The eLearning Center for Gatlin Education Services

Overview

This course describes the primary components used in typical RF (radio frequency) systems and describes their functions and characteristics as they relate to system performance. Terminology is explained where necessary for the benefit of the non-RF student. The level of discussion is aimed at students who have some familiarity with the concept of RF devices. While this course does not focus on consumer devices, many may be considered as "RF systems" in a broad sense. A cellphone, keychain remote car-door lock control, walkie-talkie, and radio-controlled model car embody many of the same functions found in large systems, such as the weather radar used by TV stations and satellite communications. To that extent, virtually everyone uses an RF system.

Starting from a very basic transmitting and receiving capability, the course introduces the student to system concepts without rigorous technical detail. Those who work in other disciplines will benefit from this course if they need to communicate and coordinate work with RF engineers, define the purpose and requirements for an RF system, or use an RF system in their own work. Future courses in the RF series are planned, depending on student interest, to cover more detail about the function, characteristics, application, and selection of both components and systems.

The student must take a multiple-choice quiz consisting of ten (10) questions at the end of this course to obtain PDH credits.

Specific Knowledge or Skill Attained

This course teaches the following specific knowledge and skills:

  · Hardware components of an RF system
  · Major purpose and typical functional parameters of each component
  · Definitions of terminology and quantities
  · How signals are transmitted through space
  · How signals carry intelligence and information

State Board Acceptance

This course can be used by professional engineers to fulfill PDH requirements mandated by state and provincial licensing boards. Decatur Professional Development is an approved provider of continuing education in all states that pre-approve course providers. In all other states that mandate continuing education for engineers, it is the individual engineer's responsibility to determine the suitability of activities for PDH credit. The state boards typically accept online* courses that cover technical, managerial** or ethical content and which are relevant to the practice of engineering. The course must have a clear purpose or objective with a content that will maintain, improve or expand the skills and knowledge of the licensee's field of practice. For questions about your mandatory PDH requirements, visit the website of your state licensing board.

*Online courses are accepted by all state licensing boards that mandate continuing education. Other than New York (which limits online courses to 18 PDH) and Iowa (which limits online courses to 6 PDH), there are no limits placed by other states on the number of hours that can be earned through online continuing education. Consult with your state licensing board if you have any questions about the acceptability of online courses.

**The New York State Board of Engineers does not accept general office management courses, but will accept project management courses that are offered by an approved provider and that are technical in nature and contribute to the engineer's professional practice.