Signal Propagation: How Does It Effect & What Are Characteristics?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on the characteristics of electromagnetic signal propagation through different materials, particularly conductors, and how these characteristics affect attenuation at various frequencies. Participants explore theoretical aspects, practical implications, and specific examples related to signal transmission in conductors like copper.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the capability of electromagnetic signal propagation is influenced by the material or conductor used, raising questions about the effects and characteristics that lead to attenuation at certain frequencies.
  • One participant mentions that waveguides act as high pass filters, allowing propagation only if the signal frequency exceeds a cutoff frequency determined by the geometry and dielectric medium.
  • Another participant questions whether copper can pass THz signals, suggesting that the limitations of each medium are not solely related to heat loss.
  • A later reply discusses the impact of eddy currents in copper, which produce losses and attenuation, and explains the skin effect, noting that it becomes significant below 1 MHz and is very pronounced at 1 THz.
  • Participants reference specific texts for further quantitative explanations regarding the propagation characteristics of conductors.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the specific limitations of copper regarding THz signal propagation, with some agreeing on the presence of attenuation due to skin effect and eddy currents, while the broader implications of bandwidth limitations remain contested.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the properties of materials and their effects on signal propagation, but these assumptions are not universally accepted or resolved among participants.

priyadarshan
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I read that capability of electromagnetic signal propagation depends on material or conductor from which it is passed... I want to know How does it effect?... What are characteristics of conductors that result in attenuation for certain frequencies?
 
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Thats a very general question. Are you referring to waveguides? If yes, they act as high pass filters: propagation can take place only if the signal frequency exceeds a cutoff frequency decided by the geometry of and dielectric medium inside the guiding structure. As for conductors, they have finite conductivity, so there are losses associated with current flow.

[EDIT: I am not v. sure if this is the right place to continue this discussion (vs the Electrical Engineering Forum).]
 
Sir I have read that each medium has its bandwidth limitations not regarding heat loss... so I was asking in such way that Can copper pass THz signals?...If no than why?
 
priyadarshan said:
Sir I have read that each medium has its bandwidth limitations not regarding heat loss... so I was asking in such way that Can copper pass THz signals?...If no than why?
Because of eddy currents in copper that produce losses and attenuation, ac currents in the copper are forced to the outer surface (see skin effect in reference books). This begins to happen below 1 MHz. By 1 THz the skin depth is very thin.
 
Last edited:
priyadarshan said:
Sir I have read that each medium has its bandwidth limitations not regarding heat loss... so I was asking in such way that Can copper pass THz signals?...If no than why?

You could refer to "Field and Wave Electromagnetics" by David Cheng or Engineering Electromagnetics by Nathan Ida, for quantitative explanations.
 

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