Radio Frequencies

Oscillator
Feedback loop

Oscillator
As the output of the amplifier is fed
to the input, feedback or oscillation
occurs

Tuned Oscillator

Oscillator
When properly tuned to a high
enough frequency, the oscillator will
produced radio frequencies
Frequencies begin to take on the
characteristics of radio frequencies
(RF) at about 30,000 KHz
RF can travel great distances, and
can be modulated to carry
information (audio & video)

RF
Antennae are conductive rods that will
easily radiate RF
When the output of the oscillator is
connected to an antenna, the
electrons in the antenna begin to
vibrate or oscillate at RF frequencies
Waves of electromagnetic radiation
will emanate from the antenna at
those RF frequencies (+30KHz)

RF spectrum

Very Low Frequencies 3 30 KHz

Low Frequencies 30 300 KHz
Medium frequencies 300 KHz 3 MHz
High frequencies 3 30 MHz
Very High frequencies 30 MHz 300 MHz
Ultra High frequencies 300 MHz 3 GHz
Super High frequencies 3 30 GHz
Extremely High frequencies 30 300 GHz

RF and beyond
As particles continue to accelerate,
creating waves of decreasing
wavelengths, energy takes on other
characteristics
Infrared
Visible light red, orange, yellow, green,
blue, indigo, and violet
Ultraviolet
X-rays
Gamma rays
Cosmic rays

Spectrum management
AM radio (MF) 535 1705 KHz
Channels are 10 KHz
Radio receivers tune to the center
frequency in the channel or carrier
540
535

560

550
545

555

565

Spectrum management
FM radio (VHF) 88 108 MHz
Channels are 200 KHz
Radio receivers tune to the center
frequency in the channel or carrier
88.1
88.2

88.0

+/- 75 KHz deviation

Spectrum management
TV (VHF and UHF)
Channels are 6 MHz
TV receivers tune to the center
frequency in the channel or video
carrier
83.25
MHz video
In this example:
Channel
6
82.0

(1.25 MHz above carrier

lower edge of
channel)

(30 KHz above

lower edge of
channel)

(Audio 4.5 MHz

+/- 25 KHz)

88.0

Spectrum management
http://frrl.files.wordpress.com/2010/1
1/frequency-allo-chart.jpg

Calculating wavelength

Velocity
WL =
Frequency
Velocity = speed of light = 300,000,000 meters per second

Calculating wavelength

300,000,000
WL =
Frequency

Calculating wavelength

300,000,000
WL =
102,500,000
WHIZ-FM 102.5 MHz

Calculating wavelength

300,000,000
2.93 =
102,500,000
Radio wave is 2.93 meters from crest to crest

Calculating wavelength

300,000,000
2.93 =
102,500,000

Calculating wavelength

300,000,000
WL =
1,240,000
WHIZ-AM 1240 KHz

Calculating wavelength

300,000,000
241.93 =
1,240,000
Radio wave is 241.93 meters from crest to crest

Calculating wavelength
Higher frequencies = shorter
wavelengths
In the highest bands of the usable
spectrum, wavelength are measured
in nanometers or angstroms
Wavelengths in the microwave
bands are so short that atmospheric
moisture affects transmission

Calculating wavelength
These calculations are used to
determine ideal antenna length
In FM and TV, antennae use halfwave dipole construction
The antenna is one-half the length of
the wave, and the pole is cut in half

Half wave dipole

Stacking the elements forces

waves toward horizon. This
adds gain to the antenna.

Quarter-wave vertical
In AM, the longer wavelengths dictate the
use of quarter-wave vertical antennae
The tower itself becomes the antenna
AM also uses a ground array to propagate
the ground waves

How waves behave

HF and above (FM, TV, satellite, etc.)
travel in direct waves, or line-of-sight
Direct waves will not bend or pass
through solid objects
LF and MF frequencies travel in sky
waves, which bounce off the ionosphere
LF and MF frequencies travel in ground
waves, which follow the curvature of
the earth

Antenna location
Best location for an FM or TV antenna
is on the highest unobstructed hill,
building, tower, peak
Best location for an AM antenna is
low marshy location

Antenna schematics
FM antenna

AM antenna

Ionosphere
A layer of the atmosphere where
hydrogen atoms become ionized
Ionization occurs when the hydrogen
atoms become charged because they
give up electrons
Heating of the ionosphere by the sun
causes the ionization
The will determine the behavior of sky
waves

Sky waves
May be absorbed during the daylight
hours
May pass through during the daylight
hours
May be reflected at night when the
ionosphere cools

Sunspots
Affect terrestrial communication,
telecommunications, broadcasting,
computers, other electronics
Occur in 11 year cycles
Activity builds and subsides slowly
1990

2000

2010

Modulation