What is standing wave ratio (SWR)?

What is standing wave ratio (SWR)?

• A. A measure of how well a load is matched to a transmission line
• B. The ratio of amplifier power output to input
• C. The transmitter efficiency ratio
• D. An indication of the quality of your station's ground connection

Answer: (A)

Standing wave ratio (SWR) is primarily defined as a measure of how well the load, such as an antenna, is matched to a transmission line. When the load is perfectly matched, all the power sent from the transmission line is transmitted to the load, resulting in minimal reflection of the signal. However, if there is a mismatch, part of the signal reflects back toward the source, creating standing waves along the transmission line. SWR quantifies this relationship; a lower SWR indicates better matching and more efficient power transfer, while a higher SWR signifies more reflected power and, therefore, less efficient operation. This is essential for technicians to ensure that their radio equipment operates effectively and avoids damage due to reflected power. Other options reflect different concepts that do not directly relate to the standing wave ratio. For instance, the ratio of amplifier power output to input pertains to the efficiency of amplifiers, the transmitter efficiency ratio relates to the overall performance of the transmitter, and the quality of a station's ground connection addresses a different aspect of station performance and safety.

Standing wave ratio (SWR) is primarily defined as a measure of how well the load, such as an antenna, is matched to a transmission line. When the load is perfectly matched, all the power sent from the transmission line is transmitted to the load, resulting in minimal reflection of the signal. However, if there is a mismatch, part of the signal reflects back toward the source, creating standing waves along the transmission line.

SWR quantifies this relationship; a lower SWR indicates better matching and more efficient power transfer, while a higher SWR signifies more reflected power and, therefore, less efficient operation. This is essential for technicians to ensure that their radio equipment operates effectively and avoids damage due to reflected power.

Other options reflect different concepts that do not directly relate to the standing wave ratio. For instance, the ratio of amplifier power output to input pertains to the efficiency of amplifiers, the transmitter efficiency ratio relates to the overall performance of the transmitter, and the quality of a station's ground connection addresses a different aspect of station performance and safety.