The Relationship of Signal Processing, Communication Technologies and RF Circuit Design and the Impact on the Future of RF and Microwave Education

Radio frequency engineering and hence RF and microwave education have traditionally been based on the assignment of narrow bands of the electromagnetic spectrum. As well, signals have usually been described appropriately using discrete tones. Today digitally-modulated signal are most commonly used to transmit RF signals and the bandwidth of communication channels is broadening. The broadening is taken to the limit with proposed Ultra Wideband systems. The next generation of RF and microwave hardware engineers must have an appreciation for the complexities of signals and be grounded in wideband design.