Introduction to Radio Frequency (RF)

Radio Frequency (RF) refers to the rate of oscillation of electromagnetic radio waves in the range of 3 kHz to 300 GHz, as well as the alternating currents carrying such signals.

Frequency and Wavelength

The relationship between frequency ($f$) and wavelength ($\lambda$) is inversely proportional, defined by the speed of light ($c$).

Where:

• $c \approx 3 \times 10^8$ m/s
• $f$ is frequency in Hertz (Hz)
• $\lambda$ is wavelength in meters (m)

The Electromagnetic Spectrum

RF is just one part of the electromagnetic spectrum. It is divided into bands:

| Band | Frequency | Application | |------|-----------|-------------| | HF | 3-30 MHz | Long-range aviation, Shortwave | | VHF | 30-300 MHz| FM Radio, TV, Land Mobile | | UHF | 300MHz-3GHz| Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, Cellular | | SHF | 3-30 GHz | Satellite, Radar, 5G |

[!NOTE] As frequency increases, range typically decreases, but data capacity increases.