This reference presents a systematic discussion of the characteristics of receiver components and cascade performance with numerous examples. Written by engineers for engineers, this text focuses on useful and proven concepts that can be used daily by working engineers and offers the most comprehensive discussion of basic concepts, techniques, and design implications available today.

If you're a student or hobbyist who enjoys working with electronics, you'll love this project-packed book. It puts at your fingertips the hands-on guidance you need.

The Technician's Radio Receiver Handbook is an invaluable tool for anyone involved in the technologies of wireless, cellular telephone, telecommunications, avionics, and other forms of electronic communication using radio waves. The market demand for and use of wireless and telecommunication technology has increased dramatically over the past decade, leaving many technicians and other communications professionals with the need for accurate information on how the newest equipment works and how to fix any problems that arise. Joe Carr, a notable author in the amateur radio and communications markets, explains both the new and old technologies, the science behind the scenes, as well as troubleshooting techniques not found in any other book. The book will also have a companion website including helpful calculation software, customizable spreadsheets, and much more. - Written for technicians and hands-on practitioners in clear, easy-to-read text with many detailed illustrations - Contains information on cutting-edge receiver equipment as well as the most popular types used today in a variety of markets - Destined to be a constant reference and superb training guide for anyone interested in communications technology

It is hardly a profound observation to note that we remain in the midst of a wireless revolution. In 1998 alone, over 150 million cell phones were sold worldwide, representing an astonishing 50% increase over the previous year. Maintaining such a remarkable growth rate requires constant innovation to decrease cost while increasing performance and functionality. Traditionally, wireless products have depended on a mixture of semicond- tor technologies, spanning GaAs, bipolar and BiCMOS, just to name a few. A question that has been hotly debated is whether CMOS could ever be suitable for RF applications. However, given the acknowledged inferiority of CMOS transistors relative to those in other candidate technologies, it has been argued by many that “CMOS RF” is an oxymoron, an endeavor best left cloistered in the ivory towers of academia. In rebuttal, there are several compelling reasons to consider CMOS for wi- less applications. Aside from the exponential device and density improvements delivered regularly by Moore’s law, only CMOS offers a technology path for integrating RF and digital elements, potentially leading to exceptionally c- pact and low-cost devices. To enable this achievement, several thorny issues need to be resolved. Among these are the problem of poor passive com- nents, broadband noise in MOSFETs, and phase noise in oscillators made with CMOS. Beyond the component level, there is also the important question of whether there are different architectural choices that one would make if CMOS were used, given the different constraints.

Provides a fundamental understanding of current as well as future concepts and techniques essential for systematically defining and manufacturing a receiver that is flexible yet functional in today's world. An excellent introduction to communications and the role of receivers in conveying information.

Written by an expert in the field, this book covers the principles, architectures, applications, specifications and characterizations of radio receivers In this book, the author introduces the reader to the basic principles and theories of present-day communications receiver technology. The first section of the book presents realization concepts at the system level, taking into consideration the various types of users. Details of the circuitry are described providing the reader with an understanding of fully digitized radio receivers, offering an insight into the state-of-the-art. The remaining sections address radio receivers, particularly as two-port devices. Furthermore, the author outlines the fields of applications (with sample calculations and with reference to practical work) and their features and considers also the specialty of high-quality radio receivers. As can be seen from the multitude of terrestrial applications described in Part II, they are typically used for radio surveillance, signal intelligence, modern radio bearing and at the classical radio services. Parts III and IV describe the entire range of parameters that are useful for the characterization of these receivers. The description starts from the physical effect, or the explanation of the individual parameter, and then proceeds to the measuring technique for determining the parameters, highlighting problems, followed by explanatory notes with applicatory relevance. The measuring procedures described are the result of experiences gained in extended laboratory work and practical testing. With the model shown in Part IV, used for the operational evaluation detailing the intrinsic small range of interpretation, the book covers untreated research in the field. The Appendix provides among others valuable information about the dimensioning of receiving systems and the mathematical derivation of non-linear effects and as well as a useful method for converting different level specifications. Key Features: Introduces the basic principles and theories of present-day technology Discusses concepts at system level (aligned to the various types of users) Addresses (fully) digitized radio receivers focusing on the state-of-the-art Close contacts to the industry were utilized to show background information Enables the reader to comprehend and evaluate the characteristic features and the performance of such systems Examines the entire range of parameters that are characteristic of the technology including the physical effect and measuring techniques Includes results of experiences gained in extended laboratory work and practical testing with examples Provides a uniform and systematic approach for ease of understanding e.g. many didactic figures for the visual illustration have been newly created as well as complete real-world examples This book will be an excellent resource to understand the principles of work, for professionals developing and testing radio receivers, for receiver users (e.g. at regulatory agencies, surveillance centers, secret services, classical radio communications services), technicians, engineers and technicians who work with RF-measurement instruments, postgraduate students studying in the field and university lecturers. Chartered radio amateurs and handlers/operators will also find this book insightful. Due to high level of detail, it also serves as a reference. By using the carefully edited alphabetical index with over 1,200 entries, the appropriate explanations can be found quickly in the text.