Engineering Tools

Engineering
Resources

Free RF calculators, conversion tools, and learning resources for microwave and millimeter wave engineers. Built by engineers, for engineers.

RF Calculators RF Glossary
Tools

RF Calculators

Interactive engineering calculators for common RF and millimeter wave design tasks. Bookmark these and keep them in your workflow.

01
VSWR / Return Loss / Mismatch Loss Converter

Takes any one of these three values as input and instantly converts to the other two. These parameters all describe impedance matching quality but engineers encounter them in different specs and datasheets, so they are constantly needing to translate between them.

Open Calculator
02
Cascaded Noise Figure Calculator

Calculates the total system noise figure for a chain of RF components (LNAs, filters, mixers, cables) using the Friis noise equation. Input the gain and noise figure of each stage and get your overall system noise performance.

Open Calculator
03
dBm / Watts / dBW Power Converter

Converts between milliwatts, watts, dBm, and dBW. Engineers live in logarithmic units and need to move between linear and log power constantly. Simple but used dozens of times a day.

Open Calculator
04
Microstrip Impedance Calculator

Calculates the physical trace width needed to achieve a target impedance (typically 50 ohms) on a PCB, given substrate thickness, dielectric constant, and frequency. Also computes effective dielectric constant and propagation delay.

Open Calculator
05
Free Space Path Loss Calculator

Computes signal attenuation over distance at a given frequency using the Friis transmission equation. Used for link budget planning, antenna selection, and system architecture.

Open Calculator
06
Skin Depth Calculator

Calculates how deep current penetrates into a conductor at a given frequency for common materials like copper, aluminum, gold, and silver. Important for understanding conductor losses, plating thickness, and waveguide performance at mmWave frequencies.

Open Calculator
07
Waveguide Cutoff Frequency Calculator

Determines the cutoff frequency for standard rectangular and circular waveguide sizes across dominant and higher order modes. Use this when selecting waveguide components to ensure correct frequency range and mode operation.

Open Calculator
08
Link Budget Calculator

A multi-input tool that brings together transmit power, antenna gains, cable losses, free space path loss, and system noise figure to determine whether a communications link closes with adequate margin.

Open Calculator
09
VSWR Power Loss Chart

See exactly how much transmitted power is lost to impedance mismatch at any VSWR. Interactive calculator, visual chart, and complete reference table from 1.006:1 to 3.5:1 with return loss, mismatch loss, and reflection coefficient.

Open Reference
10
Connector Power Handling Chart

How much power can your coaxial connector handle? Interactive chart and selection tool showing average CW power ratings for 9 connector types (Type N, SMA, 2.92mm, 1.85mm, and more) from 1 GHz to 110 GHz.

Open Reference
11
TE11 Circular Waveguide

TE11 mode circular waveguide pipe sizes and flange dimensions for antenna feed applications. 35 standard sizes from Ku-band (12.4 GHz) through G-band (220 GHz) with UG flange designations and technical drawings.

Open Reference
Reference

RF Glossary

A comprehensive reference of terms, acronyms, and definitions used across RF, microwave, and millimeter wave engineering. From antenna parameters to waveguide specifications, this glossary covers the vocabulary you encounter in datasheets, design reviews, and system specifications.

Whether you're a seasoned RF engineer or new to the field, use this as a quick reference for technical terminology and standard definitions.

VSWR dBm Noise Figure S-Parameters MMIC LNA Waveguide EIRP P1dB IP3
RF Engineering reference and glossary
Reference

Waveguide Flanges

Complete dimensional reference for rectangular waveguide flange types. Technical drawings, MIL-DTL-3922 specifications, bolt patterns, alignment pin details, and compatibility guidelines for microwave and millimeter-wave systems.

Covers all standard flange configurations with engineering-grade dimensional tables you can reference during design, procurement, and integration.

Round Contact Choke Square Cover Flange Blanks Pressurizable MIL-DTL-3922
Precision waveguide flanges

Industry Insights

Technical articles, engineering deep-dives, and analysis from the RF Essentials team.

Read Articles
Need engineering support?

Talk to Our Engineers

For technical questions, product specifications, or custom design support, our engineering team is here to help.

Get in Touch