An Introduction To RF Circuit Design For Communication Systems

This book provides an insight into techniques that are commonly used in the design of modern RF communications equipment. Although the emphasis is on equipment or circuits that are part of communication systems, information is provided on a variety of general electronic design topics.

It is assumed that the reader has a general understanding of basic electronic concepts, such as that required to pass the U.S. General or the Canadian Advanced Amateur exam. No special mathematical skills should be necessary to make use of the material that is presented - basic Grade 10 algebra will be sufficient. No calculus will be used at any time. Some basic trigonometry is required in a few places, but a simple tutorial on the necessary concepts is provided in one of the Appendices.

This is not intended to be a formal text book with rigorous explanations, derivations, and difficult mathematics. It is assumed that the reader would prefer to get a good understanding of how circuits work, with just enough detail so that designs can be analyzed in a basic manner. Where appropriate, approximations and "rules of thumb" will be disclosed that can often simplify the design process. The book includes several design examples.