Resources that describe the operation and design of individual RF components such as amplifiers, mixers, etc.
In this tutorial from High Frequency Electronics magazine, Anthony Bichler describes a technique to achieve broadband matching networks using the Smith Chart. The tutorial article also includes a review of Smith Chart fundamentals. The technique that is described goes beyond simply keeping the quality factor of the network to a minimum.
This PDF guide from Huber+Suhner is a comprehensive look at connector performance issues. Many popular RF connector types are also described.
Free software for Windows that allows you to perform several different system calculations.
From the website:
This book is based on the first three days of the Applied RF Techniques I course from Besser Associates. Basic analytical tools such as S-parameters and the Smith Chart as well as passive components are covered. Active components are covered in Volume II.
Les Besser and Rowan Gilmore