Voltage Standing Wave Ratio

VSWR stands for "Voltage Standing Wave Ratio," which is a measure of the efficiency of the power transfer between a radio-frequency (RF) source and a load in a transmission line.

VSWR is expressed as a ratio of the maximum voltage amplitude to the minimum voltage amplitude along the transmission line. A perfect match between the source and load would result in a VSWR of 1:1, indicating that all of the power from the source is being transferred to the load without any reflection or loss.

However, in practice, there are always losses and reflections along the transmission line, which can cause the VSWR to increase. Higher VSWR values indicate higher levels of mismatch between the source and load, which can lead to decreased efficiency and signal quality, as well as potential damage to the transmission line or components.

VSWR is an important consideration in RF engineering and is often measured using specialized equipment such as a VSWR meter. By monitoring and adjusting the VSWR, engineers can optimize the performance and reliability of RF systems.