RF Okulu

The knowledge of active and passive microwave components and the essential performance criteria of these components form the basis of RF design engineering. This training aims to make the participants competent in essential microwave elements and to give them the skills to make performance measurements of these elements.

Basic RF Concepts:
- Noise
- Non-linear behaviour
- Sensitivity
- Dynamic range
- Transmission lines
- S parameters
- Impedance matching
- Electromagnetic waves
- Propagation of EM waves
- Antennas
Basic Components of RF Systems:
- Mixers
- Oscillators
- Filters
- Analog modulation
- Digital modulation
Practical Examples of Using Modern RF Test and Measurement Equipment:
- S-parameter measurements
- Background measurements
- De-embedding techniques
- Error calculation

Part of the training will be given in the classroom and through presentations. In the practical session, the following studies will be carried out using VNA (Vector Network Analyzer) on ready-made examples in a way that the participants will experience.

S-parameter measurements
Background measurements
De-embedding background measurements (through the computer using Excel, MATLAB, etc.)
Error calculation (through the computer using Excel, MATLAB, etc.)

A bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronics engineering or physics

Defines and explains basic RF concepts such as noise, nonlinearity, sensitivity, and dynamic range.
Explains the basic principles of transmission lines, S parameters, and impedance matching.
Expresses the propagation characteristics of electromagnetic waves and their behaviour in different environments.
Explains the basic design and functions of antennas used in RF communications.
Explains how mixers, oscillators, and filters are used in RF systems.
Compares analog and digital modulation techniques and lists the advantages and disadvantages of their use in modern communication systems.
Uses background de-embedding techniques and error calculation methods to improve measurement accuracy.
Performs S-parameter measurements using RF test equipment and evaluates component performance by interpreting the results.
It uses modern RF test and measurement equipment to verify RF system designs.

Recommended Source: High Frequency Techniques: An Introduction to RF and Microwave Engineering by Joseph F. White

To be a qualified microwave engineer, one must establish the relationship between signals in the frequency and time domains, properly perform power conversions, and understand the relationship between wavelength and physical dimensions of the desired electronics at the early stage of microwave engineering. This training package aims to enable the participants to comprehend the relationship between frequency, wavelength, and physical dimensions of electronics at a basic level and to make decibel-based power conversions between various quantities.

Frequency Spectrum Concept:
- RF and microwave frequency ranges
- Frequency bands and allocated frequency range splits
- Time and frequency domains
- Fourier series and Fourier transform
Power and Voltage Conversions:
- Decibel equivalents of power ratios
- Voltage summing and average power
- Expressions of power-voltages in dBm, dBW and dBµV/m
Transmission Line Equations:
- Using the Smith Chart
- Wavelength and physical length relationship
- Open circuit termination
- Short circuit termination
- Compatible load termination
- Quarter wave converter
- Half-wave converter
Impedance Matching:
- L-Type filter design
- T-Type filter design
- Π-Type filter design
- Q-factor concept

Part of the training will be given in the classroom and through presentations. In the practical session, the following studies will be carried out:

Harmonization circuit design on CST MW Studio or ADS
Production of basic elements of the harmonization circuit in the laboratory
Measuring performance using VNA

A bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronics engineering or physics

Explains the national and international meaning of frequency bands and the rules to be followed.
Explains the mathematical and practical values of the Fourier transform.
Explains the rationale for logarithmic scaling of unit quantities such as power and voltage quantities.
Uses dB, dBm, dBW, dBi, dBV, dBuV, dBpascal conversions correctly.
Explains the rationale for constructive or destructive coupling of wireless communication signals.
Knows and applies the basic principles of impedance matching as a fundamental condition for maximum power transfer.

Recommended Source: High Frequency Techniques: An Introduction to RF and Microwave Engineering, Joseph F. White

In wireless communication systems, antennas are the most extreme elements that enable the transmission of electromagnetic waves (EMW) between the transmitter and receiver units. For this reason, it is critical for antenna engineering to know the basic performance parameters of antennas used as the fundamental component of the wireless communication system and to understand the relationship between the electromagnetic waves emitted from the antenna and the environment in which it is located. This training package aims to make the participants understand the basic antenna parameters and design criteria with their constraints and to explain the behavior of the transmitted electromagnetic waves in the environment in which they interact

What is an Antenna and How Does It Behave?
- Basic antenna theory
- Basic antenna parameters
- Effect of antenna arrays on results
Wave and Environment Interaction
- Wave propagation paths (Direct, Reflected, Refracted, Diffracted)
- Variation of material electrical properties concerning environmental conditions and its effect on EMW propagation.
- Connection budget calculation
- Atmospheric effects
- Propagation mechanism near the ground
- Effects of elevation on wave propagation
Electromagnetic Propagation Behavior
- Basic EMW propagation models
- Various fading mechanisms and their effects
- Rain-induced attenuation
- Effect of polarization components on propagation

Part of the training will be given in the classroom and through presentations. Depending on the demand, basic antenna design, antenna fabrication using basic materials, and antenna performance measurement using VNA will be carried out in practical application. The reasons for the performance losses of the fabricated antennas are discussed together.

A bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronics engineering or physics

Defines wave and electromagnetic wave correctly.
Knows EMW components.
Knows the interaction mechanism of EM wave components with the environment.
Calculates the link budget correctly in terms of terrestrial or satellite communication systems.
Understands the effect of uncontrolled atmospheric conditions such as rain on EMW propagation in terms of its components.
Explains the effect of polarization patterns (linear-vertical, linear-horizontal and circular) on communication success.

Recommended Source: C. Balanis, Antenna Theory

The relationship between the operational wavelength and the physical dimensions of the electronics to be designed directly affects the operating performance of the designed microwave elements. This training package aims to provide the participants with an understanding of the causes and solution steps for transmission line mismatches, which are the top source of problems (typically, issues of reflection and impedance matching)

Transmission Lines
- Introduction to transmission lines and well-known examples
- Distributed parameters
- Telegraph equations and their solution
- Wave equation - forward and backward waves
- Characteristic impedance and phase velocity
- Effect of load impedance (relative to Zo) on the reflected wave
- Transmission line types (coaxial, double-conductor, printed-microstrip, strip line)
- Standing wave on transmission lines
Causes of Powertrain Efficiency/Inefficiency
- Reflection coefficient and Voltage Standing-Wave-Ratio (VSWR)
- Efficiency of power transfer
- Termination of transmission lines (both as source and load sides)
- Impedances of short, open, and coupled loads viewed from the end of a variable-length transmission line
- Reflection parameters
- Transmission parameters
Key Performance Criteria
- Wave representation of two-input and S-parameters
- Phase speed
- Group speed
- Deterioration

Part of the training will be given in the classroom and through presentations. In the practical session, the following studies will be carried out:

Measurements using VNA and Spectrum Analyzer
Effect of quarter branch length transmission lines on input impedance
Effect of half-wavelength transmission lines on input impedance
Open circuit structures
Short circuit structures
Reflection coefficient measurement

A bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronics engineering or physics

Obtains transmission line equations.
Explains the effect of transmission line equations on calculating the conjugate impedance at the other end of a transmission line.
Explains the effect of reflection due to impedance mismatch on the circuit.
Explains the different termination methods (open circuit, short circuit, or matched) to limit or control reflections on circuits and transmission lines and understand the difference between them.
Knows and applies the basic principles of impedance matching as a fundamental condition for maximum power transfer.
Explains the wave equation through scattering variables.
Explains the effects of phase and group speed concepts on communication circuits.

Recommended Source: Mikrodalga Teknikleri 1, Birsen Yayınevi, Prof. Dr. Selçuk HELHEL

There are active and passive essential components as part of communication systems to be designed in the high-frequency region, including the optical region. Knowing what these components are, and their working principles is of great importance for RF Microwave design engineering. This training package aims to teach the participants the design criteria of the essential passive circuit elements widely used by microwave design engineering and to demonstrate the primary performance measurements of the selected elements designed practically. Thus, participating design engineers will have competence in designing in a simulation environment, realizing the designed product, and measuring the fundamental performance criteria of the realized product using a Vector Network Analyser (VNA)

Active and passive devices
Active devices: amplifiers, frequency sources, mixers, antennas
Passive devices: filters, duplexers/multiplexers, antennas, mixers, duplexers, splitters/combiners
Power dividers and combiners - Coherent, incoherent and partial summing
Isolators and circulators
Phase shifters
Attenuators, T and Π pads
Cables and coaxial connectors
RF Amplifier design
S Parameters of passive devices (Unitary property for lossless passives)
Demonstration with real measurements

Part of the training will be given in the classroom and through presentations. The practical application will include designing using CST Microwave Studio or ADS, printing with a 3D printer, and performing measurements using Vector Network Analyser (VNA).

A bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronics engineering or physics

Explains the difference between passive and active components in the high frequency domain
Explains the basic concepts of signal sources, mixers and antennas
Explains the use of power dividers and power combiners in the high frequency domain
Understands the usage of phase shifters and attenuators
Gains the ability to make measurements using the passive components mentioned

Recommended Source: Microwave Transistor Amplifiers Analysis and Design, Guillermo Gonzalez

Filters are indispensable elements of all communication systems, but filter design in the high-frequency region requires additional knowledge and skills. This training package aims to gain filter design skills in the high-frequency region by considering the criteria required by this frequency region and to gain measurement skills based on practical measurement of the performance of the filters produced.

Determining the specifications of filters
Bandwidth
Quality factor
Ripple
Group delay and Power Added Efficiency (PAE)
Design factor
Prototype normalized response
Chebyshev filter
Butterworth filter
Elliptical filter
Determining the filter order
Application examples: Assembly example
Application examples: Print example
Additional application technologies: Resonators, yttrium iron garnet (YIG), coaxial, dielectric

Part of the training will be given in the classroom and through presentations. In practical application, the following studies will be carried out:

Production of the designed filters and measuring their performance
L-Band filters will be produced by hand using basic elements.
C-Band filters will be produced using a 3D printer.
Connector assembly will be done.

A bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronics engineering or physics

Understands the basic principles of high-frequency filter design.
Understands the differences and similarities between impedance matching and filters.
Explains the relationship between bandwidth and quality factor with filter stiffness.
Has the ability to develop an intermediate solution by considering the advantages and disadvantages of filter stiffness
Understands filter-induced group delay, ripple, and insertion losses.
Be able to realize printed circuit filter design.
Be able to measure filter performance.

Recommended Sources:

High Frequency and Microwave Engineering, Ed Da Silva, 2001
Analog and Digital Filter Design, Steve Winder, 2002
Mikrodalga Teknikleri 1, Prof. Dr. Selçuk HELHEL, Birsen Yayınevi

Antennas are the end elements of a wireless communication environment. It is possible to design antennas with very different characteristics and utterly different physical appearances depending on the requirements. This training package aims to teach the participants the basic antenna concept and to gain the ability to design antennas for different applications in different frequency ranges. Another aim is to provide measurement skills by completing the production of selected antennas for the designed antennas and performing performance measurements on the produced antennas. In this way, the participants will gain the ability to use simulation programs related to antenna design and measure antenna performance on selected antennas returned to production.

What is an Antenna?
- The fundamental source of radiation
- Length and resonance relationship
Antenna Characteristics
- Frequency Range
- Antenna Directivity and Gain
- Antenna Pattern
- Polar pattern view
- Cartesian pattern view
- Main beam and Side beam concepts
- Front to Rear beam ratio
- Antenna Aperture
Antenna Feed Structures
- Polarization of EM Waves
- Polarization Types: Linear (Vertical, Horizontal) and Circular
- Far Field range
High-Level Review of Simple Antennas
- Half Wave Dipole
- Dipole On Rear Curtain
- Corner reflector
- Ground Plane and Monopoly
- Slit Antennas
- Long Wire Antennas
- Loop Antennas
- Helix (spiral) Antenna
- Yagi Antenna
- Broadband Antennas (Logarithmic, Spiral)
- Horn Antenna
- Printed Antennas
- Microstrip Antenna
- Fractal Antennas
- Short Recoil Antenna
- Antenna Arrays
- Phased Arrays
- Adaptable Series
- Parabolic Reflector Antenna
- Conversion of Balanced and Unbalanced Lines (Baluns)
- Radomes
- DAS - Distributed Antenna Systems
- Antenna Measurements
- Far and Near Field Measurements

Part of the training will be given in the classroom and through presentations. In practical application, three basic antenna designs and production will be done using MATLAB or CST Microwave Studio. These are in order;

L-Band half-wave dipole antenna and matching circuit (thin wire structures)
S-Band dipole antenna and matching circuit (using microstrip structures)
S11 measurements of the completed antennas and antenna pattern measurements will be performed under unsuitable conditions.

A bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronics engineering or physics

Understands the basic conditions for an object to radiate (exhibit antenna behavior).
Evaluates and perceives every object around as an antenna even if it’s not conductive.
Understands basic antenna performance criteria (radiation, directivity, power gain, beamwidth, and uncontrolled beam issues).
Explains the relationship between polarization and radiation pattern control.
Establishes the relationship between bandwidth requirements and polarization in modern communication.
Explains the advantages and disadvantages of different antenna structures.
Explains the contribution of antenna array structures to antenna performance individually and communication capacity in general.

Recommended Source: Antennas: From Theory to Practice, Dr. Yi Huang, Kevin Boyle

Understanding the noise level of the main components of a baseband communication system, both discrete and integrated, is critical for communication system design. This basic knowledge is the most crucial stage of performance metrics both at the sub-component and system level. This course aims to provide the participants with an understanding of the negative interaction between noise and channel capacity in communication systems and the solution principles.

Classification of Noises, Thermal Noise
Power Spectral Density of Noise
Band Limited Noise, Amplitude and Phase Noise
Noise Factor and Noise Value
Matching the Noise Value to the Input Noise Level
Noise Temperature
The Concept of Excessive Noise
Noise Factor of Attenuators, Splitters and Combiners
Noise Factor of Cascades
Sensitivity
Noise and Sensitivity of a Receiver RF Chain Cascade
Noise Factor Measurement Methods
Noise and Sensitivity Performance with Antennas, Antenna gain-to-noise-temperature (G/T)
Design Guidelines to minimize System Noise

The training will be given in class and through presentations.

A bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronics engineering or physics.

Understands and classifies noise sources.
Understands the difference between noise and interference.
Uses the concept of noise temperature correctly.
Explains the concept of total noise caused by the sequential use of active or passive circuit elements and produces solutions.
Specifies noise sources and generates independent solutions (smash and destroy).
Explains and measures noise in antennas properly.

Quantization Noise, Bernard Widrow, István Kollár. Publisher: Cambridge University Press, Year: 2008

Electromagnetic interference problems are the most important reasons for negatively affecting modern electromechanical systems' performance in transceiver units. Understanding the emission mechanism, which also involves information security issues, is critical at all stages of electronic design engineering. This course introduces the concepts of electromagnetic interference and related electromagnetic compatibility regarding equivalent applications needed in industry.

Basic theorems on which EMU/EMG is based
- The condition that electronic circuit components exhibit antenna behavior
- Transmission line equations and impedance mismatch
- Internal modulation sources and the harmonics they cause
- Effect of switching elements
Classification of Noises, Thermal Noise
Emission Sources
Understanding Mechanisms of Interference and Connectivity
Shielding Principles
Cabling and Installation Principles
Basic principles at PCB level
Grounding Techniques
Fixing EMC/EMI Issues at different levels
Understanding the MILSTD 461C - H
- Changes from 199x to 20xx in MILSTD461
- Test Requirements
- Preparation of TAC for EMC Tests

The training will be given in the classroom and through presentations.

A bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronics engineering or physics

Understands and classifies noise sources.
Understands the difference between noise and interference.
Understands screening techniques.
Understands cabling techniques.
Understands the transmission paths of noise and can produce solutions.
Understands whether grounding is a solution or a problem in reducing electromagnetic interference problems.
Interpret the rationale for changes in MIL-STD 461 XX standards over time and the current version of the standard in the context of the designer, customer organization, and test authority.

Engineering Electromagnetic Compatibility: Principles, Measurements, Technologies, and Computer Models, V. Prasad Kodali, Wiley, 2001
EMI/EMC Computational Modeling Handbook, Bruce R. Archambeault, Omar M. Ramahi, Colin Brench

The objective of this course is to familiarize the participants with the traditional radar applications of continuous wave (CW) and pulsed radar (Pulsed Radar), and the theory of low-power frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar.

Introduction
The concept of cue and target interaction
Reflection mechanism
Understanding the radar equation
Doppler effect and writing the Doppler equation
The concept of resolution in radars
Introduction to Continuous Wave (CW) Radars
Wideband (WB) radar systems
Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) Radars

Part of the training will be given in the classroom and through presentations. In practical application, the acquisition and interpretation of FMCW radar signals for different scenarios will be conducted in a laboratory environment.

A bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronics engineering or physics

Understands electromagnetic wave and target interaction.
Understands the principles of radar operation.
Learns the basic components of radar devices.
Knows the integration of critical radar components devices.
Has the ability to select the appropriate radar for the purpose.
Understands the primary usage mechanism of radar signals.

Radar Systems Principles, Harold R. Raemer

Software Defined Radios (SDR) offer significant advantages in terms of flexibility and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional hardware-based systems. These radios can operate across different frequencies, support new modulation techniques, and be updated quickly to meet the rapidly evolving demands of communication technologies. This course aims to help users understand SDR fundamentals, gain practical skills in using SDR applications.

What is an SDR?
- SDR Hello World
Radio Architectures
- Superheterodyne
- Zero IF
- Direct RF
IQ Sampling
Key SDR Features
Discussion of SDR Toolchains
SDR Implementation
Off-the-shelf SDR Products
- Overview of RTL-SDR product / architecture
- Overview of HackRF product / architecture
- Overview of USRP product family / architecture
- Overview of Analog Devices product family / architecture
GNU Radio
General Purpose SDR Applications
- SDR#
- gqrx
- SDRAngel
- SDR++
- Inspectrum
- OpenWebRX
Analog Modulation Schemes
- AM/FM/CW
Digital Modulation Schemes
- OOK/FSK-2
Discussion of Link Budget
- Link budget calculation
Discussion of Cellular Applications
- OpenBTS
- srsRAN
- Eurecom OAI
Replay Attacks
- Replay attack demo
- Signal capture & synthesis

This is a hands-on, in-class course. Many off-the-shelf SDR devices like RTL-SDR, HackRF One, USRP, ADALM-Pluto will be utilized during the course. All hardware necessary during the course will be provided. All set-up information for installation will also be provided prior to the start of class. Course materials include slides, GNU Radio flowgraphs, IQ records, hands-on activities. Various hardware and devices will be used in live demonstrations, hands-on exercises, and “Capture The Signal” (CTS) sessions.

Basic computer usage is enough. Fundamental communication system knowledge is helpful. No programming skills are necessary.

Understanding of fundamental SDR concepts and key SDR parameters
Learn how to use GNU Radio and other general-purpose SDR applications
Demodulation of various real-world analog signals
Decoding of digital signal transmitted by TI CC1101 transceiver
Spectrum analysis of cellular signals
Learn how replay attacks work
Saving a waveform to file
Using the inspectrum software for signal analysis
On-Off-Keying (OOK)
Transmitting using a transmit-capable SDR
Replaying a captured radio signal

Software-Defined Radio for Engineers, by Travis F. Collins, Robin Getz, Di Pu, and Alexander M. Wyglinski, 2018, ISBN-13: 978-1-63081-457-1
Software Defined Radio with Zynq® UltraScale+™ RFSoC, https://www.rfsocbook.com/

This course provides the opportunity to analyze signals with different characteristics using various open-source tools and aims to teach wireless communication in an engaging way by experiencing it in the real environment using Software Defined Radio (SDR).

Introduction to Communication Systems
GNU Radio
- GNU Radio Fundamentals (blocks, data types, scheduler)
- Flow graph creation
Sound card processing
- Basic filtering (filter types, cutoff frequencies, taps, transition bandwidth …)
- Nyquist Theorem, Aliasing, Multirate SP, Decimation
- Stereo sound, and DTMF tone generation
Introduction to Python & DSP Libraries
- FFT
- Frequency resolution
- Negative frequencies, Nyquist, Ideal LowPass filter
Introduction to SDR
- SDR Fundamentals
- SDR Architectures
- RTL-SDR
Amplitude Modulation (AM)
- HF Band
- Airband
- IQ record types (RTL-SDR, USRP)
- Osmocom Software Suite (rtl_test, rtl_sdr, …)
Narrow Band Frequency Modulation (NBFM)
- VHF band
- Handheld Radios
- FM Repeaters
- CTCSS
Wide Band Frequency Modulation (WBFM)
- Wide Band FM Components
- Mono/Stereo
- Pilot tones
- RDS
- Subchannels
Digital Modulation Concepts & Schemes
- Digital Signals
- QPSK
- Constellation diagram
- Pulse shaping
- Carrier and Phase Synchronization
- Decoding
Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B)
- Digital Comm. Signal (ADS-B)
- Preamble
- Manchester encoding
- Thresholding
- SDR Angel

This is a hands-on, in-class course. RTL-SDR will be utilized in the class. All hardware necessary during the course will be provided. All set-up information for installation will also be provided prior to the start of class. Course materials include Jupyter Notebooks, GNU Radio flowgraphs, slides, walkthrough examples, IQ records, hands-on activities like live demonstrations, exercises and Capture The Signal (CTS) sessions.

Basic computer usage is enough. Having some programming skills is necessary. General Python knowledge is helpful, the course includes a short introduction to Python and its libraries for those unfamiliar to Python.

Attendees will build a stronger intuitive understanding of the fundamental communication systems using Software Defined Radios. By the end of this course, attendees will learn about:

Fundamental DSP concepts like sampling, aliasing, digital filtering, multirate signal processing, and frequency domain translation
SDR concepts and architectures
Different bands in the electromagnetic spectrum
General purpose SDR applications
GNU Radio Software Toolkit
Python libraries used in the DSP field
Spectrum monitoring
Analog modulation schemes and demodulation algorithms (AM, NBFM, WBFM)
Digital communication concepts like constellation diagram, eye diagram, waveform generation, and synchronization
Digital modulation schemes and decoding algorithms (QPSK, ADS-B)

Software-Defined Radio for Engineers, by Travis F. Collins, Robin Getz, Di Pu, and Alexander M. Wyglinski, 2018, ISBN-13: 978-1-63081-457-1
Software Defined Radio with Zynq® UltraScale+™ RFSoC, https://www.rfsocbook.com/

RF fundamentals are presented with a focus on practical aspects and applications. Topics in the course are presented and supported through live demonstrations using Software Defined Radios (SDR). The participants will also have the chance to perform similar tasks by themselves with an SDR provided to them in a hands-on manner following the more theoretical topics. The course schedule is well-structured with a mix of lectures, class discussions, and hands-on exercises led by an expert and engaging instructor.

Getting Started
- Frequency Bands
- Spectrum Allocations
- Radios
- SDR & RTL-SDR Introduction
- Q&A
- Hands-on “RF” Hello World
Signals
- Analog & Digital Signals
- Complex Numbers
- Frequency Domain Representation
- Spectral Leakage
- Windowing
- Zero Padding
- GNU Radio Introduction
- Q&A
- Hands-on Exploration of Signals with GNU Radio
Digital Signal Processing
- Sampling
- Aliasing
- Nyquist Theorem
- Quantization
- Linear and Time-Invariant Systems
- Convolution
- Discrete Fourier Transform - DFT
- Fast Fourier Transform - FFT
- Digital Filtering
- FIR Filters
- Resampling and Multirate Signal Processing
- Q&A
- Hands-on Producing Stereo Sound with GNU Radio
- Hands-on Sound Processing Example with GNU Radio
- Hands-on Capture the Flag (CTF): Numbers Mixup
Communication Systems Introduction
Radio Fundamentals
- Basic Radio Architecture
- Modulation and Demodulation
- Transmission over the Radio Spectrum
- RF System Components
Software Defined Radio (SDR)
- SDR Concepts
- SDR Architectures
- SDR Key Parameters
Analog Modulation Schemes
- Continuous Wave (CW)
- Amplitude Modulation (AM)
- Narrowband Frequency Modulation (NBFM)
- Wideband Frequency Modulation (WBFM)
Digital Modulation Schemes
- Pulse Amplitude Modulation (PAM)
- Amplitude Shift Keying (ASK)
- Phase Shift Modulation (PSK)
- Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM)
Wireless Channel
- Noise
- Multipath Effect
- Doppler Shift
- Forward Error Correction (FEC)
- Link Budget Calculation
Digital Communications
- Pulse Shaping
- Matched Filtering
- Symbol Timing Synchronization
- Phase Synchronization
- Frequency Synchronization
- Eye Diagram
- Constellation Diagram
Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM)
- Motivation in OFDM
- OFDM Principles
- OFDM in Time Domain
- OFDM in Frequency Domain
- OFDM Transmitter Implementation
- OFDM Receiver Implementation
Spread Spectrum Techniques
Layered Model for Communication Systems
- The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) Model
- Protocols for Wireless Systems
- Wireless Physical Layer
Q&A
Hands-on RTL-SDR & HackRF
Hands-on General-Purpose SDR Applications (gqrx, SDR#, SDRAngel, OpenWebRX)
Hands-on RF Spectrum Viewing (fosphor demo)
Hands-on RF Spectrum Painting (gr-paint demo)
Hands-on End-to-End Digital Communication System Simulation in GNU Radio (QPSK)
Hands-on Analog Signal Demodulation Examples (AM, LSB/USB, NBFM, WBFM, CW)
Hands-on Capture the Signal (CTS)
Mobile Technologies
- Basic Concepts and Denotations
Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM)
- 2G Architecture Model
- Base Station Subsystem
- Network Subsystem
- Mobile Device
- SIM Card
- General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) and EDGE
- Hands-on Searching for GSM bands using kalibrate
- Hands-on Extracting information from GSM bands using gr-gsm
- Hands-on Building a GSM network using OpenBTS, spectrum analysis, and MS registration
Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS)
- 3G Architecture Model
- Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)
- Hands-on Building a UMTS network using OpenBTS-UMTS, and spectrum analysis
Long Term Evolution (LTE)
- 4G Architecture Model
- OFDMA
- EUTRAN: Network Architecture in LTE
- Evolved Packet Core (EPC)
- Hands-on Sniffing LTE DL bands using LTESniffer
- Hands-on Building an LTE network using srsRAN, and spectrum analysis
5G
- 5G Architecture Model
- 5G New Radio (NR) and 5G Core
- Non-Standalone (NSA) and Standalone (SA) Architectures
- Hands-on Building a SA 5G network using OAI5G, and spectrum analysis

This is a hands-on, in-class course. RTL-SDR devices will be utilized throughout the course. All hardware necessary during the course will be provided. All set-up information for installation will also be provided prior to the start of class. Course materials include slides, GNU Radio flowgraphs, IQ records, hands-on activities like live demonstrations, exercises and Capture The Signal (CTS) sessions. We will make use of many mobile equipment like walkie-talkie radios, garage door openers, mobile phones, and SDRs. We will build 2G, 3G, 4G and even 5G mobile networks with an SDR and a PC. Check the “Hands-on” items listed in the course topics section for more hands-on activities. .

Basic computer usage is enough. No programming skills are necessary.

This is a comprehensive course on telecommunications covering topics from signals and systems to Digital Signal Processing (DSP), SDR, and mobile networks. Upon completion, participants will gain a better understanding of:

Frequency bands and allocations
Linear and Time-Invariant (LTI) Systems
Frequency domain representation of signals
Fundamental Digital Signal Processing (DSP) concepts like sampling, aliasing, digital filtering, multirate signal processing, and frequency domain translation
SDR concepts and architectures
General purpose SDR applications
GNU Radio Software Toolkit
Spectrum monitoring
Wireless Channel, Pathloss, Multipath, and Fading
Forward Error Correction (FEC) Codes
Analog modulation schemes
Digital communication concepts like constellation diagrams, eye diagrams, waveform generation, and synchronization
Digital modulation schemes, including differential and offset schemes
Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM)
Layered Model for Communication Systems
Cellular Networks (GSM, 3G, LTE, 5G)

Software-Defined Radio for Engineers by Travis F. Collins, Robin Getz, Di Pu, Alexander M. Wyglinski
Software Defined Radio with Zynq® UltraScale+™ RFSoC (rfsocbook.com)

High power microwave systems are becoming widespread in today's defense world due to their game-changing functions. The aim of this training is to give the participants a general knowledge about High Power Microwave (HPM) systems, to give details of narrow band and very wide band HPM applications and to comprehend the theories of magnetron, Vircator, and TWTA which are widely used in Defense Industry today.

Introduction
HPM Systems in Defense Industry
HPM Systems and Basic Components
Narrowband HPM Resources
Very Wideband (UWB) HPM Circuits
Pulse-Shortening and Microwave Tubes
Cathodes and Electron Guns
Computer Aided HPM Component Design
Magnetron
Vircator
TWTA (Traveling Wave Tube Amplifiers)

Part of the training will be given in the classroom and through presentation files. In the practical application, the design laboratory environment will be used to obtain and interpret the HPM component designs for different scenarios.

A bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronics engineering or physics

Understands the general working logic of High Power Microwave systems.
Learns the basic components of High Power Microwave devices.
Gains knowledge of the integration of the basic components of High Power Microwave devices.
Understands the basic usage mechanism of High Power Microwave systems in Defense Industry.
Has the ability to select High Power Microwave systems suitable for the purpose.

High Power Microwaves, James Benford, John A. Swegle, Edl Schamiloglu