Microwave Journal
www.microwavejournal.com/articles/2898-the-bookend

The Bookend

March 1, 2000

The Bookend

RF Circuit Design: Theory and Applications
Reinhold Ludwig and Pavel Bretchko
Prentice Hall
641 pages plus CD-ROM; $97
ISBN:0-13-095323-7

This book is intended to bridge the gap between a highly theoretical text based on electromagnetic (EM) theory and a practical circuit design manual based on Kirchoff’s laws. The objective of this book is to develop RF circuit design aspects in such a way that the need for transmission line principles is clear without adopting an EM field approach. Lengthy mathematical derivations are either relegated to the appendices or placed in examples. As a result, some of the examples contain considerable detail and have been simulated in MMICAD for the linear circuit models and the Advanced Design System for nonlinear oscillator and mixer models.

The book begins with a general explanation of why basic circuit theory breaks down as the operating frequency is increased to a level where the wavelength becomes comparable with the discrete circuit components. Next, transmission line theory is developed to replace low frequency circuit models. The Smith chart is introduced as a generic tool used to describe impedance behavior on the basis of reflection coefficient.

Two-port networks are also covered, along with their flow chart representations and how they are described using scattering parameters. The network models and scattering parameters then are utilized to develop passive RF filter configurations.

A review of key semiconductor fundamentals is presented, followed by their circuit model representations. Impedance matching and biasing of bipolar and field-effect transistors that aim at eliminating potentially dangerous reflections and providing optimum power flow are discussed. A number of key high frequency amplifier configurations are presented along with their design intricacies for low noise and high power applications. Finally, the reader is introduced to nonlinear systems and their use in designing oscillator and mixer circuits.

The book is an extraordinarily clear and concise treatment of RF circuit design theory and will be easily understood and instantly useful to practicing design engineers. Used as a course text, students should gain good practical design knowledge and an ability to use it more effectively.
To order this book, contact: Prentice Hall, PO Box 11073, Des Moines, IA 50336 (800) 947-7700.

M.I.T. Radiation Laboratory Series
Various Radiation Laboratory staff members
Artech House Inc.
CD-ROM (set of two); $325, £223

The M.I.T. Radiation Laboratory was responsible for dramatic advances in microwave and radar technology between 1941 and 1945. The laboratory’s work made practical radar technology a reality and produced many advancements in microwave communications and other related technologies. Beginning in 1947, 28 volumes detailing the laboratory’s innovations in practical microwave and radar applications were published in an effort to make this valuable information readily available to scientists and engineering professionals. These 28 books are considered the foundation of modern microwave technology and are now available on two fully searchable CD-ROMs, making them useful resources for today’s practicing microwave technologists.

The set includes volumes on Radar System Engineering, Radar Aids to Navigation, Radar Beacons, Loran, Pulse Generators, Microwave Magnetrons, Klystrons and Microwave Triodes, Principles of Microwave Circuits, Microwave Transmission Circuits, Waveguide Handbook, Techniques of Microwave Measurement, Microwave Antenna Theory and Design, Propagation of Short Radio Waves and Microwave Duplexers. Also included in the set are Crystal Rectifiers, Microwave Mixers, Components Handbook, Vacuum Tube Amplifiers, Waveforms, Electronic Time Measurements, Electronic Instruments, Cathode Ray Tube Displays, Microwave Receivers, Threshold Signals, Theory of Servomechanisms, Radar Scanners and Radomes, and Computing Mechanisms and Linkages. The final volume is a comprehensive index to the set and its many topics and subjects.

To view and search the 28 volumes contained on the two CD-ROMs requires the use of the Adobe Acrobat Reader. This software is available free from Adobe and is provided on the CDs along with instructions for installation. Once installed the entire set can be easily searched for key words and phrases applicable to specific subjects required by the user.
To order this CD-ROM set, contact: Artech House Inc., 685 Canton St., Norwood, MA 02062 (781) 769-9750, ext. 4002; or 46 Gillingham St., London SW1V 1HH, UK +44 (0) 171 973 8077.