RF Engineering Blog
Deep dives into RF theory, practical design guides, and calculator tutorials.
Essential Guide to RF Attenuator Design
Learn the fundamentals of Pi, T, and Bridged-T attenuator networks. How to choose the right topology for your RF system.
VSWR Explained: Principles and Practice
What is Voltage Standing Wave Ratio? A comprehensive guide to understanding reflection coefficient, return loss, and mismatch loss.
Microstrip Design: PCB Layout Best Practices
How to design controlled impedance traces on FR-4. Tips for controlling width, spacing, and stackup for RF signals.
Pi vs T vs Bridged-T: Choosing the Right Attenuator Topology
A technical comparison of common attenuator networks. When to use a Pi-pad, why T-pads matter for HF, and the magic of Bridged-T for variable control.
Power Handling: Avoiding the Smell of Burning Carbon
How to calculate the power dissipated in each resistor of your attenuator. The Rule of Thumb that saves prototypes.
Precision vs Cost: Do I really need 0.1% Resistors?
Analysis of standard E96 resistor values vs ideal calculations. When to pay for precision and when 1% is enough.