A VSWR of 1.5:1 means that the ratio of the maximum voltage to the minimum voltage on the transmission line is 1.5 to 1. This indicates a slight impedance mismatch between the antenna and the transmission line, leading to some signal reflection but generally still a good match.
What is a good VSWR ratio?
A good VSWR ratio is typically 1.5:1 or lower. This indicates that the impedance mismatch is minimal, resulting in efficient power transfer and reduced signal reflection. Lower VSWR ratios generally reflect better performance and system efficiency.
To read VSWR, use an SWR meter or analyzer to measure the voltage standing wave ratio along the transmission line. The device displays the ratio of the maximum voltage to the minimum voltage, which helps determine how well the antenna is matched to the transmission line. A lower VSWR value indicates a better impedance match.
An SWR of 1.5 is generally considered good. It indicates that the impedance mismatch between the antenna and transmission line is relatively small, leading to efficient power transfer with minimal signal reflection. While not perfect, an SWR of 1.5 is acceptable for most practical purposes and suggests that the antenna system is performing well.
