What happens if the antenna and transmitter are not matched?

What happens if the antenna and transmitter are not matched?

• A. The transmitter automatically adjusts
• B. Reflections occur on the transmission line, degrading the signal or damaging the transmitter
• C. The frequency drifts
• D. The power output increases

Answer: (B)

Impedance matching is all about getting the transmitter’s output to see the antenna as its designed load. When they aren’t matched, part of the RF energy is reflected back toward the transmitter. Those reflections set up standing waves on the transmission line, so not all the power actually reaches the antenna. The result is lower power delivered to the antenna, higher SWR, and increased stress on the transmitter’s output stage, which can cause overheating or damage. Some transmitters have protection that reduces power when reflections are detected, but the fundamental issue is energy being reflected rather than being radiated. Mismatch doesn’t inherently cause the frequency to drift and it doesn’t increase transmitted power; it mainly degrades performance and can risk equipment.

Impedance matching is all about getting the transmitter’s output to see the antenna as its designed load. When they aren’t matched, part of the RF energy is reflected back toward the transmitter. Those reflections set up standing waves on the transmission line, so not all the power actually reaches the antenna. The result is lower power delivered to the antenna, higher SWR, and increased stress on the transmitter’s output stage, which can cause overheating or damage. Some transmitters have protection that reduces power when reflections are detected, but the fundamental issue is energy being reflected rather than being radiated. Mismatch doesn’t inherently cause the frequency to drift and it doesn’t increase transmitted power; it mainly degrades performance and can risk equipment.