Why is RF filtering so important? Simply put, filters reduce the interference in the environment that affects the performance of the communication system, and reduce the interference caused by the communication system. The lack of RF filtering can affect the performance of the UAS in a number of ways: Communication range is reduced due to [...]
When choosing an RF filter for your communications system, test and measurement setup, or RF module design, there are numerous options available. The best option depends on your specific application. Below are some key parameters that will guide your decision: The frequency range(s) that shall pass through the filter (i.e., the passband) The frequency [...]
Radio Frequency (RF) Filters are special circuits that allow a signal of interest to pass through while attenuating any undesired signals. And while there are a large number of different filter topologies, there are generally 4 filter responses, or shapes, when plotted in the frequency domain. These four shapes are: Low Pass High Pass Band [...]
An RF circuit that generates a Radio Frequency (RF) signal, is very sensitive to power supply noise. If not controlled, the power supply noise can significantly degrade the performance of the system. So, what are the sources of noise and how can they be addressed? The first potential source of noise is the power source. [...]
One of the most commonly overlooked building blocks of a UAS communication system is RF filtering. Whether your system is for command and control or streaming sensor data such as live video, proper filtering can be the key element in achieving the communications range or data throughput desired. Unfortunately, it is often not realized that [...]
An RF Preselector (a.k.a an RF Tuner or “front-end”) is used to prevent out-of-band signals from entering the radio receiver. In a super-heterodyne type of receiver, front-end filtering is essential to prevent unwanted signals from degrading the performance of the receiver. Without filtering, the frequency conversion stage(s) of the receiver will convert all signals received [...]
Virtually all disciplines apply certain inherited tricks-of-the-trade to expedite tasks. RF engineers and technicians are no different from anyone else…in that respect at least. Oftentimes there is a need for a quick and easy-to-build simple notch filter to improve laboratory measurements. For instance, an RF signal generator’s second harmonic can negatively impact measurements taken of the [...]
