| 10
or dielectric components are too
close. These competing concepts
create a challenging trade-off
for reaching high power levels at
higher frequency regimes, as high-
frequency RF structures generally
have smaller dimensions with
less conductive material available
for removing thermal energy.
Moreover, most losses increase with
frequency, meaning that more signal
energy is converted to thermal
energy at higher frequencies
than at lower frequencies.
Another common RF system trade-
off is between system bandwidth
and noise. Wider-bandwidth RF
systems also allow for greater noise
levels and may be more prone to
interference. Wider-bandwidth
communications can allow for
much greater data throughput,
and wider-bandwidth radar can
provide greater positional and
velocity accuracy for a target, but
it also makes the systems more
vulnerable to intentional and
unintentional interference. This is
why high-reliability narrow-band RF
systems are still in use when much
of the non-critical RF technology
is embracing wideband operation.
Conclusion
This chapter provides a high-
level view of the main topics
of RF technology and science.
Beyond this material, a vast
array of knowledge, both in
breadth and depth, is used to
design RF circuits that enable
technologies from broadcast
radio to astrophysics research.
Sources
1
https://microdevices.jpl.nasa.gov/
capabilities/submillimeter-devices/
Shielded Edge Launch
Multiport PCB Connectors
mouser.com/amphenol-shielded-edge-multiport-connectors
About the Author
Jean-Jacques (JJ) DeLisle attended the Rochester Institute of Technology,
where he graduated with a BS and MS degree in Electrical Engineering.
Before completing his degree, JJ contracted as an IC layout and automated
test design engineer for Synaptics Inc. Further pursuing his career,
JJ moved to New York City, where he took on work as the Technical
Engineering Editor for Microwaves & RF magazine. In the next phase of
JJ's career, he moved on to start his company, RFEMX, seeing a significant
need in the industry for technically competent writers and objective
industry experts. Progressing with that aim, JJ expanded his company's
scope and vision and started Information Exchange Services (IXS).
