RFsignaal

RFsignaal is the Dutch term for a radio-frequency signal, an electrical signal whose frequency lies in the radio spectrum and which is used to convey information or energy in wireless and wired systems. RFsignaal describes the carrier wave, its modulation, and how the signal is transmitted or received. In practice, RFsignalen are characterized by carrier frequency, bandwidth, modulation type, and power.

The conventional RF range extends roughly from 3 kHz to 300 GHz, though practical systems operate in narrower bands allocated by regulators. The information is encoded in properties such as amplitude, phase, and timing, while modulation schemes include amplitude modulation (AM), frequency modulation (FM), phase modulation (PM), quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM), and others.

Generation and transmission involve oscillators and signal processors that produce the carrier and apply modulation. RFsignaal energy is transmitted through antennas or transmission lines, and its propagation is influenced by path loss, fading, multipath effects, and atmospheric conditions. Antenna design and impedance matching are important for efficient radiation and reception.

Measurement and analysis use instruments like spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, oscilloscopes, and power meters. Key metrics include carrier frequency, bandwidth, modulation accuracy, signal-to-noise ratio, and transmitted power in decibels relative to one milliwatt (dBm). Standards and testing ensure compatibility and performance in real-world environments.

Applications span broadcasting, mobile and fixed wireless communications (cellular networks, Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth), radar, satellite links, telemetry, and RFID. RFsignaal signals may be converted to baseband for processing and demodulated to recover the original information.

See also: RF engineering; modulation; antenna; spectrum management.