RF Training Education Courses: Radio waves are generated artificially by transmitters and received by radio receivers, using antennas.
When a direct electrical current is applied to a wire the current flow builds an electromagnetic field around the wire. This field sends a wave outward from the wire. When the current is removed, the field collapses which again sends a wave.
If the current is applied and removed over and over for a period of time, a series of waves is propagated at a discrete frequency. If the current changes polarity, or direction repeatedly that could make waves, too.
This phenomenon is the basis of electromagnetivity and basically describes how radio waves are created within transmitters.
Other kinds of electromagnetic radiation, including radio waves, are made by natural processes such as the nuclear reactions in a star.
Different forms of electromagnetic energy are categorized by their wavelengths and frequencies. The RF (radio frequency) part of the electromagnetic spectrum is generally defined as that part of the spectrum where electromagnetic waves have frequencies in the range of about 3 kilohertz (3 kHz) to 300 gigahertz (300 GHz).
Microwaves are a specific category of radio waves that can be loosely defined as radiofrequency energy at frequencies ranging from about 1 GHz to 30 GHz.
Radio waves are very widely used in modern technology for fixed and mobile radio communication, broadcasting, radar and other navigation systems, communications satellites, wireless computer networks and many other applications.
Today, many occupations require employees to be well-versed in RF technology. Foremost of these occupations are RF engineers. These are specialists within the electrical engineering field. They work with devices that transmit or receive radio waves, including wireless equipment, radios and cellular phones.
A background in general electronics, physics and math is needed to design and improve wireless networks. Engineers also must have good communication skills because they may be expected to work in teams or with others outside of their field.
In the United States, regulatory responsibility for the radio spectrum is divided between the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
The FCC, which is an independent regulatory agency, administers spectrum for non-Federal use (state, local government, commercial, private internal business and personal use) and the NTIA, which is an operating unit of the Department of Commerce, administers spectrum for Federal use (by the Army, the FAA and the FBI).
Within the FCC, the Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) provides advice on technical and policy issues pertaining to spectrum allocation and use.
Want to learn more about RF technology and its applications? Tonex offers more than a dozen courses in basic and advanced RF training. For more information, questions, comments, contact us.