BasicB-006-004-008

In what values are RF transmission line losses expressed?

D
Answer
Antennas and feed lines
Type
A
Ohms per MHz
B
Ohms per metre
C
Decibel per MHz
D
Decibel per unit length

Answer Notes

RF transmission line losses are typically specified in decibels (dB) over a standard length, such as per 100 feet or per 100 metres. This allows radio operators to calculate the total signal loss for their specific cable run by multiplying the loss factor by their cable length. Ohms are used to express characteristic impedance or resistance, not signal attenuation over distance. Decibels per MHz is incorrect because while loss does vary with frequency, the standard specification is always given for a specific frequency over a unit of physical length.
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The lowest loss transmission line on HF is:
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If the length of a coaxial transmission line is increased from 20 metres to 40 metres, how would this affect the line loss?