Use this electronics calculation for a first-pass component, converter, signal, motor, or sensor estimate when the stated operating conditions and units match the device data.

Reflection coefficient magnitude

Required number input.

Compute the power transmission coefficient tau as one minus the square of the reflection coefficient magnitude. The tool evaluates the supplied inputs together and returns the named outputs below; it does not infer omitted operating conditions or change the units shown.^[1]

Transmission coefficient

The resulting transmission coefficient returned as a number.

• Compact electronics formulas omit some combination of tolerances, temperature drift, bandwidth, loading, parasitics, noise spectrum, nonlinearity, clipping, calibration, layout, and device-specific limits. Typical datasheet values are not guaranteed limits.
• Use finite inputs in the displayed units and preserve more precision than the final presentation requires. Independently verify safety-critical, financial, compliance, or production decisions.

Check the result against the current datasheet and worst-case operating corners, then verify the circuit or measurement with simulation and bench testing where failure matters.

• PCB Impedance Mismatch Reflection

  Calculate signed voltage reflection coefficient at a PCB transmission-line load as (Zload−Z0)/(Zload+Z0) for real positive impedances.

• Return Loss dB

  Compute the return loss in decibels from a reflection coefficient magnitude.

• VSWR From Gamma

  Compute the voltage standing wave ratio from a reflection coefficient magnitude.