About RF Design Wiki

From RF Design Wiki · By the RF Design Wiki editorial team · Published October 21, 2026 · Last reviewed October 21, 2026 · How we research

RF Design Wiki is an independent educational reference on radio-frequency and microwave design: fundamentals, transmission lines, matching, S-parameters, filters, amplifiers, mixers, oscillators and PLLs, antennas and propagation, PCB layout, EMC, test and measurement, simulation and standards. It is written and maintained by the RF Design Wiki editorial team. It carries no ads, no affiliate links and no tracking.

What does the wiki cover?

See the contents for every article, the formula cheat sheet for quick reference and the glossary for definitions.

How is it written?

Every technical claim is checked against standard textbooks, IEEE papers, ITU-R recommendations, regulatory texts and application notes from test and semiconductor manufacturers. See the editorial policy.

Is it affiliated with any vendor?

No. Vendor application notes are cited for technique, not endorsement. The wiki is not affiliated with Wikipedia, the Wikimedia Foundation, IEEE, ITU or any regulator.

Frequently asked questions

Who writes RF Design Wiki?

The RF Design Wiki editorial team.

Can I use these formulas in a design?

Use them for understanding and estimates; verify against datasheets, simulation, measurement and the applicable regulations.

How can I report an error?

Suggested corrections with a source are welcome; see the editorial policy.

Categories: About

Articles on RF Design Wiki

Start here	Main page What is RF design Learning path Design workflow
Fundamentals	Decibels and dBm RF power Wavelength and frequency Thermal noise Noise figure Noise temperature SNR and Eb/N0 Skin effect Q factor Nonlinearity and harmonics Intermodulation and IP3 P1dB compression Dynamic range and SFDR
Transmission lines	Transmission line theory Characteristic impedance Γ, VSWR and return loss Input impedance of a line Quarter-wave transformer Microstrip Stripline Coplanar waveguide Coaxial cable Waveguides RF connectors
Matching and S-parameters	Impedance matching Maximum power transfer Smith chart L-network matching Pi and T networks Stub matching Bode–Fano limit S-parameters Touchstone files Z, Y, ABCD parameters De-embedding Mixed-mode S-parameters
Filters and passives	RF filter basics Filter approximations LC filter design Microstrip filters Cavity and dielectric filters SAW and BAW filters Diplexers and duplexers Wilkinson divider Couplers and hybrids Baluns Circulators and isolators RF attenuators Passive components
Amplifiers	Gain definitions Amplifier stability LNA design Power amplifier basics PA classes Efficiency and PAE Doherty amplifier Linearization and DPD Load-pull Transistor technologies Transistor biasing ACPR and EVM
Mixers and frequency generation	RF mixers Mixer specifications Image frequency I/Q modulators Oscillator basics Crystal oscillators VCO design Phase noise Jitter from phase noise PLL basics PLL loop filter Fractional-N synthesis Direct digital synthesis Multipliers and dividers
Antennas and propagation	Antenna fundamentals Gain and directivity Dipole antenna Monopole antenna Patch antenna Arrays and beamforming Small antenna limits Polarization Friis equation Free-space path loss Link budget Multipath and fading Atmospheric and rain loss Path loss models Fresnel zones
Receivers and systems	Receiver architectures Superheterodyne Direct conversion Low-IF receiver Software-defined radio Receiver sensitivity Blocking and selectivity Transmitter architectures Modulation ADCs for RF Radar basics
PCB layout and materials	RF PCB layout RF PCB materials Grounding and vias Controlled-impedance stackup Decoupling RF shielding Thermal design
EMC and EMI	EMC and EMI basics FCC Part 15 CISPR standards Immunity and ESD EMI filters and ferrites Precompliance testing RF exposure limits
Test and measurement	Vector network analyzer VNA calibration Spectrum analyzer Noise figure measurement Phase noise measurement RF power measurement Signal generators TDR Antenna measurement Oscilloscopes for RF
Simulation	Simulation overview Harmonic balance EM simulation EM solver methods SPICE for RF
Standards and bands	Frequency bands Radar band letters ISM bands 5G NR bands Wi-Fi and Bluetooth RF GNSS frequencies Amateur radio bands Spectrum regulation
Reference	Formula cheat sheet Textbooks and references Glossary FAQ All sources
About	About Editorial policy