Naveed Edalati
R&D Hardware Engineer, Keysight Technologies
B.S. Electrical Engineering, '15, M.S. Electrical and Computer Engineering, '21
What research or technology are you most excited about right now, and why?
As an RF Engineer, the growth in commercial wireless products operating at millimeter wave frequencies is most exciting. These products have become the catalyst for innovation throughout the wireless industry. The difficulties associated with operating at higher frequencies have forced design engineers to rethink how their systems are architected and physically realized. We’ve had to redesign building blocks such as Frequency Synthesizers, Low Noise References, Power Amplifiers, LNAs, Mixers, and Frequency Multipliers. While simultaneously optimizing how we make these systems come to life on PCBs at millimeter frequencies. Nearly every facet of the industry has had to evolve, and this continues to be an exciting environment to be in as an Engineer.
How did your time at UC Davis impact you and/or prepare you for your career?
Showing up, being on time, completing tasks, and working as a team were the basic translatable skills that UC Davis taught me during a large portion of my undergraduate years. During the tail end of my undergrad and much of my graduate years there were numerous courses that were directly relevant to the work that I do today. These courses were invaluable. The course content, lab work, and projects taught me skills that I continue to use, and which made the transition into my professional life smoother.
Did you have a favorite course or instructor at UC Davis?
My favorite course at UC Davis was EEC 132. It’s technically a series which includes EEC 132A, EEC 132B, and EEC 132C. Dr. Branner has done an outstanding job structuring a series of courses that dive deep into the theory of RF and Microwave circuit design, while also teaching the practical skills that companies seek in prospective employees. These skills include designing and fabricating matching networks, RF filters, couplers, and amplifiers. During my early years at Keysight I had the chance to meet and later work with one of the leading engineers at the company. The first question he asked me was, “Naveed, have you taken Dr. Branner’s 132 series?” That Engineer happens to be a proud Cal Poly Alumni! These courses are well known throughout the industry, and the students who muster through them are recognized by the industry. My favorite instructor at UC Davis was Dr. Lewis. His lectures were exceptional, and I still reference my notes from his courses when designing analog circuits. His attention to detail in the courses I took from him, including ENG 17, EEC 112, EEC 210, and EEC 213, set a motivational tone that I never quite got from my other classes.
What advice would you give to young people who are currently seeking a degree in electrical and computer engineering?
My advice to students in the electrical and computer engineering program would be to take as many courses as you can in the areas you find interesting, and to not take shortcuts. As the old adage goes, “nothing worth having comes easy.” An equally as important piece of advice is to have fun on the way. When you’re in Kemper late at night tackling a difficult lab or project with your friends it may feel arduous. But when you’re all done, you’ll look back and remember those times as the “good old days”, and you’ll never forget the friends you made along the way.