Communication Q: Answers to Reflection Coefficient, VSWR & Power

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of the reflection coefficient, voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR), and related concepts in the context of a transmission line and antenna system. Participants seek assistance with specific numerical problems related to these concepts, including the implications of reflection coefficients and standing wave patterns.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Participants calculate the reflection coefficient using the formula Г = (Rl-Zo)/(Rl+Zo) and initially find a value of 0.25, but later discussions reveal a sign error leading to a recalculation of -4.
  • There is confusion regarding the interpretation of the reflection coefficient's sign and its implications for the standing wave pattern.
  • Participants discuss the calculation of VSWR using two different formulas, leading to different results, and express uncertainty about the correct application of these formulas.
  • Questions arise about the distance between adjacent minima in the standing wave pattern and how it relates to the calculated VSWR.
  • Participants inquire about the calculation of reflected power using the reflection coefficient and the given power of the transmitter.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the correct value of the reflection coefficient or the implications of its sign. Participants express differing views on the calculation of VSWR and its interpretation, indicating unresolved disagreements and confusion regarding the concepts discussed.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential errors in calculations and interpretations, particularly regarding the sign of the reflection coefficient and the resulting values for VSWR. The discussion highlights the complexity of these concepts and the importance of careful mathematical handling.

Matt007
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Hi there,

This is my first post so I hope that I am doing this correctly. I have put the question below and i am having troubles with numbers 3,5 and 6. Any help would be great.

Cheers


A transmitter with an output power of 200W operates at a frequency of 20MHz. It feed an antenna with an impedance of 30 Ω. The cable has a characteristic impedance of 50 Ω and a velocity factor of .90. Cable loss will be ignored and power rating is adequate for the application.

Load is not matched to the transmission line so there will be some reflection of the incident wave energy when it arrives at the load. The incident wave and the reflected wave will both combine to produce an interference phenomenon known as a stationary wave or standing wave.


1. Calculation the Reflection Coefficient at the load

Г = (Rl-Zo)/(Rl+Zo)

Г = (30-50)/(30+50) = 20/80 =1/4 or 0.25

* How do you convert this to dB??


2. What does the sign mean of the reflection coefficient value

+ve Maximum positive reflection when the line is open circuited
-ve Maximum negative reflection when the line is short circuited
0= perfectly matched

3. Would there be a Maximum or Minimum in the standing wave



4. Calculate the voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) on the line

VSWR = Zo/Rl = 50/30 = 1.6667

VSWR = (1+ Г)/(1- Г) = (1+0.25) / (1-0.25) = 1.6667

5. What is the distance between adjacent minima in the standing wave pattern.



6. Calculate the actual amount of reflected power and the actual amount of power few to the load.

Г^2 = Pref/Pinc
 
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Matt007 said:
Hi there,

This is my first post so I hope that I am doing this correctly. I have put the question below and i am having troubles with numbers 3,5 and 6. Any help would be great.

Cheers


A transmitter with an output power of 200W operates at a frequency of 20MHz. It feed an antenna with an impedance of 30 Ω. The cable has a characteristic impedance of 50 Ω and a velocity factor of .90. Cable loss will be ignored and power rating is adequate for the application.

Load is not matched to the transmission line so there will be some reflection of the incident wave energy when it arrives at the load. The incident wave and the reflected wave will both combine to produce an interference phenomenon known as a stationary wave or standing wave.


1. Calculation the Reflection Coefficient at the load

Г = (Rl-Zo)/(Rl+Zo)

Г = (30-50)/(30+50) = 20/80 =1/4 or 0.25

* How do you convert this to dB??


2. What does the sign mean of the reflection coefficient value

+ve Maximum positive reflection when the line is open circuited
-ve Maximum negative reflection when the line is short circuited
0= perfectly matched

3. Would there be a Maximum or Minimum in the standing wave



4. Calculate the voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) on the line

VSWR = Zo/Rl = 50/30 = 1.6667

VSWR = (1+ Г)/(1- Г) = (1+0.25) / (1-0.25) = 1.6667

5. What is the distance between adjacent minima in the standing wave pattern.



6. Calculate the actual amount of reflected power and the actual amount of power few to the load.

Г^2 = Pref/Pinc

Welcome to the PF. You have a sign error in #1, which affects your answer in #4. What is the range of values for VSWR? Knowing that, you should have caught the error in #4 right away.

And in #1, you could have caught the sign error as well. When you have a load with a lower impedance than the transmission line that feeds it, do you get a positive or negative reflection?
 
Hi Berkeman,

Thanks for the info, I missed that sign error in the first post. I have since re-worked the question and found that the Г to equal -4


1. Calculation the Reflection Coefficient at the load

Г = (Rl-Zo)/(Rl+Zo)

Г = (-30-50)/(-30+50) = -80/20 = -4

3. Would there be a Maximum or Minimum in the standing wave

Does the max and min refer to the VSWR which has been worked out to be

VSWR = -3/5 = -0.6

So the max = -3
and the min = 5

4. Calculate the voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) on the line

VSWR = Zo/Rl = 50/30 = 1.66667

VSWR = (1+ Г)/(1- Г) = (1+(-4)) / (1-(-4)) = -0.6

* If I use both the VSWR equations how come I get two different answers, I am only assume that i have done something incorrect.


5. What is the distance between adjacent minima in the standing wave pattern.

*From the VSWR would this equal -0.6 ??

6. Calculate the actual amount of reflected power and the actual amount of power few to the load.

* Do i use the Г value and sub into this formula
Г^2 = Pref/Pinc and use the 200W given in the question?


Thanks for your help
 
Matt007 said:
Hi Berkeman,

Thanks for the info, I missed that sign error in the first post. I have since re-worked the question and found that the Г to equal -4


1. Calculation the Reflection Coefficient at the load

Г = (Rl-Zo)/(Rl+Zo)

Г = (-30-50)/(-30+50) = -80/20 = -4

3. Would there be a Maximum or Minimum in the standing wave

Does the max and min refer to the VSWR which has been worked out to be

VSWR = -3/5 = -0.6

So the max = -3
and the min = 5

4. Calculate the voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) on the line

VSWR = Zo/Rl = 50/30 = 1.66667

VSWR = (1+ Г)/(1- Г) = (1+(-4)) / (1-(-4)) = -0.6

* If I use both the VSWR equations how come I get two different answers, I am only assume that i have done something incorrect.


5. What is the distance between adjacent minima in the standing wave pattern.

*From the VSWR would this equal -0.6 ??

6. Calculate the actual amount of reflected power and the actual amount of power few to the load.

* Do i use the Г value and sub into this formula
Г^2 = Pref/Pinc and use the 200W given in the question?


Thanks for your help

AFAIK, there is no such thing as a negative VSWR. Look at the definition of \rho at this wikipedia page (note the page has some math formatting issues at the moment...):

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VSWR

.
 

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