Industry News
Quectel and Morse Micro’s Wi-Fi HaLow Module Receives European CE and US FCC Certifications
Taoglas Enhances Testing Capabilities with MVG's Test Chamber at its Research and Development Facility
TMYTEK Partners with HCMF to Develop mm-Wave Intelligent Car Door Sensing Technology
Kyocera AVX Unveils New Series of Low-Profile Automotive Antennas at CES 2024
U.S. NTIA Awards Funding to VIAVI Automated Lab-as-a-Service for Open RAN
Viavi Solutions Inc. announced that the U.S. NTIA awarded the company a grant over a three-year performance period for the VIAVI Automated Lab-as-a-Service for Open RAN (VALOR).
What Does RF Stand For?
Simply, RF stands for Radio Frequency. This generally refers to all of the electromagnetic spectrum that is used for radio systems and wireless communication. However, RF can also mean a variety of different things depending on the context of use. On some occasions when discussing spectrum, RF refers to the frequency range below microwaves, which in turn is below millimeter waves. This can be particularly confusing, as there is no distinct definition of microwaves, as used in industry. It would stand to reason from a physical perspective that microwaves would refer to the electromagnetic spectrum where the wavelength of the signals are in the micrometer range. This, however, is not the case for the term microwaves, as the term’s origin was likely not a physical definition but used to establish that the wavelengths used for early “microwave” systems was much smaller than radio frequency, or radio wave, systems of the time.
This is often why many legacy publications and documentation include the terms RF and microwave when discussing the industry that deals with electromagnetic phenomena from kilohertz to sub-terahertz. An interesting note is that how millimeter-waves is commonly used actually does refer to the physical wavelength of the signals in this spectrum. This comes at odds with some definitions of microwaves, as the definition for millimeter-waves and microwaves overlap. In many cases, the frequency range described by RF also overlaps with microwaves. This is likely why many industry professionals discuss relevant frequencies in terms of waveguide frequency bands, radar frequency bands, or frequency bands used for specific applications, such as 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz for Wi-Fi wireless communications and networking.
The term RF is also used to apply a distinction between components, devices, sub-systems, and systems specifically used for electromagnetic communication and sensing from other electronics, electrical, and electromagnetic disciplines. For instance, there are multiple types of bandpass filters, mixers, amplifiers, etc. Without the RF distinction, it would be difficult to discern if these products were designed for audio, ultrasonic, RF, AC electrical systems, or other applications. This is another point of confusion, as the terms microwave and millimeter-wave are often used in the same way to describe electromagnetic communication and sensing products. Hence, there is a field of terms to describe these products and technology resources, which often makes searching for and finding applicable technologies difficult without the correct nomenclature.
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Smiths Interconnect Launches High-Reliability TSX Fixed Chip Attenuator Series
Smiths Interconnect extends its offering of high frequency surface-mount chip attenuators with the release of its new HR TXS Series, a small, easy to implement, high-reliability product qualified for space and defence applications.
Generating Stable Qubits at Room Temperature
A group of researchers led by Associate Professor Nobuhiro Yanai of Kyushu University reports that they have achieved quantum coherence at room temperature.
Quantum Microwave Debuts Turn-key Cryogenic Sub-system with Raytheon BBN's 5-7 GHz Wide Bandwidth JPA
Revenue for the Military Satellite Market to Cross US $15.8 Billion in 2024
pSemi Corporation Introduces New Automotive-Grade Ultra-Wideband RF Switch
Cutting-Edge Advanced Channel Emulator Addresses the Evolving Needs of Satellite Communications Testing
Wi-Fi Alliance® Introduces Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 7™ with Advanced Wi-Fi Capabilities
Skyworks Showcases its Latest Automotive and Smart City Utility Applications at CES 2024
SCALINX Secures €34M in Second Round Funding
SCALINX has successfully concluded its second funding round, securing a global investment of €34 million.
Taoglas Enhances Testing Capabilities with MVG's SG 24 System at San Diego Flagship
MVG announced that Taoglas has enhanced its global testing capabilities with the installation of MVG's SG 24 system at its research and development facility in San Diego.
5G Americas Explores 3GPP's Release 18 and Beyond in 5G-Advanced
5G Americas has released a white paper titled ‘3GPP Technology Trends’ which provides a detailed overview of the 3GPP and its journey towards 5G-Advanced that begins with Release 18.
FloLive, Skylo and Telit Partner on Global Connectivity
FloLive, Skylo and Telit Cinterion are working together to enables ubiquitous global cellular IoT connectivity with satellites.
Precision-Engineered Stamped Metal Antennas
Pasternack announced its new line of stamped metal antennas, crafted for those who prioritize both efficiency and intelligent design in their electronic solutions.