should read this book if you need a compact, practical bridge between electromagnetic theory and real-world RF systems: it explains how signals are generated, propagate, and are received, with emphasis on measurement and noise. You will get a hands-on view of the RF front end and measurement techniques that impact system-level performance and DSP decisions.
Who Will Benefit
Engineers and advanced students working on communications or radar systems who need a practical understanding of RF propagation, antennas, noise, and front-end behavior to inform system and DSP design.
Level: Intermediate — Prerequisites: Basic calculus and complex algebra, introductory electromagnetics (fields and waves), and familiarity with basic circuit concepts and signals.
Key Takeaways
- Explain electromagnetic field basics and how they govern RF propagation and coupling
- Analyze transmission lines, impedance matching, and practical matching network techniques
- Characterize antennas and understand key parameters (gain, pattern, polarization) relevant to system design
- Evaluate noise sources, compute noise figure and SNR impacts on receiver performance
- Design and assess basic RF front-end blocks (filters, amplifiers, mixers) and receiver chains
- Perform practical RF measurements using spectrum/network analyzers and apply measurement results to system tradeoffs
Topics Covered
- Introduction and overview of RF systems
- Fundamentals of electromagnetic fields and waves
- Transmission lines and waveguides
- Impedance, matching networks, and Smith chart applications
- Antennas: types, parameters, and radiation patterns
- Propagation mechanisms and path-loss models
- Noise, thermal noise, and noise figure
- RF amplifiers, oscillators, and active components
- Mixers and frequency conversion
- Filters and RF signal conditioning
- Receiver front-end architectures and superheterodyne vs direct-conversion
- Measurement techniques: spectrum analyzers, VNAs, and practical setups
- EMC, shielding, and interference mitigation
- Applications and practical design examples
Languages, Platforms & Tools
How It Compares
Less mathematically rigorous than Pozar's Microwave Engineering but broader and more application-oriented; more general-system focused than Razavi's RF Microelectronics which targets IC-level design.
