Introduction to Radio Frequency Propagation
Presenter: Dr Mike Ryan
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Duration: 2 Days | Price: $2,200
Course Aim
The two-day Introduction to Radio Frequency Propagation course provides participants with an accessible and practical understanding of how radio signals travel through terrestrial, atmospheric and satellite environments. Beginning with essential concepts—including electromagnetic waves, frequency bands, polarisation, noise, decibels, reflection, refraction and the influence of the atmosphere and Sun—the course builds the foundation needed to understand the opportunities and limitations of radio communications.
Participants explore the principal RF propagation modes: ground wave, surface wave, skywave and scattered wave. The course explains the physical mechanisms behind each mode, the conditions that affect signal range and reliability, suitable planning approaches and representative applications. Topics include radio path loss and capability, path-profile analysis, diffraction, clutter, atmospheric loss, abnormal refraction and ducting, satellite and mobile channels, ionospheric behaviour, frequency planning, troposcatter, ionospheric scatter and meteor-burst communications. The relationship between propagation modes and antenna characteristics is also examined, including antenna gain, bandwidth, radiation patterns, arrays and antennas used for HF, VHF, UHF and satellite communications.
Examples and practical exercises reinforce the material and help participants connect propagation theory with real communications scenarios. By completing the course, participants will be better equipped to recognise the propagation mechanisms affecting a radio link, understand the factors that influence coverage and performance, contribute to link-planning discussions and make more informed decisions about radio communications systems.
No previous technical or engineering expertise is required. The course is ideal for anyone seeking a clear, structured introduction to RF propagation or greater confidence when working with radio, mobile, satellite or other wireless communications systems.
Course Outline
Introduction: Fundamentals of Signals | Reflection, Refraction, Dispersion | Electromagnetic Spectrum | Major Communications Frequency Bands | The Atmosphere | The Sun | Electromagnetic Waves | Polarisation | Noise | Decibels | History of Radio Communications | Categorisation of RF Propagation
Ground Wave: Isotropic radiation | Space waves | Radio Path Loss (RPL) | Radio Path Capability (RPC) | The Troposphere | k factor | Path Profile Paper | Abnormal Refraction | Ducting | Free-space Loss | Reflection Loss | Diffraction Loss | Clutter Loss | Atmospheric Loss | RPC Examples | Path Profile Analysis Examples | RF Propagation in the Satellite Channel | Mobile Communications Path Analysis and Examples | Mobile Satellite RF Channel
Surface Wave: Mode of Propagation | Conductivity | Tilting | Range | Sub-sea Propagation | Applications and Examples
Sky Wave: The Ionosphere | Propagation Mechanism | Skip Distance | Actual/Virtual Height | Factors affecting Skywave Range | Critical Frequency / MUF / OWF / LUF | Propagation variation | Frequency Planning | Ionospheric Prediction | Ionosonde | Link Planning | Sunspot Cycle | Magnetic Storms | Sporadic E | Applications and Examples
Scattered Wave: Troposcatter / Planning / Path Loss / Diversity / Applications | Ionospheric Scatter / Propagation Mechanism / Applications | Meteor Burst Communication (MBC) / Propagation Mechanism / Applications and Examples
Antennas for Propagation Modes: Gain and Bandwidth | Dipoles and Monopoles | Antenna Patterns | HF Surface Wave and Skywave Antennas | VHF and UHF Antennas | Satellite Communications Antennas | Array Antennas
The Presenter
Dr Mike Ryan holds BE, MEngSc and PhD degrees in electrical engineering from the University of New South Wales. He is a Fellow of Engineers Australia (FIEAust), a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) in systems engineering, electrical and ITEE colleges, a Senior Member of IEEE (SMIEEE), a Fellow of the International Council on Systems Engineering (FINCOSE), a Fellow of the Institute of Managers and Leaders (FIML), and a Fellow of the Royal Society of NSW (FRSN). Since 1981, he has held a number of positions in communications and systems engineering and in management and project management. He is the author or co-author of fourteen books, four book chapters, and over 450 refereed journal and conference papers.
Course Material
The following resources will be provided to attendees of this course:
A PDF copy of the PowerPoint presentations used for the course.
A PDF copy of exercise solutions.
Course Brochure
Download the course brochure [not yet available].
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should attend Introduction to Radio Frequency Propagation? This course is suitable for anyone who works with—or needs to understand—radio, mobile, satellite or other wireless communications systems. It is particularly useful for people involved in communications planning, operations, capability development, technical projects or related management roles.
Do I need a technical or engineering background? No. The course assumes no previous technical or engineering expertise. It introduces the essential concepts and terminology before progressing to the principal RF propagation modes and their applications.
What topics are covered in the course? The course covers the fundamentals of radio signals and electromagnetic waves, followed by ground-wave, surface-wave, skywave and scattered-wave propagation. It also examines radio-path analysis, atmospheric and ionospheric effects, satellite and mobile channels, frequency planning, propagation losses and antennas suited to different propagation modes.
Does the course include practical examples and exercises? Yes. Examples and exercises are used throughout the course to reinforce the concepts and demonstrate how propagation mechanisms affect radio coverage, range, reliability and link planning. Participants can apply what they learn to representative terrestrial, mobile, satellite and long-range communications scenarios.
What course materials are provided? Attendees receive a PDF copy of the course presentations and a PDF containing solutions to the exercises undertaken during the course. These materials provide a useful reference after the course.
Course Testimonials
“Comprehensive coverage of the factors affecting RF propagation.”
“The planned topics covered the stated course objectives.”
“A good balance of topics.”
“I do not have a technical background, but the mathematics and physics did not prevent me from understanding the key concepts.”
“Defence-related scenarios were used, and the course was tailored to our work.”
“A good summary.”
“The course covered many aspects in a concise way.”
“There was a lot to cover in two days, but it was still enjoyable.”
Presenter Testimonials
“The presenter’s expertise made a highly theoretical subject easy to understand.”
“The presenter had deep knowledge of the subject and related the theory to real-life situations and equipment.”
“Mike is very knowledgeable and personable. I felt comfortable asking questions and seeking clarification.”
“A tailored program with a patient instructor.”
“Thank you for sharing your expertise.”
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Five-day Satellite Communications—Advanced.