Listed below are the major categories, Items and Competencies descriptions of knowledge and skills required for workers in the field of wireless radio - RF communications. This list is the final step by NCEE in outlining a course of study for educational institutions and for potential examinees seeking to become RF wireless and 2-way radio communications technicians. NCEE approved these competencies on September 25th, 2003. Re-approval took place August 12th, 2004
NCEE
seeks comments and suggestions, especially adding competencies aimed at new
technology in this field. Also, working technicians, service department
managers, product makers and educators are encouraged to review the listing and
join in the efforts to present the most practical course outline possible for
educators. NCEE seeks individuals from organizations concerned with electronics
education to serve on this specialty committee during the 2004/2005 year. Send your comments
or agreement to participate as a WCM (WCT) committee member to: [email protected].
WIRELESS
COMMUNICATIONS ELECTRONICS TECHNICIAN - 2005
The following is a listing of each topic considered necessary to be included in a course of study directed towards the education of workers performing installation, maintenance and repair of mobile and fixed radio communications systems. There are 26 general categories of training. This COMPETENCY listing is the syllabus, or identification of each individual subject, in which the technician must be knowledgeable and skilled.
Technicians seeking the ETA, USMSS or ISCET Certified Electronics Technician specialty are required to also have a basic education in fundamental electronics. That basic knowledge is assessed in the Associate CET examination. The Associate CET exam, plus the WCM or USMSS wireless communications specialty examination go together to form the complete journeyman CET exam.
WCT COMPETENCIES
1.0
RADIO THEORY
1.1
Describe electromagnetic transmission and reception theory
1.2
List common radio frequency bands
1.3
Draw a basic block diagram of a radio transmitter and a receiver
1.4
Define bandwidth and describe common radio and TV channel limits
1.5
List the functions of receiver stages
1.6
Describe frequency tuning or channel switching methods
1.7
Explain the function of different types of amplifiers
1.8
Name ten major events or personalities in radio history
2.0
COMPONENTS, TERMINOLOGY & SYMBOLS
2.1
Identify the components below, their symbols and usages:
2.1.1
Microphones & speakers
2.1.2
Rheostats & potentiometers
2.1.3
L R & C
2.1.4
Batteries
2.1.5
Transistors
2.1.6
Integrated Circuits
2.1.7
Special IC circuits
2.1.8
Relays and thyristor switches
2.1.9
Motors and generators
2.1.10
Fuses & circuit breakers
2.1.11
Power supply components
2.2
Describe common types of electronic displays
3.0
BASIC ANALOG CIRCUITS
3.1
Describe basic AC and DC radio power supplies
3.2
Draw a basic audio amplifier circuit
3.3
Identify and explain the purposes of RF and IF stages
3.4
Compare AM and FM audio detectors
3.5
Explain AVC (automatic volume control) and AGC (automatic gain control)
circuits and their operation
3.6
Name the major segments of a transmitter carrier generation circuit
3.7
Explain how various modulators are used in transmitters
3.8
Explain what each of the components of a transmitter power output
circuits do
3.9
Draw the circuit for an operational amplifier and explain its operation
3.10
Define gain and explain how it is measured
3.11
Define bi-directional amplifier and explain where they are used
3.12
Explain the purpose and concept of PLL (phase locked loop) & VCO
(controlled oscillator) circuits
4.0
ANTENNAS AND TOWERS
4.1
Explain wave propagation and its relative speed in air or cabling
4.2
Describe reception theory and mobile antennas
4.3
Draw polar patterns for different types of antennas
4.4
Define antenna gain and explain why it is important
4.5
Draw the circuits for antenna combining networks
4.6
Explain how diplexers and duplexers are used
4.7
Define cavities, circulators and isolators and show where they are used
4.8
Explain the purpose and methods of grounding communications products
4.9
Explain lightning protection devices
4.10
Describe base station antennas
4.11
Define receiver multi-coupling
4.12
List radio tower components and installation practices
4.13
Explain tower safety and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Agency)
contractor regulations
5.0
CABLING & CONNECTORS
5.1
Describe coaxial cable characteristics
5.2
Properly install coaxial connectors, jacks, plugs, explaining crimping
and preping
5.3
Explain cable routing - bend ratios - pulling tension and building
cabling regulations
5.4
Explain the purpose of NEC (National Electric Code) Art 770
5.5
Compare proper and improper impedance matching principles
5.6
Define ground loop and name common causes and effects
5.7
Define balanced/unbalanced pairs
5.8
Explain line loss for different types of cabling
5.9
Explain the importance of proper cable termination
5.10
Explain the principles used in Frequency Domain Reflectometry
5.11
Compare Time Domain Reflectometry with FDR
5.12
Identify N, UHF, Mini UHF, BNC, TNC, SMA, 7/16 DIN fittings
5.13
List common color codes for telephone wiring.
6.0
BLOCK DIAGRAMS, SCHEMATICS, FLOW CHARTS
6.1
Identify diagram symbols used in communications radio service
6.2
Trace power and signal paths in a radio receiver and transmitter
6.3
Describe the purpose and locate schematic test points
6.4
Estimate normal signals and voltages expected at schematic locations
6.5
Describe the purpose of flow charts
7.0
HAND TOOLS AND SOLDERING
7.1
Explain and demonstrate the proper usage of basic hand tools
7.2
Describe and demonstrate the proper usage of soldering irons and aids
7.3
Explain how de-soldering equipment and aids are used
7.4
Define flux and explain its purposes
7.5
Define cold - defective solder joints and list reasons they occur
7.6
Describe methods of replacing surface mount components
7.7
Describe wire wrap replacement precautions
7.8
List proper equipment care routines
7.9
Explain how hot air bonding equipment is used
8.0
SAFETY
8.1
Define ESD (Electrostatic Discharge)
8.2
List safety precautions when handling fiber optics cabling
8.3
List hazards potential when using power tools
8.4
Define First Aid and explain precautions uncertified people should abide
by
8.5
List fire potentials in electronics technician work environments
8.6
List electrical shock potential peculiar to electronics workers
8.7
Describe transmitter RF (Radio Frequency) exposure hazards
8.8
Describe ground faults and devices to preclude shock hazards
8.9
List Beryllium hazards
8.10
Explain ladder precautions and lifts dangers
9.0
GROUNDING - LIGHTNING PROTECTION
9.1
Describe antenna grounding conventions
9.2
Name NEC lightning protection rules articles
9.3
List ground fault protection devices
9.4
Define grounding blocks and show how rods and proper wire sizes are used
9.5
Explain how equipment protection is enhanced with the use of MOVs
10.0
MATHEMATICS AND FORMULAS
10.1
Convert dB (decibel) readings to dBmV and microvolt levels
10.2
Explain and compare dBi, dBm, dBw, dBd terminology
10.3
Demonstrate proper use for scientific calculators
10.4
List numbering systems commonly used in technician work
10.5
Convert frequency to wavelength and vice-versa
11.0
INTERFACING
11.1
List expected signal levels into or out of interconnected products used
in radio work
11.2
Define impedance matching and explain impedance mismatch
11.3
Identify common connectors used in two-way radio work
11.4
Explain signal conflict and list detrimental effects
12.0
DIGITAL CIRCUITS
12.1
Draw the symbols for digital gates and their truth tables
12.2
Compare common memory devices used in radio communications
12.3
Explain how tuning is accomplished in radio receivers and transmitters
12.4
Describe how microprocessor controls are used in radio
12.5
Compare RAM - PROM - EEPROM - ROM
12.6
Describe how DACs (Digital to Analog Converters) and ADCs are used
12.7
Define modems and explain its purposes
13.0
COMPUTER APPLICATIONS
13.1
Demonstrate the ability to use:
13.1.1
Word processors
13.1.2
Data bases
13.1.3
Spread sheets
13.1.4
Internet
13.1.5
Parts procurement services
13.1.6
Virus eradication systems
13.1.7
Diagnostic programs
13.1.8
Utility programs
13.1.9
Laptop with Com port, null modem, terminal software
14.0
MOBILE SYSTEMS
14.1
Describe base simplex operation
14.2
Explain how mobile relay - simplex/duplex works
14.3
Compare remote control and manual control systems
14.4
Define RF link and explain its purpose
14.5
Explain paging systems communications
14.6
Describe trunking (single/multi-site)
14.7
Compare conventional single and multi-site communications systems
14.8
Define simulcast systems and list their purposes
14.9
Define satellite voting systems and show how they are used
14.10
Compare wireless data systems with two-way voice communications
14.11
Define CTCSS (Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System) and describe its
operation
14.12
Define and list how Digital Coded Squelch (DCS) is used
14.13
Explain the differences between point-to-point and point-to-multipoint
transmissions
15.0
SATELLITE - DATA - TELECOMMUNICATIONS
15.1
Explain the applications pertaining to two-way radio for the following:
15.1.1
Satellite
15.1.2
GPS (Global Positioning System)
15.1.3
High speed telephone
15.1.4
Telecommunications
15.2
List potential interference to or from 15.1 items
16.0
FCC - FAA - OSHA - NEC
16.1
List the general topics contained in CFR 47 Part 15 (CFR is Code of
Federal Regulations)
16.2
Explain basic FCC (Federal Communications Commission) rules pertaining to
two-way communications
16.3
List FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) rules pertaining to
communications systems
16.4
List OSHA safety rules for contractors and workers at heights
16.5
List NEC (National Electric Code) provisions applicable to radio,
antenna, cabling workers
16.6
List licenses required for radio stations and technicians
17.0
FREQUENCY BANDS FOR MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS
17.1
List common RF transmission band assignments or allotments
17.2
List competing services encountered by radio workers
18.0
TEST EQUIPMENT
18.1
Explain the functions of a Communications Service Analyzer
18.2
Describe how the TDR (Time Domain Reflectometer), OTDR and FDR are used
18.3
Define SWR (Standing Wave Ratio) and show how SWR and watt meters are
used
18.4
Compare S/N and C/N
18.5
Demonstrate how dummy loads - DMMs (Digital Multimeters), logic probes,
pulsers, and signal generators are used
18.6
Explain SINAD/AC voltmeter/distortion analyzers and audio generators
usage
18.7
Demonstrate how spectrum analyzers are used
18.8
Identify common RF test cables and converters used in 2-way
communications
18.9
Describe how variable power supplies are used in service technician work
19.0
TROUBLESHOOTING & MEASUREMENTS
19.1
Describe techniques for localizing circuitry defects in communications
equipment
19.2
Demonstrate how to use block diagrams and test points
19.3
Explain how to perform power measurements
19.4
Explain how to use heat or cold to locate intermittent circuitry problems
19.5
Compare PC board and surface mount component replacement techniques
19.6
Demonstrate how to use frequency measurement equipment
19.7
Define overdrive and explain its causes and effects
20.0
BUSINESS RADIO NETWORKS
20.1
Demonstrate proficiency in operational characteristics of 2-way radio
communications systems
20.2
List technical characteristics of working communications systems
20.3
Explain programming characteristics of system receivers and transmitters
21.0
INTERNET APPLICATIONS
21.1
Demonstrate parts, literature and product information/ordering via
Internet
21.2
Access troubleshooting and diagnostics software
22.0
MODULATIONS SCHEMES
22.1
Describe AM (Amplitude Modulation) methods and limits
22.2
Describe FM (Frequency Modulation) methods and deviation limits
22.3
Explain the principles and advantages of single sideband - SSB (Single
Side Band)
22.4
Define TDMA (Time Domain Multiple Access) and describe the concept
22.5
Compare CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) with TDMA and FDMA
modulation schemes
22.6
Compare FDMA with TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) and CDMA
22.7
Define and describe QPSK (Quadrature Phase Shift Keying)
23.0
CONTROL SYSTEMS
23.1
Describe how tone control-systems operate
23.2
Define SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) and explain its
purpose
23.3
Explain how remote control-operation is accomplished
24.0
WORKPLACE PRACTICES
24.1
Explain work area environment concerns for technicians
24.2
Explain RF monitoring and its purpose
24.3
Explain billing procedures for repairs and important factors
24.4
Perform productivity calculations for yourself and the total shop
25.0
LINE SWEEPING
25.1
Explain the purpose & theory of line sweeping
25.2
Describe the functions of BIRD and ANRITSU brand test equipment used in
line sweeping head-end sites
25.3
Explain proper documentation in transmission sites
26.0
RF INTERFERENCE
26.1
Define de-sense and explain the causes
26.2
List reasons for spurious emissions
26.3
Explain Site compatibility and reasons for site incompatibility
26.4
Describe co and adjacent-channel interference
26.5
List interference detection methods
26.6
Define inter-modulation and list causes
This
competencies listing is compiled to serve two purposes:
1.
To provide educational institutions with the material they need to construct a
study outline for any course of instruction in wireless communications.
2.
To provide a guide for those studying to sit for the ETA, USMSS, ISCET or other
exams for this specialty.
Project
Manager 2005, Mike Powers, Michigan Technological University, [email protected]
Project Manager 2004, Mike Powers, Michigan Technological University, [email protected]
Project
Managers 2003, RLG - ETA - USMSS, [email protected]
Recommended Course Addendum:
CSS-CUSTOMER SERVICE SPECIALIST module
Please send suggested edits or proposed changes in content to:
[email protected].