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Calculadora de Longitud de Onda y Frecuencia

Convierte entre longitud de onda, frecuencia y velocidad de propagación en diferentes medios.

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Fórmula

\lambda = \frac{c}{f\sqrt{\varepsilon_r}}

Referencia: Balanis, "Antenna Theory" 3rd ed.

λWavelength in medium (m)
cSpeed of light (299.792458 mm/ns) (m/s)
fFrequency (Hz)
εᵣRelative permittivity of medium

Cómo Funciona

In radio frequency (RF) engineering, wavelength and frequency are fundamentally linked through the wave propagation characteristics of electromagnetic radiation. The relationship λ = c/(f·sqrt(εr)) accounts for both free space and transmission media with different dielectric properties. The speed of light constant (c) represents the fundamental signal propagation velocity, while the square root of relative permittivity (εr) modifies wave velocity through different materials. This formula allows engineers to precisely calculate wavelength across various transmission environments, accounting for the material's electrical characteristics. Different media like air, coaxial cables, and microstrip lines have unique εr values that impact signal behavior, making this calculation crucial for antenna design, impedance matching, and signal integrity analysis.

Ejemplo Resuelto

Consider a microwave signal operating at 5.8 GHz on a microstrip PCB with a relative permittivity (εr) of 4.2. First, convert the frequency: 5.8 GHz = 5.8 × 10^9 Hz. Using λ = c/(f·sqrt(εr)), we calculate: λ = 299,792,458 / (5.8 × 10^9 · sqrt(4.2)) = 0.0412 meters or 41.2 mm. The velocity factor for this medium would be 1/sqrt(4.2) ≈ 0.489, which significantly impacts signal wavelength compared to free space propagation.

Consejos Prácticos

  • Always verify the specific εr for your transmission medium from manufacturer datasheets
  • Use high-precision calculators for critical RF design parameters
  • Consider temperature and frequency dependencies of dielectric properties

Errores Comunes

  • Neglecting velocity factor when calculating wavelength in non-air media
  • Assuming constant wave velocity across different transmission mediums
  • Using generic permittivity values instead of manufacturer-specified material characteristics

Preguntas Frecuentes

How does wavelength change with frequency?

Wavelength is inversely proportional to frequency. As frequency increases, wavelength decreases proportionally.

Why is sqrt(εr) used in the calculation?

The square root of relative permittivity represents the wave's reduced propagation velocity in different dielectric media compared to free space.

Can I use this calculator for all transmission media?

The formula works for various media, but you must know the specific relative permittivity (εr) of the transmission medium.

What is the practical significance of wavelength calculation?

Wavelength is critical for antenna design, impedance matching, signal integrity, and understanding electromagnetic wave behavior.

How accurate is the speed of light constant used?

The 299,792,458 m/s value is the defined speed of light in vacuum, providing excellent precision for most engineering calculations.

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