EEs Talk Tech: Diving Deep into RF, Radar, and the Future of Engineering Innovation

Welcome to EEs Talk Tech, the podcast that moves beyond simple DC concepts to explore the expansive world of Electrical Engineering, focusing especially on Radio Frequency (RF) Communications and advanced system design.

In this series, we help engineers and enthusiasts understand the fundamental concepts and practical application of RF technology, covering essential communication analogies such as defining the Input signal, Carrier, Modulation (e.g., AM or FM), and Encoding. We emphasize analyzing signal characteristics in both the time domain (voltage or current as a function of time) and the frequency domain (magnitude and phase as a function of frequency). While all signals exist in the time domain, testing tools like the spectrum analyzer are often more frequency domain oriented.

Core Communication Concepts: We differentiate between the primary modulation techniques used in broadcasting:

• Amplitude Modulation (AM): Information is encoded by varying the carrier wave's amplitude. AM typically operates in the 540 kHz to 1700 kHz range and provides a wider coverage area through ground wave and skywave propagation, making it ideal for news and talk radio reaching remote areas. However, AM signals suffer from lower audio fidelity and greater susceptibility to atmospheric noise and electrical interference.
• Frequency Modulation (FM): Information is encoded by varying the carrier wave's frequency. FM operates in a higher frequency range (88 MHz to 108 MHz) and offers superior audio quality and greater resistance to amplitude-based noise and interference. FM is often preferred for music and entertainment in urban areas where line-of-sight propagation is feasible.

Advanced Systems and Engineering Challenges: We examine the critical components of a transceiver, including the Low Noise Amplifier (LNA), Mixer, Filters, and Power Amplifiers (PA), and delve into complex applications:

• Radar Systems: We discuss the basic principles of RAdio Detection And Ranging (RADAR), which began as a military technology but now supports applications like air traffic control and weather forecasting. Critical design considerations include adherence to regulatory standards on unwanted emissions (spurious and Out-of-Band—OoB domains).
• Cable TV Networks: We break down the technical background of systems carrying analog and digital signals, analyzing different frequency plans and the effects of degradation mechanisms like nonlinear distortions such as Composite Second-Order (CSO) distortion.
• Defense Innovation and the CTP: We explore the challenges facing engineers and innovative private companies seeking to transition solutions for military use. We break down the Commercial Technology Pipeline (CTP)—the activities, functions, and processes required to identify, develop, and adopt commercial technologies for the Department of Defense (DoD). A major challenge discussed is the "valley of death," the gap where commercially mature technology stalls without a clear path to production, fielding, or continued development funding within the DoD. We analyze how organizations like the National Security Innovation Network (NSIN) and xTechSearch facilitate functions such as technology scouting, problem identification, and navigation support for new entrants.

Tune in to dissect the fundamental math, tackle system constraints, and gain the technical wisdom required to innovate in the rapidly advancing world of RF and wireless technology.