RFmicrowave

RF/microwave engineering is the field that designs and analyzes systems and components operating at radio frequency and microwave bands. RF generally covers roughly 3 kHz to 300 GHz, while microwave technology is typically defined from about 1 GHz to 300 GHz, with overlap between the two. The domain includes active devices, passive networks, and complete systems for generating, processing, transmitting, receiving, and measuring high‑frequency signals.

Core elements include amplifiers, mixers, oscillators, modulators, filters, antennas, and transceivers. Components must manage impedance, loss, dispersion, and parasitics as frequency increases. Transmission media range from coaxial cables and waveguides to planar forms such as microstrip and stripline. Design and testing rely on high‑frequency techniques and instruments such as vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and time‑domain reflectometry. Device technologies include GaAs, GaN, SiGe, and CMOS/RFICs, enabling both discrete and highly integrated MMICs.

Applications span wireless communications (cellular, Wi‑Fi, satellite), radar and navigation, broadcasting, and scientific instrumentation. RF/microwave systems are also used in medical imaging, remote sensing, and industrial processing. Trends focus on higher frequencies (millimeter wave), broader bandwidths, and greater integration in MMICs and RFICs, supported by advances in packaging, materials, and cooling. Common challenges include losses, heat dissipation, parasitic effects, and regulatory limits on spectrum use and exposure.

Historically, RF and microwave research accelerated with the advent of modern radar in the mid‑20th century and the growth of wireless communications. The field brings together aspects of device physics, circuit design, signal processing, and systems engineering to enable contemporary networks and sensing technologies.