Inside Frequency Control

There are so many different devices and products for frequency generation and timing, but between all the acronyms and complex terminology of the RF industry, it can be confusing trying to understand what each type of clock or oscillator does, and what the best applications for each of them are. In this article, we’re going to help clear up some of the confusion, with a specific emphasis on CMOS clocks. We’ll cover what these devices are, why they are important, and how to know if one of these clocks is the best fit for your application.

The age of space exploration and exploitation is about to enter an exciting new chapter. Once the sole domain of superpower government agencies, there are now over 800 private companies operating in space, as well as many more governments around the world. Innovations in launch technology have made it cheaper than ever to send payloads into orbit, and more parties are active in space than ever before. It’s led to significant changes in the space industry. One of the most important changes is the increased use of smaller constellation satellites.

Many people think that in order to become a leader in business, you have to have some kind of business-focused educational background. But the truth is that leaders of many companies which are household names share one thing in common: they were all educated in or began their careers in some form of engineering discipline.

Engineering firms across all industries often have to work with many different suppliers to build their products. In the field of radio frequency tech, one of the most critical components in any design is the oscillator which generates the frequency itself. If the wrong type of crystal oscillator is used or it is of poor quality, it can ruin a design which is superb in all other respects. That’s why it’s so important to make sure that you’re working with a reputable supplier. In this guide, we’ll cover some essential questions any RF engineer should ask their crystal oscillator supplier.

These are exciting times to be an RF engineer. With the advent of 5G, the Internet of Things, and the increasing expansion of the private sector into space, we are about to witness some extraordinary developments in radio frequency tech in the next decade.

There are a lot of engineers coming out of school who want to get in on the action. So, what are the traits that help an RF engineer succeed? What distinguishes those who advance in their careers and land the most desirable positions from those who don’t? Let’s explore this in detail and break down 3 of the most important qualities that make a successful RF engineer.

Quality improvement is a concept that has become widely understood and embraced across all industries in the past few decades. Methodologies like Kaizen and Six Sigma have helped improve manufacturing efficiency, reduce errors, and bring superior products to market.

Whether it’s a fancy new gaming PC, an HDTV or a 4G phone, all of them make use of printed circuit boards. A technological innovation dating back to the 1940s, the circuit board is part of what makes all modern electronics possible, and radio frequency products are no exception. Following best practices when designing a circuit board is one the first steps to building an RF system that performs well. This article will offer some basic tips for good RF board design and list some common mistakes that RF engineers should avoid.