What does an RF Engineer Do?

university wafer substrates

GaAs Substrates for RF Devices

A materials researche scientist requested a quote for the following:

I would like to inquiry about GaAs LED/Laser wafer (that can emit @ 630nm or 980 nm) and device transfer service (GaAs device transferred onto quartz or ITO substrate). Please let me know if you can provide such service and estimated cost, then I can provide further detail what we need. 

We don’t have any specific specs for GaAs LED wafer but we prefer the device layers (n-layer – active – p-layer) to be as thin as possible. If you can provide your company standard device structure, we can work from there. As for quantity, we would like to order a small quantity first to test out (e.g. 3-5 wafers). We can order more if it suits our applications.

Reference #256670 for specs quoted.

Get Your Quote FAST! Or, Buy Online and Start Researching!

Substrates for Radio Frequency Engineering

University Wafer, Inc. is a leading provider of high-quality substrates for RF engineering research. We offer RF engineers the flexibility to choose the substrate that best fits their research needs.

By providing reliable, high-quality substrates, University Wafer, Inc. helps RF engineers to conduct cutting-edge research in fields such as wireless communication, radar systems, and satellite communications. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, University Wafer, Inc. is committed to providing exceptional customer service and quick turnaround times to support the research needs of RF engineers.

What Substrates DO RF Engineers Often Work With and Why?

RF engineers often work with a variety of substrates in their designs, including materials including:

These substrates have unique properties that make them suitable for different types of RF applications.

Silicon is a common substrate used in RF engineering due to its abundance and low cost. It is often used in integrated circuits for applications such as mobile phones, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. However, silicon has limited performance at higher frequencies and may not be suitable for applications that require high power.

Gallium arsenide (GaAs) is a popular substrate for high-frequency applications due to its high electron mobility, low noise, and high power density. It is often used in applications such as radar systems, satellite communications, and military electronics.

Indium phosphide (InP) is another substrate commonly used in RF engineering for high-speed and high-frequency applications. It has high electron mobility, low power consumption, and excellent thermal stability, making it ideal for applications such as fiber optic communications and photonic integrated circuits.

Gallium nitride (GaN) is a newer substrate that has gained popularity in recent years due to its high electron mobility, high power density, and wide bandgap. It is often used in high-frequency and high-power applications such as satellite communications, wireless power transfer, and high-performance amplifiers.

Overall, the choice of substrate depends on the specific application and performance requirements of the RF system being designed. RF engineers must carefully select the substrate material to achieve the desired performance, power, and cost tradeoffs.

Gallium Nitride Based RF Devices

A Ph.D. candidate requested the following quote:

I work on Gallium Nitride-based RF devices. Could you please provide me with the quotation for the following:

  1. 4 inch 2 nos. AlGaN/GaN HEMT on undoped Sapphire (with Specifications like Sheet resistance, stack details, etc.)
  2. 6-inch 2nos. AlGaN/GaN HEMT on undoped Sapphire (with Specifications like Sheet resistance, stack details, etc.)
  3. 6inch 2nos. Undoped Sapphire Wafer (with specifications, thickness, resistivity, etc...)

Please reply at your earliest convenience and send the quotation.

Reference #272024 for specs and pricing.

Silicon Used in RF Structures

A scientist at a large space company requested the following quote:

I would be interested in options for Si wafers with 10S/m conductivity (or what the available options with similar conductivity are) – there are no requirements on crystal plane etc as the silicon will be used as a block material inside of an RF structure. Also no requirements on polishing – the thickness requirement is >400um, 400um thickness ideal. Bit of a brisk description of requirements – so let me know if any additional information would be useful!

Reference #261988 for specs and pricing.

What is an RF Engineer?

An RF (Radio Frequency) Engineer is a specialized engineer who works with radio frequency technologies what is a rf engineerand devices. RF Engineers are responsible for designing, testing, and maintaining radio frequency systems and devices, including wireless communication systems, radio transmitters and receivers, and other electronic equipment that operates at high frequencies.

RF Engineers typically work in the telecommunications industry, developing and improving wireless communication technologies such as mobile phones, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. They may also work in the aerospace and defense industries, designing and testing radar systems, satellite communications, and other advanced technologies.

The main responsibilities of an RF Engineer include designing and testing RF systems, analyzing and troubleshooting problems in RF networks, developing and implementing RF engineering solutions, and staying up-to-date with new developments in the field. They may also work closely with other engineers, such as electrical engineers and software engineers, to develop integrated systems.

What is an RF Engineer Salary?

The salary of an RF Engineer can vary depending on factors such as their level of education, experience, and location of employment. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for electrical and electronics engineers, which includes RF Engineers, was $103,390 as of May 2020 in the United States.

However, the salary can vary widely based on the industry they work in. For example, RF Engineers working in the aerospace and defense industries tend to earn higher salaries compared to those working in the telecommunications industry. In addition, RF Engineers with advanced degrees and specialized skills may also command higher salaries.

It is also worth noting that salaries can vary by geographic location. For example, RF Engineers working in cities with high costs of living may earn higher salaries compared to those working in areas with lower costs of living. Overall, RF Engineers can expect to earn a competitive salary based on their skills, education, and experience.

What are the Top Ten Companies Hiring RF Engineers?

The top 10 companies hiring RF Engineers can vary depending on the current job market and industry trends. However, here are some companies that have been known to hire RF Engineers:

  1. Qualcomm
  2. Intel
  3. Broadcom
  4. Nokia
  5. Ericsson
  6. Samsung
  7. Keysight Technologies
  8. Northrop Grumman
  9. Raytheon Technologies
  10. L3Harris Technologies

These companies operate in various industries such as telecommunications, aerospace and defense, consumer electronics, and semiconductor manufacturing. They typically require RF Engineers to design, test, and develop wireless communication systems, radar systems, and other RF technologies.

It's important to note that there are many other companies that hire RF Engineers as well, and the job market can vary based on geographic location and industry focus. Therefore, it's important for job seekers to research job openings and opportunities in their desired location and industry.

What are The Top Ten Universities with RF Engineering Programs?

The top ten universities with RF engineering programs can vary depending on a variety of factors such as program rankings, research activities, and industry partnerships. Here are some universities that are known for their strong RF engineering programs:

  1. Georgia Institute of Technology
  2. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
  3. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
  4. University of California, San Diego (UCSD)
  5. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
  6. University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
  7. Carnegie Mellon University
  8. University of Texas, Austin
  9. Stanford University
  10. University of California, Berkeley

These universities offer a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in electrical engineering, RF and microwave engineering, and related fields. They typically have faculty members who are experts in RF engineering and conduct research in areas such as wireless communication, radar systems, and antenna design.

It's important to note that there are many other universities with strong RF engineering programs as well. Prospective students should research programs that align with their interests and career goals and evaluate factors such as program curriculum, faculty expertise, and research opportunities.