Why is VSWR used instead of a reflection coefficient directly?
I have a basic question about VSWR.
Based on my understanding, VSWR has been used to show a matching statu between a power amp and an antenna, and it is easily measured when a wave guide is used for a connection.
However, a reflection coefficient can be more easily measured in an IC level.
A calculation is needed to get VSWR from the reflection coefficient.
Why still is the VSWR used normally instead of the reflection coefficient?
Is it because of just historical reason?
That would be my guess. It was the easiest to measure and the first to be measured.
reflection coefficient and VSWR are measured in exactly the same way. not sure what you are talking about.
Let's say we make a RF IC
In the IC, we want to include a block to check if the signal is reflected or not, in other words, how well the signal is transferred to an antenna without reflection.
People normally use a parameter, VSWR, to check it instead of a reflection coefficient.
I want to know why
Thanks
Some people want to compare numbers in VSWR, others want to compare numbers in return loss or reflection coefficient. It's also handy to hide minor glitches in the performance.
I disagree with biff44,VSWR and Reflection coeff are not measured in the same way.
To measure VSWR Vmax and Vmin of a standing wave is measured,using a probe,this is an ancient method when directional couplers were not around.Once Directional couplers were invented,people started measuring reflection coeff directly.
Though both measures the order of mismatch at the load.