Biography: Jeff Tan, B.S. '07, M.S. '17
Jeff Tan
RF/mm/Wave Subsystem Design Engineer, Keysight Technologies
B.S. Electrical Engineering, '07, M.S. Electrical Engineering, '17
What research or technology are you most excited about right now, and why?
I am most excited for multilayer RF/mmWave circuit structures and how they will enable the development of systems that can operate at much higher frequencies. It opens up a lot of possibilities to innovate by designing in three dimensions, and allows for much more compact circuits that are necessary as frequency increases and loss increases. I believe that this technology will be the future of microwave circuitry and it is exciting to see it progress.
How did your time at UC Davis impact you and/or prepare you for your career?
The strong RF and Microwave program at UC Davis introduced me to high frequency circuits as an undergrad, and when I returned later for graduate school, it gave me the opportunity to pursue RF research. The breadth and rigor of the coursework, and especially the lab work, prepared me very well for my career as a design engineer at Keysight.
Did you have a favorite course or instructor at UC Davis?
The EEC 132 series of classes with Professor Branner was by far the most impactful set of courses. I took them both as an undergrad, and for several years, as a teaching assistant. The labs were especially valuable and challenging. From the 132A labs learning the fundamentals, to the 132B and C labs doing design, fabrication and testing of RF circuits. Professor Branner's industry experience heavily influences his teaching of courses that are focused on preparing students to both work and be successful in industry.
What advice would you give to young people who are currently seeking a degree in electrical and computer engineering?
My biased advice is to take all the RF and EM courses available, because those are the most interesting. My more general advice is to not go it alone. Make friends in your classes and labs, study together and help each other out. Not only does that help in the present, the networking aspect will also help in the future, when you are in industry, and you have formed connections with people in your field.