SANTA CLARA, Calif., Oct. 28, 2013 – Agilent Technologies announced the RF and Microwave Industry-Ready Student Certification program, developed in conjunction with the University of South Florida, a founding partner.

The program, a collaboration between universities and industry, recognizes students who have demonstrated RF/MW design and measurement expertise.

“Nearly two dozen of the top engineering universities in the United States and Canada are in the process of enrolling in the program,” said Mark Pierpoint, vice president and general manager of Agilent’s Software and Modular Solutions Division. “The curriculum and labs at each university focus on the design, building, measurement and analysis of RF/MW components to help students gain real-world understanding of design and measurement techniques. Students completing the program receive recognition as qualified Agilent RF/MW Industry-Ready Students.”

The certification program demonstrates immediate value to prospective employers and confirms each university’s interest in preparing students for future industry contribution.

“The Agilent RF/MW Student Certification program provides industry distinction for our students,” said Tom Weller, USF professor and Wireless and Microwave Information Systems (WAMI) program center director.

“The certification program gives graduating students of the WAMI program hands-on experience in solving real-world RF problems,” said Gio Cafaro, distinguished member of the technical staff at Motorola Solutions. “They finish with a working knowledge of design, simulation and measurement of RF devices and systems.”

“The Agilent certification program provides recognition of student achievements in RF design flow, identifying students who can begin to deliver faster and higher-level results to our industry partners or their ultimate employers,” said Tamal Bose, professor and department head at the University of Arizona.

The Agilent RF/MW Industry-Ready Student Certification program uses Agilent EEsof EDA software design tools and instruments. Certification requirements include:

• Passing the RF/MW design course and lab.
• Completing the required hours of Agilent EEsof design tools use.
• Completing the required use of Agilent instruments while learning key fundamentals for accurate RF calibration and measurement.
• Nomination by a university professor for certification.
• Passing a final hands-on test, demonstrating aptitude in the subject matter.

A key component of the certification program is the use of Agilent’s RF/MW workflow, a comprehensive way to simulate, measure and analyze communications components and systems using Agilent EEsof’s proven design tools and high-performance RF/MW measurement instruments.

For more information, visit www.agilent.com