Week 1 RF Basics Notes - Hsanokklis/2023-2024-Tech-journal GitHub Wiki

Radio Frequency

Radio Frequency (RF) is a form of non-ionizing radiation. It falls on the lowest end of the electromagnetic spectrum, which includes various types of radiation such as visible light, infrared, and microwaves.

Radio Frequency (RF) is a form of non-ionizing radiation. It falls on the lowest end of the electromagnetic spectrum, which includes various types of radiation such as visible light, infrared, and microwaves.

Oscillation:

  • When analyzing a radio wave, the completion of a full cycle, where the wave travels from its highest point (peak) to its lowest point (trough) and back to the peak again.

Frequency:

  • the completion of a full cycle, where the wave travels from its highest point (peak) to its lowest point (trough) and back to the peak again.

Amplitude:

the measure of the height or strength of the wave, representing the distance from the baseline (zero point) to the peak of the wave.

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What Uses Radio Frequencies?

  • Phones & WiFi
  • Microwaves
  • TV’s & Remote Controls
  • Bluetooth Appliances
  • Digital Thermometers
  • Heart Monitors
  • AM / FM Radio

Emergency Radio

There are delegated radio frequencies for emergency purposes. Here are some common frequencies.

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How are Radio Frequencies Transmitted?

  • RF waves are generated using electronic devices called transmitters.
  • Transmitters contain oscillating circuits that produce RF signals when supplied with electrical power.
  • These signals are then radiated into the surrounding space as electromagnetic waves.
  • 1 Oscillation = 1 Hz.
  • 1MHz = 1,000,000 Hz / 1 Million Oscillations per second
  • 1GHz = 1,000,000,000 Hz / 1 Billion Oscillations per second

How are Radio Frequencies Received?

  • RF waves are received and detected by devices equipped with antennas and receivers.
  • Once the antenna captures the electromagnetic waves, it induces an alternating current (AC) in the antenna's conductive elements, corresponding to the frequency of the received signal.
  • The receiver processes these electrical signals with a tuner, extracting the transmitted information for various applications.

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Heat Mapping

Creating a visualization of the strength of signal around you

Heat mapping refers to the process of visualizing and analyzing the distribution and strength of Radio Frequency signals within a given area. This provides valuable insights into signal coverage, strength, and potential interference, aiding in the design, optimization, and troubleshooting of wireless communication systems. By measuring signal strength at various points within the coverage area, engineers can create heat maps that visualize signal propagation and identify areas with poor coverage or dead zones.