Introduction to RF Propagation

John S. Seybold
Wiley Interscience • 345 pages; $79.95

With the rapid expansion of wireless consumer products, there has been a considerable increase in the need for radio-frequency (RF) planning, link planning and propagation modeling. This book serves as an introduction to RF propagation and the associated modeling. In Chapter 1, the introduction, frequency designations, modes of propagation, and model selection and application are described. Chapter 2 provides a brief review of electromagnetic theory. While not exhaustive, it provides sufficient background and review for understanding the material in later chapters. Chapter 3 covers antenna fundamentals. Chapter 4 treats the basics of communication systems analysis. Chapter 5 provides a general overview of radar operation, primarily from the RF propagation standpoint. Many communication systems rely on RF propagation through the atmosphere. Thus, modeling atmospheric effects on RF propagation is an important element of system design and performance prediction. This is the subject of Chapter 6. Chapter 7 offers near-earth propagation models. Chapter 8 discusses fading due to shadowing, blockage and multipath caused by terrain features. Chapter 9 presents some statistical (site-general) models for indoor propagation, which is considerably different from the typical outdoor environment and in many ways more hostile. Chapter 10 provides the details of two well-known models for rain attenuation for microwave and millimeter-wave signals. In Chapter 11, many of the channel impairments that have been previously discussed are revisited and it is shown how they are applied to satellite communication links. Chapter 12 discusses the FCC limits and its guidelines for computation of the effects of prolonged exposure to low density electromagnetic waves.

To order this book, contact:
John Wiley & Sons Inc.
One Wiley Drive
Somerset, NJ 08875
(800) 225-5945

Essentials of RF and Microwave Grounding

Eric Holzman
Artech House • 221 pages; $99, £57

For RF and microwave engineers, the designers of high frequency electrical circuits and antennas, proper grounding means much more than safety. The rapidly alternating currents in microwave circuits also flow on conductors but the circuits are no longer strictly closed. One circuit’s currents may transmit energy to the currents on another, physically removed circuit. If the high frequency grounding of these circuits is not properly designed, they may malfunction and interfere with each other. This book offers a comprehensive understanding of the proper grounding techniques to use in high frequency design projects. Chapter 1 gives an overview of the topics covered in the book and introduces low frequency grounding, starting with simple lumped circuit examples. Chapter 2 reviews electromagnetic theory, starting with Coulomb’s postulate for the forces between two charges and progressing quickly to steady state, time harmonic fields. Chapter 3 discusses a variety of conductor-based transmission lines, including coaxial, microstrip and waveguide. The flow of currents on these transmission lines is examined. Chapter 4 discusses grounding and transitions between different types of transmission lines. Chapter 5 looks at grounding in active microwave component design. Components constructed from diodes, including switches and mixers, are examined and then a significant portion of the chapter is devoted to microwave FETs. The last section of the chapter covers grounding of active devices on printed circuit boards. Antennas and ground planes are the topic of Chapter 6. As with microwave circuits, the currents flowing on antennas are what matters. Unlike circuits, however, antennas are designed so these currents radiate as efficiently as possible.

To order this book, contact
Artech House 685 Canton St.
Norwood, MA 02062
(781) 769-9750 ext. 4030; or
46 Gillingham St.
London SW1V 1HH UK
+44 (0) 207-8750