Return Loss

- the return loss is a measured used when looking at the matching of radio frequency sources, transmissions lines and loads.

Return Loss (dB) is defined as a ratio of the incoming signal to the same reflected signal as it enters a component. The Return Loss (RL) may also be explained as the difference between the power of a transmitted signal and the power of the signal reflections caused by variations in link and channel impedance. A return loss plot indicates how well the link and channel's impedance matches its rated impedance over a range of frequencies. High return loss values mean a close impedance match, which results in greater differentiation between the powers of transmitted and reflected signals.

Return Loss (dB) = 10 * LOG10(Reflected Power/Incident Power)