What does an RF design workflow look like?

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

A typical RF design flow runs: requirements and link budget, architecture and cascade analysis, block-level circuit design with linear and harmonic-balance simulation, EM simulation of layout-critical structures, PCB layout, bench measurement with VNA and spectrum analyzer, then EMC and regulatory testing such as FCC Part 15.

How are requirements turned into block specs?

Start from range, data rate and regulatory limits. The link budget gives the required receiver sensitivity; sensitivity gives the allowed system noise figure via S = −174 dBm/Hz + NF + 10·log10(B) + SNR_min. Blocking and intermodulation requirements give the cascade IIP3. A spreadsheet cascade (Friis for noise, the 1/IIP3 sum for linearity) then allocates gain, NF and IP3 to each stage.^[1]

What happens during design and layout?

Devices are chosen from S-parameter and noise data, matched on the Smith chart, checked for unconditional stability, and simulated. Layout fixes the substrate and stackup, transmission-line geometry, grounding and shielding. Critical structures (filters, couplers, antenna feeds, transitions) are EM-simulated.

How is a prototype verified?

Measure small-signal S-parameters on a calibrated VNA, then noise figure, compression, IP3, phase noise and spurious emissions, then over temperature and supply. Radiated tests in a chamber precede formal compliance testing at an accredited lab. See precompliance testing.

Frequently asked questions

Why do RF boards need several spins?

Parasitics, coupling and component tolerances are hard to model completely; measurement usually reveals tuning needs.

When should EM simulation be used?

For structures whose behavior depends on geometry: filters, couplers, transitions, antennas and long interconnects.

Is compliance testing optional?

No. Intentional radiators sold in the US need FCC equipment authorization under 47 CFR Parts 2 and 15 or the applicable service rules.

References

Online sources accessed October 21, 2026; printed works cited by edition. See all sources.

“RF Microelectronics, 2nd ed.”. B. Razavi, Prentice Hall. 2012.

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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
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