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Curriculum Vitae Yunchi Zhang - Subject Matter Expert

Career and Experience

Peraton: Subject Matter Expert (June 2020 - present)

  • Conducted system-level design, modeling, and analysis of space communication networks, including Satellite Communication Systems, Earth Ground Station Communication Systems, and Collimation Antenna Subsystems.
  • Performed detailed signal link analysis covering link budget estimation, propagation path studies, RF interference assessments, spacecraft trajectory analysis, terrain impact evaluations, and RF safety reviews.
  • Defined system- and component-level specifications; collaborated with suppliers on the development of key components such as antennas, up/down converters, switches, LNAs, and power amplifiers.
  • Executed ground station antenna subsystem verification and performance testing, including measurements of G/T, EIRP, tracking accuracy, and electromagnetic interference (EMI).
  • Designed modem testing methodologies and conducted performance tests for space communications systems, including signal acquisition and tracking, range measurements, and bit error rate (BER) analysis.
  • Developed software tools to support hardware control and system testing, including modules for unit and instrument control, waveform generation, automated test execution, report generation, and signal analysis.
  • Authored and maintained critical technical documentation, including system requirements, interface control documents (ICDs), and system verification and validation test plans.

RFS: Chief / Senior RF Engineer (2007 - 2020)

  • Led the design, prototyping, testing, and documentation of RF and microwave antennas, including microwave parabolic reflector antennas and linear phased array base station antennas.
  • Designed and implemented high-performance RF/microwave components across various technologies such as planar, cavity, waveguide, ceramic, PCB, and LTCC — covering filters, multiplexers, orthomode transducers (OMTs), couplers, combiners, and power splitters.
  • Conducted system-level modeling and performance analysis for communication systems, including harmonic balance simulations, link budget assessments, phase noise and jitter analysis to derive component-level design requirements.
  • Developed technical proposals to address customer-specific requirements and provided direct technical communication and support throughout the design and delivery process.
  • Performed RF/microwave component synthesis, simulation, and layout using industry-standard EDA and CAD tools.
  • Executed hands-on testing and troubleshooting of RF and microwave components and subsystems, utilizing network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and other precision RF measurement equipment.
  • Created and executed design verification test (DVT) plans, including definition of pass/fail criteria and environmental test profiles to validate product performance.
  • Authored detailed product documentation, manufacturing test procedures, and assembly guidelines to support high-yield and scalable production processes.
  • Diagnosed and resolved production-related issues to enhance product reliability and manufacturing efficiency.
  • Conducted research and development of innovative RF/microwave design methodologies and new integration techniques.

ECE, UMD: Research Associate (2004 - 2007)

  • Conducted research on novel design and realization techniques for microwave and millimeter-wave components.
  • Performed experimental debugging, precision testing, and electromagnetic tuning of high-frequency microwave hardware in laboratory environments.
  • Developed computer-aided design and automation tools to support the simulation, optimization, tuning, and measurement of microwave and millimeter-wave components.

Skills and Achievements

RF/Microwave Design and Testing

  • RF/Microwave System Design & Analysis: Expertise in system-level modeling and simulation, including link budget analysis (noise figure, gain, IP3, etc.), harmonic balance, and phase noise analysis.
  • Antenna Design & Testing: Proficient in the design, realization, and characterization of RF/microwave antennas such as parabolic reflector antennas and linear phased array antennas, including near-field and far-field measurement techniques.
  • RF/Microwave Component Design: Skilled in the analysis and development of components such as filters, multiplexers, low-noise amplifiers (LNAs), OMTs, and couplers using waveguide, planar, and cavity technologies.
  • Simulation & CAD Tools: Extensive experience with industry-standard tools including Ansys HFSS, CST Microwave Studio, AGI STK, Keysight ADS, Keysight SystemVue, MATLAB/Simulink, and SOLIDWORKS for electromagnetic and system-level design.
  • Test & Measurement Equipment: Proficient in operating RF/microwave test instruments such as vector network analyzers (VNAs), spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power meters, power amplifiers, passive intermodulation (PIM) testers, and utilizing anechoic chambers for RF measurements.

CAD Tools Development

  • Developed custom CAD software tools for the design and modeling of microwave systems and components, enabling efficient simulation workflows and design validation.
  • Created a computer-aided tuning (CAT) tool to support the testing and fine-tuning of RF/microwave filters and multiplexers, significantly improving tuning accuracy and reducing manual adjustment time.

Patens & Publications

  • Granted several patents related to innovations in RF/microwave systems, components, and tuning methodologies.
  • Authored and co-authored multiple papers on RF and microwave technologies.

Education

University of Maryland, College Park

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Aug 2003 - Dec 2006

North Carolina State University

M.S. in Computer Engineering, Aug 2000 – Aug 2002

Peking University, Beijing, China

M.S. and B.S. in Technical Physics, Sep 1992 – Jul 2000

Honors

  • Peraton Platinum Award, Dec 2024
  • Peraton Platinum Award, Aug 2023
  • Peraton Recognition - Core Value Award, Feb 2023
  • Radio Frequency Systems Excelling Award, Sep 2017
  • Radio Frequency Systems Star Award, May 2010
  • IEEE MTT-S International Symposium Digest Student Paper Competition Finalist, Jun 2006
  • Outstanding Graduate Student Scholarship from Peking University, Oct 1999
  • Outstanding Graduate Senior Scholarship from Peking University, Jul 1997
  • Excellent Graduate of Beijing awarded by Higher Education Bureau of Beijing, Jun 1997
  • Outstanding Undergraduate Student Scholarship from Peking University, Oct 1994

Computer Skills

  • Platforms: Windows, UNIX, Linux, DOS
  • Software: MS Office, SAP, Power BI, etc.
  • Programming: Python, MATLAB, C++, C, Javascript, VBA, Html, CSS, etc.
  • CAD Software: AGI STK, Ansys HFSS, CST, MATLAB/Simulink, Ticra Grasp, Keysight ADS, Keysight SystemVue, Keysight Genesys, NI AWR, µWave Wizard, WASP-NET, SolidWorks, etc.

Projects

Developed numerous products through years.

  • Ground Station Antenna System
    • Performed the end-to-end development of a ground station antenna system for satellite communications in S, X, Ku, K, Ka bands, including requirements definition, design, integration, and testing phases.
    • Designed RF front-end architecture, including low-noise amplifier (LNA) chains, up/down conversion stages, and waveguide/feed assemblies to meet link budget and G/T performance targets.
    • Developed and validated antenna tracking algorithms (e.g., step-track, monopulse, or TLE-based) to ensure precise tracking of LEO/GEO satellites under dynamic conditions.
    • Conducted detailed link budget and system performance analysis, accounting for atmospheric losses, polarization mismatch, radome effects, terrain obstructions, and Doppler shifts.
    • Performed pattern measurements, G/T estimation, and EIRP validation using calibrated signal sources and spectrum analyzers across S-, X-, or Ka-band frequency ranges.
    • Implemented automatic tracking control and hardware interfaces for antenna positioners, RF chains, and modem subsystems, ensuring real-time responsiveness and telemetry feedback.
    • Led the integration of spectrum analyzers, modems, and signal generators into the antenna system for real-time monitoring, acquisition, and troubleshooting.
    • Developed Python-based tools for test automation, data logging, and control of RF instruments and positioners via GPIB, Ethernet, and serial interfaces.
    • Conducted EMI/EMC testing, RF safety evaluation, and system compliance verification based on regulatory and mission-specific standards.
    • Generated technical documentation including system block diagrams, interface control documents (ICDs), test procedures, and verification reports.
  • Software Tool Development
    • Developed a Jitter Analysis Tool with Graphical User Interface (GUI).
    • Forward Error Correction (FEC) Coding Tool in Python.
    • Bitter Error Rate Test Simulation Tool in Simulink.
    • Generic Modem Qualification and Testing Tools that support various modems from different vendors.
  • Collimation Antenna Subsystem
    • Performed collimation antenna subsystem designs in S, X and Ka bands.
    • Define specifications of system components and lead the component developments, such as Antennas, Up/Down Converters, Switches, etc.
  • Base Station Antennas
    • Performed linear phased array, radiating element and feeding network designs for base station applications at cellular spectra, such as 900MHz, 1900MHz, 2.6GHz, etc.
  • Microwave Parabolic Antennas for Microwave Link Applications
    • Performed parabolic reflector antenna and dielectric feed designs for back haul applications
  • Multiplexer Designs for Satellite Payload Systems
    • Implemented several Ku-band diplexer and multiplexer designs for satellite payload systems
  • Duplexer and coupler designs for Transceiver Systems
    • Performed duplexer with integrated coupler designs for base station applications using metallic and ceramic resonators
  • Low Noise Amplifier Designs for LTE, GSM, AWS, PCS, DCS, UMTS, etc.
    • Performed low cost, high gain, low noise-figure LNA designs for most cellular spectra
  • Multiplexers and Diplexers for Co-site Transceiver Systems
    • Performed cross-band and in-band multiplexer/diplexer designs for most cellular spectra, such as 600MHz, 700MHz, GSM, AWS, PCS, DCS, UMTS, LTE bands, 2.6GHz, 3.5GHz, 5GHz, etc.
    • Cavity, Dielectric Resonator, Stripline, Suspended Substrate Stripline, PCB technology are employed for certain products based on performance requirements
  • Waveguide Orthomode Transducers (OMTs)
    • Performed OMT designs to combine/separate orthogonally polarized signals from 6GHz to 38GHz
  • System Interference Mitigation Filters (IMFs)
    • Performed IMF designs to allow co-site/co-location of two or more RF systems

Appendix

Patents

  • Dielectric loaded metallic resonator, US10177431B2 · Issued Jan 8, 2019
  • Methods and devices for connecting a resonator to a filter body, US9799938B2 · Issued Oct 24, 2017
  • Methods and devices for grounding deep drawn resonators, US9742050B2 · Issued Aug 22, 2017
  • Orthomode transducers and methods of fabricating orthomode transducers, US9680194B2 · Issued Jun 13, 2017
  • Methods and devices for protecting antenna components from contaminants, US9640853B2 · Issued May 2, 2017
  • Same-band combiner using dual-bandpass channel filters, US9559729B2 · Issued Jan 31, 2017
  • Methods and devices for protecting band rejection filters from external forces, US9391581B2 · Issued Jul 12, 2016
  • Methods and devices for providing a compact resonator, US9231289B2 · Issued Jan 5, 2016
  • DC pass filter using flat inductor in cavity, US8810989B2 · Issued Aug 19, 2014
  • Radio frequency filter stabilization, US20120249267A1 · Issued Aug 19, 2014
  • Planar filter assembly, US20120313733A1 · Issued Aug 5, 2014
  • Compact tunable dual band stop filter, US7915978B2 · Issued Mar 29, 2011

Publications

  • A Waveguide to Microstrip Inline Transition With Very Simple Modular Assembly, IEEE Microwave and Wireless Components Letters · Oct 1, 2010
  • Inline and canonical stripline filters with ridge coupling sections for LTCC applications, International Journal of RF and Microwave Computer-Aided Engineering · May 1, 2009
  • Longitudinal dual-mode filters in rectangular waveguide, IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium · Jul 1, 2008
  • Analytical Synthesis of Generalized Multi-band Microwave Filters, IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium · Jul 1, 2007
  • LTCC Multi-layer Coupled Strip-Resonator Filters, IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium · Jul 1, 2007
  • TEM Mode-Matching Analysis of Multi-coupled Stripline Filters, IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium · Jul 1, 2007
  • Ultra-wideband LTCC ridge waveguide filters, IEEE Microwave and Wireless Components Letters · Mar 1, 2007
  • Ridge Waveguide Elliptic Filters in Narrow-Wall Canonical Configuration, EUMC.2006.281121 · Oct 1, 2006
  • Miniature broadband bandpass filters using double-layer coupled stripline resonators, IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques · Sep 1, 2006
  • Compact, Coupled Strip-line Broad-Band Bandpass Filters, IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium · Jul 1, 2006
  • Ridge Waveguide Coupled Stripline Resonator Filters and Multiplexers, IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium · Jul 1, 2006
  • Ridge Waveguide Divider Junctions for Wide-Band Multiplexer Applications, IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium · Jul 1, 2006
  • MODELING AND DESIGN OF MICROWAVE-MILLIMETERWAVE FILTERS AND MULTIPLEXERS, Ph.D Dissertation at University of Maryland, College Park · Jan 1, 2006
  • Dual mode bandpass filter with asymmetric transfer function, Antennas and Propagation Society International Symposium · Aug 1, 2005
  • Ridge waveguide branch-line directional couplers for wideband applications and LTCC technology, IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium · Jul 1, 2005
  • Canonical ridge waveguide filters in LTCC or metallic resonators, IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques · Feb 1, 2005