What happens to power lost in a feed line?

Power lost in a feed line is primarily converted into heat. This loss occurs due to the resistive elements of the cable, which dissipate energy as heat when current flows through them. As RF signals travel down the feed line, various factors such as cable resistance, dielectric losses, and skin effect contribute to this energy loss.

When this energy is dissipated in the form of heat, it results in a reduction of the power available at the antenna. It’s important for operators to consider this loss when designing and setting up antenna systems, as excessive power loss in the feed line can significantly impact performance. Focusing on using high-quality feed lines with low resistance and losses can help minimize these effects, ensuring that more of the transmitted power reaches the antenna for effective radiation.