Unlike the many theoretical resources and courses on the subject, this unique book (the first of a two volume set) takes a highly practical approach to RF circuit design, offering a complete understanding of the fundamental concepts you need to know and use for your work in this industry. The book lays the ground work for efficient RF circuit design in a step-by-step approach, by defining important principles and parameters and progressively introducing critical analytical tools. It helps you distinguish between RF and low frequency circuits, and offers a detailed look at a typical RF system. This is a tested and insightful book that contains answers to most of the questions practical engineers are asking. The first volume reviews various computer-aided simulation, synthesis, and optimization techniques used in modern RF and microwave design, and discusses the practical use of the graphical design tools, such as the Smith Chart. Other key topics include passive component modeling, impedance matching, and lumped and distributed filters. Moreover, the authors present an introduction to high-speed circuit design considerations faced by the digital designer at high clock speeds. The book makes extensive use of state-or-the-art CAD programs to illustrate the concepts and theory, and is lavishly illustrated with examples. This text is guaranteed to provide even the most experienced RF designer with fresh, intuitive insight into circuit operation, and will be as useful at universities as a course text on practical RF circuit design, as it will in industry as a training refresher.