Load Reflection

The load (working space, applicator) is represented by its reflection coefficient G_L . The load is assumed to be connected directly to the magnetron, and therefore, it implicitly includes any transmission line interconnecting the actual load and the magnetron.

The load reflection coefficient can be defined by the controls contained in the Load Reflection group:

Magnitude

The Magnitude edit box is used for defining the load reflection coefficient magnitude. Depending on the setting of the attached pull-down selection box (Mag, dB, SWR), the value can be typed in as follows:

Mag    Linear reflection coefficient magnitude (0 to 1)

dB        Reflection coefficient magnitude in dB (negative of return loss)

SWR    Voltage Standing Wave Ratio VSWR (values ³ 1)

Note that changing the format recalculates the current reflection coefficient to the new format, so this can also serve as a tool for converting reflection coefficient to return loss or to VSWR, or vice versa.

Phase

The Phase edit box is used for defining the load reflection coefficient phase angle in degrees (‑180 to 180). The value can also be stepped by the attached up-down control.

Varying the phase may reflect varying the signal frequency or the length of the interconnecting waveguide.

Mismatch

The Mismatch text box displays the computed load mismatch factor m_L . The load mismatch factor is a figure representing the fraction of the incident power that is absorbed in the load. It is computed as

where G_L is the load reflection coefficient.

The mismatch factor can be displayed as a linear dimensionless quantity, in dB, or in percent. To change the format, select it from the attached pull-down selection box.