1. What is RF Wavelength?

The RF wavelength is the physical distance between successive crests of a radio wave. It's inversely proportional to frequency and is a fundamental parameter in antenna design and RF system planning.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the wavelength formula:

Where:

• \( \lambda \) — Wavelength in meters
• \( f_{MHz} \) — Frequency in megahertz (MHz)

Explanation: The speed of light is approximately 300 million meters per second. Dividing by frequency in MHz gives the wavelength in meters.

3. Importance of Wavelength Calculation

Details: Wavelength determines antenna size, propagation characteristics, and is crucial for impedance matching in RF systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter frequency in MHz. The value must be positive (frequency > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is 300 used in the formula?
A: It's an approximation of the speed of light (299.792458 m/μs) for practical calculations at RF frequencies.

Q2: How does wavelength relate to antenna length?
A: Most antennas are designed as fractions (½, ¼) or multiples of the wavelength for optimal performance.

Q3: Does wavelength change in different media?
A: Yes, wavelength shortens in dielectric materials by the square root of the relative permittivity.

Q4: What's the wavelength range for common bands?
A: AM radio (~300m), FM radio (~3m), WiFi (~12cm), cellular (~15-30cm), satellite (~1-10cm).

Q5: How precise is this calculation?
A: For most practical RF applications, this approximation is sufficient, though exact speed of light is 299.792458 m/μs.