Postgraduate Diploma in RF Measurements and OTA Characterisation
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in RF Measurements and OTA Characterisation. 8 modules covering CTIA Test Plan for Wireless Device Over-the-Air Performance, 3GPP TS 38.521-2 and Keysight PathWave Vector Signal Analysis. Assigned tutor and enrolment open.
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Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Use RF measurement instrumentation correctly.
Calibrate vector network analysers using SOLT and TRL techniques.
Measure the quality of modulated signals using EVM and ACLR.
Explain the principles of anechoic, compact and reverberation chambers.
Calculate TRP, TIS, EIRP and EIS from OTA measurements.
Evaluate OTA MIMO performance and antenna efficiency.
Prepare test reports with their uncertainty budget.
Who it's for
- RF measurement engineer looking to specialise in RF Measurements and OTA Characterisation.
- OTA test engineer looking to specialise in RF Measurements and OTA Characterisation.
- Certification laboratory technician looking to specialise in RF Measurements and OTA Characterisation.
- Wireless device validation engineer looking to specialise in RF Measurements and OTA Characterisation.
- Test automation engineer looking to specialise in RF Measurements and OTA Characterisation.
- RF quality engineer looking to specialise in RF Measurements and OTA Characterisation.
- Graduates in engineering or sciences seeking to enter the telecommunications sector.
What you'll work with
- CTIA Test Plan for Wireless Device Over-the-Air Performance
- 3GPP TS 38.521-2
- 3GPP TR 38.810
- 3GPP TS 37.544
- IEC 61000-4-21
- ISO/IEC 17025:2017
- IEC 62209-1528
- EURAMET cg-12
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Vector network analyser and its architecture1.2Spectrum and signal analysers1.3Power meters and thermal sensors1.4Vector signal generators1.5Wideband oscilloscopes1.6Calibrated noise sources1.7Cables, connectors and their care1.8Traceability of RF measurements1.9Uncertainty in power measurements1.10Practical: verification of a power sensor
2.1Two-port and four-port S-parameters2.2SOLT, TRL and electronic calibration2.3Fixture de-embedding2.4Time-domain measurements2.5Differential and mixed-mode measurements2.6On-wafer probe measurements2.7Measurements on non-linear devices2.8Connector repeatability2.9Systematic errors and drift2.10Laboratory: TRL calibration of a fixture
3.1Demodulation and vector analysis3.2EVM, frequency and phase error3.3ACLR and out-of-band emissions3.4Power spectral density3.5CCDF and crest factor3.6Measurements on 5G NR signals3.7Measurements on Wi-Fi 6 and 7 signals3.8Analysis of transients and frequency hopping3.9Conducted spurious measurements3.10Workshop: EVM measurement of a 5G transmitter
4.1The need for over-the-air measurements4.2Far field, near field and reactive region4.3Anechoic and reverberation chambers4.4Measurement antenna systems4.5Positioners and coordinate systems4.6Chamber calibration and path losses4.7Quiet zone and its validation4.8CATR compact measurements4.9Uncertainty in OTA systems4.10Case study: quiet zone validation
5.1Total radiated power (TRP)5.2Total isotropic sensitivity (TIS)5.3EIRP and EIS in mmWave5.43D radiation patterns5.5Head and hand effects5.6CTIA OTA test plans5.7OTA measurements for 5G in FR25.8Spherical sampling and test time5.9Interpreting OTA reports5.10Practical: TRP calculation from a sweep
6.1Principle of the reverberation chamber6.2Mode stirrers and statistics6.3Total antenna efficiency measurements6.4OTA MIMO performance measurement6.5Multi-probe method in an anechoic chamber6.6Two-stage radiated method6.7Channel emulation in OTA testing6.8Envelope correlation between antennas6.9Device throughput testing6.10Laboratory: antenna efficiency in a reverberation chamber
7.1Accreditation of RF laboratories7.23GPP conformance testing7.3Device certification for operators7.4SAR exposure testing7.5Coexistence and blocking tests7.6Automation with scripts and SCPI7.7Measurement data management7.8Test reporting and traceability7.9Laboratory quality audits7.10Workshop: automation of an OTA sweep
8.1Definition of the device and scope8.2Conducted measurement plan8.3OTA measurement plan8.4Calibration of the measurement system8.5Execution and analysis of results8.6Uncertainty budget8.7Comparison with specifications8.8Study conclusions8.9Report and presentation8.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
Fully 100% online training on the SEIUM Institute campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine the programme with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Keysight PathWave Vector Signal Analysis, Rohde & Schwarz AMS32, MATLAB with Instrument Control Toolbox, Python with PyVISA, ETS-Lindgren EMQuest, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Assessments are based on real procedures for TRP and TIS measurements in an anechoic chamber, calibrations of vector network analysers with fixtures, and efficiency tests in a reverberation chamber. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Use RF measurement instrumentation correctly.
Calibrate vector network analysers using SOLT and TRL techniques.
Measure the quality of modulated signals using EVM and ACLR.
Explain the principles of anechoic, compact and reverberation chambers.
Calculate TRP, TIS, EIRP and EIS from OTA measurements.
Where this takes you
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's software.
- Sufficient command of Spanish to follow technical standards documentation.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme comprises 800 hours in total, spread over 6 to 8 months. That amounts to an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with full-time work.
You will work with Keysight PathWave Vector Signal Analysis, Rohde & Schwarz AMS32, MATLAB with Instrument Control Toolbox, Python with PyVISA, ETS-Lindgren EMQuest. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor will indicate the open-source alternative where one exists.
A diploma issued by SEIUM Institute upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a Course or Postgraduate Diploma in the same area are credited towards the higher-level programme. Check the credit transfer policy when you enrol.
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