This tool converts Frequency to Wavelength. It’s also referred to as an antenna length calculator as the dimensions of an antenna are similar to the wavelength of light. The radiation properties of an antenna depend on its length.
Formula
λ = c/f
where, c is the speed of light and f is the frequency.
In a vacuum, the speed of light is c = 299,792,458 meters/second. This is the default value for the calculator.
It is slower in other media such as in glass for instance where the speed is 200,000,000 meters/second. Change the value of c in the calculator above to calculate the frequency in this case.
The wavelength can also be scaled down depending on the antenna dimension where the default scaling is 1 for a Full-Wave antenna.
Background
The antenna is a critical component of any wireless system. It converts electrical signals from the transmitter into electromagnetic waves that can be propagated through the air. At the receiver it converts captured waves to a signal voltage that can be processed by the receiver.
The frequency of the signal determines the wavelength, and the antenna must be designed to radiate efficiently at that size.
Application Examples
Use this tool to calculate the spacing between two antennas in a diversity application. For example at 434 MHz, a minimum of ½ wavelength separation is calculated to be 34.5 cm.
Related Calculators
- Antenna Efficiency
- Antenna Directivity
- Antenna Gain