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Postgraduate DiplomaElectronics, Embedded Systems & Telecom Applications open

Diploma in LNA/PA and Linearization

Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in LNA/PA design and linearisation. 8 modules covering RF amplifier parameters, low-noise amplifiers, power amplifiers, high-efficiency architectures, distortion and non-linearity, linearisation techniques and implementation and validation, with an assigned technical tutor.

Duration6–8 months
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute diploma
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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Interpret the gain, noise and linearity parameters of RF amplifiers.

02

Design low-noise amplifiers with optimum matching networks.

03

Design power amplifiers using load-pull.

04

Compare high-efficiency architectures such as Doherty and envelope tracking.

05

Measure distortion through ACPR, EVM and intermodulation.

06

Implement digital predistortion with memory models.

07

Validate amplifiers against 3GPP specifications.

Profile

Who it's for

  • RF design engineers.
  • Power amplifier designers.
  • Linearisation and DPD engineers.
  • RF measurement engineers.
  • Base station engineers at operators and equipment vendors.
  • Radio front-end engineers.
  • Engineering or science graduates aiming to enter telecommunications.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • 3GPP TS 38.104 (NR base station radio transmission and reception)
  • 3GPP TS 38.141-1 (NR base station conformance testing — conducted)
  • ETSI EN 301 908-1 (IMT cellular networks — harmonised standard for access to radio spectrum)
  • 3GPP TS 36.104 (E-UTRA base station radio transmission and reception)
  • IEEE 802.11ax (high-efficiency wireless LAN (Wi-Fi 6))
  • IEC 60747-16 (semiconductor devices — microwave integrated circuits)
  • ETSI EN 300 328 (wideband transmission systems in the 2.4 GHz band)
  • Keysight PathWave ADS
  • Cadence AWR Microwave Office
  • MATLAB RF Toolbox
  • Keysight PathWave Signal Studio
  • Focus Microwaves load-pull
Syllabus

8 modules

  1. 1.1Gain, bandwidth and stability
  2. 1.2Noise figure and noise temperature
  3. 1.31 dB compression point
  4. 1.4Third-order intercept point
  5. 1.5Drain efficiency and PAE
  6. 1.6S-parameters and their measurement
  7. 1.7Rollett stability factor
  8. 1.8Impedance matching with the Smith chart
  9. 1.9Spurious-free dynamic range
  10. 1.10Practical exercise: stability analysis with S-parameters
  1. 2.1Friis equation in receiver chains
  2. 2.2Noise circles and available gain
  3. 2.3pHEMT, SiGe and CMOS transistors for LNAs
  4. 2.4Matching networks for minimum noise
  5. 2.5Inductive source degeneration
  6. 2.6Wideband and distributed LNAs
  7. 2.7Protection against strong signals
  8. 2.8Biasing and thermal stability
  9. 2.9Noise figure measurement with the Y-factor method
  10. 2.10Lab: design of a 3.5 GHz LNA in ADS
  1. 3.1Classes A, AB, B and C
  2. 3.2Switched-mode classes E and F
  3. 3.3GaN and LDMOS transistors
  4. 3.4Load-pull and source-pull
  5. 3.5Output matching networks
  6. 3.6Dynamic biasing and envelope tracking
  7. 3.7Thermal management of PAs
  8. 3.8Transistor reliability and stress
  9. 3.9PAs integrated in front-end modules
  10. 3.10Workshop: design of a class AB PA with load-pull
  1. 4.1Symmetrical and asymmetrical Doherty amplifiers
  2. 4.2Wideband Doherty
  3. 4.3Outphasing and Chireix combining
  4. 4.4Envelope tracking (ET)
  5. 4.5Active load modulation
  6. 4.6Balanced PAs and combiners
  7. 4.7Efficiency with high-PAPR signals
  8. 4.8Digital Doherty and dual-input control
  9. 4.9Comparison of architectures
  10. 4.10Practical exercise: simulation of a GaN Doherty
  1. 5.1AM/AM and AM/PM conversion
  2. 5.2Third- and fifth-order intermodulation
  3. 5.3Electrical and thermal memory effects
  4. 5.4Adjacent channel power ratio (ACPR)
  5. 5.5Error vector magnitude (EVM)
  6. 5.6Spectral emission masks
  7. 5.7Volterra models
  8. 5.8Memory polynomial models
  9. 5.9Non-linearity measurement with modulated signals
  10. 5.10Lab: ACPR and EVM measurement of a PA
  1. 6.1Back-off and its cost in efficiency
  2. 6.2Feedforward linearisation
  3. 6.3Cartesian and polar feedback
  4. 6.4Analogue predistortion with diodes
  5. 6.5Digital predistortion (DPD)
  6. 6.6Indirect and direct DPD learning
  7. 6.7Crest factor reduction (CFR)
  8. 6.8DPD for wide-bandwidth signals
  9. 6.9DPD with neural networks
  10. 6.10Workshop: DPD with a memory polynomial
  1. 7.1PCB design for power RF
  2. 7.2Transistor mounting and heat dissipation
  3. 7.3Measurement benches with a vector network analyser
  4. 7.4Signal capture with a spectrum analyser
  5. 7.5Observation loops for DPD
  6. 7.6DPD implementation on FPGA
  7. 7.73GPP conformance testing
  8. 7.8Thermal and robustness testing
  9. 7.9Correlation between simulation and measurement
  10. 7.10Case study: validation of a PA for a 5G base station
  1. 8.1Gain, power and linearity specifications
  2. 8.2Selection of transistor technology
  3. 8.3LNA or PA design
  4. 8.4High-efficiency architecture
  5. 8.5Non-linear behavioural model
  6. 8.6Linearisation design
  7. 8.7Measurement plan and results
  8. 8.8Conclusions and improvements
  9. 8.9Report and presentation
  10. 8.10Final project: final review with your tutor
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, so you can combine it with your job.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Keysight PathWave ADS, Cadence AWR Microwave Office, MATLAB RF Toolbox, Keysight PathWave Signal Studio and Focus Microwaves load-pull, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures for load-pull measurements of GaN transistors, ACPR and EVM characterisation with 5G signals and noise figure measurement with the Y-factor method. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final project.

Standards covered: 3GPP TS 38.104, 3GPP TS 38.141-1, ETSI EN 301 908-1, 3GPP TS 36.104, IEEE 802.11ax, IEC 60747-16, ETSI EN 300 328.

Assigned technical tutor:every module ends with a deliverable that your tutor marks individually.
Standards-based learning:guided reading of 3GPP TS 38.104, 3GPP TS 38.141-1 and ETSI EN 301 908-1 applied to real cases, not as a theoretical annex.
Industry software:Keysight PathWave ADS, Cadence AWR Microwave Office, MATLAB RF Toolbox, Keysight PathWave Signal Studio and Focus Microwaves load-pull, in free, academic or evaluation versions.
Final project:a complete linear amplification design, from specifications and transistor selection to LNA or PA design, high-efficiency architecture, behavioural modelling, linearisation and measurement plan, reviewed by your tutor.
Flexible format:100% online, no fixed timetables, compatible with full-time work.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

Specifications and technology
Set the gain, power and linearity specifications and select the transistor technology.
Amplifier design
Design the LNA or PA and its high-efficiency architecture.
Behavioural model
Build the non-linear behavioural model of the amplifier.
Linearisation and measurement
Design the linearisation and define the measurement plan.
Final project
Present the documented design, results and improvements to your tutor.
Career opportunities

Where this takes you

RF design engineerPower amplifier designerLinearisation and DPD engineerRF measurement engineerBase station engineerRadio front-end engineer
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
  • Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme software.
  • English sufficient to read technical standards.

Ready to start?

Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The programme totals 800 hours over 6–8 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.

You work with Keysight PathWave ADS, Cadence AWR Microwave Office, MATLAB RF Toolbox, Keysight PathWave Signal Studio and Focus Microwaves load-pull, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.

A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the final project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.

Yes. Modules passed are recognised in a higher programme in the same area (postgraduate diploma or master's). Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.

Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector (no university degree required), a computer able to run the programme software and English sufficient to read technical standards.

Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.

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