Electromagnetics Explained: A Handbook for Wireless/ RF, EMC, and High-Speed Electronics (EDN Series for Design Engineer
Based on familiar circuit theory and basic physics, this book serves as an invaluable reference for both analog and digital engineers alike. For those who work with analog RF, this book is a must-have resource. With computers and networking equipment of the 21st century running at such high frequencies, it is now crucial for digital designers to understand electromagnetic fields, radiation and transmission lines. This knowledge is necessary for maintaining signal integrity and achieving EMC compliance. Since many digital designers are lacking in analog design skills, let alone electromagnetics, an easy-to-read but informative book on electromagnetic topics should be considered a welcome addition to their professional libraries.
- Covers topics using conceptual explanations and over 150 lucid figures, in place of complex mathematics
- Demystifies antennas, waveguides, and transmission line phenomena
- Provides the foundation necessary to thoroughly understand signal integrity issues associated with high-speed digital design
Why Read This Book
You will get a clear, application-focused grounding in electromagnetics that bridges familiar circuit theory and practical problems you face in RF, EMC, and high‑speed digital design. The book translates field concepts into hands‑on guidance so you can diagnose interference, improve signal integrity, and design compliant, robust products without wading through heavy math.
Who Will Benefit
Practicing analog, RF, and digital/firmware engineers working on embedded systems, networking, and high‑speed designs who need practical EM insight to solve real‑world interference, PCB, and RF problems.
Level: Intermediate — Prerequisites: Basic circuit theory, familiarity with complex numbers and basic physics (electricity and magnetism), and practical experience with circuits and PCB/layout ideas.
Key Takeaways
- Explain fundamental EM concepts (fields, waves, near/far zones) in circuit-oriented terms relevant to engineers
- Apply transmission‑line theory and termination techniques to diagnose and fix signal‑integrity issues on PCBs and connectors
- Design and evaluate shielding, grounding, and layout strategies to reduce EMI and meet EMC requirements
- Analyze common coupling mechanisms (capacitive, inductive, radiative) and implement practical mitigation measures
- Use measurement concepts (time‑domain reflectometry, spectrum analysis, S-parameters) to validate and troubleshoot RF and high‑speed designs
Topics Covered
- 1. Electromagnetics for the Circuit Designer — concepts and intuition
- 2. Fields, Waves, and Energy — from Coulomb to Poynting
- 3. Transmission Lines and Distributed Circuits
- 4. Termination, Matching, and Reflections
- 5. Radiation Basics and Antenna Concepts for Engineers
- 6. Coupling Mechanisms: Capacitive, Inductive, and Radiative
- 7. EMC Fundamentals: Standards, Measurement, and Compliance
- 8. Shielding, Grounding, and Bonding Strategies
- 9. High‑Speed Digital Interconnects and Signal Integrity
- 10. Filters, Baluns, and Practical RF Circuit Techniques
- 11. Measurement Techniques: VNAs, Spectrum & Oscilloscopes, TDR
- 12. Practical Design Examples and Troubleshooting
Languages, Platforms & Tools
How It Compares
More application‑focused and accessible than Pozar's Microwave Engineering and less SI‑centric than Johnson & Graham's High‑Speed Digital Design — Schmitt emphasizes pragmatic EM intuition for RF, EMC, and mixed analog/digital problems.
