In radio terms, what does the term "SWR" stand for?

The term "SWR" stands for Standing Wave Ratio, which is a critical parameter in radio frequency (RF) transmission and antenna design. SWR is a measure of how efficiently radio frequency power is transmitted from the power source, through a transmission line, to the load, typically an antenna. A perfect match, where all power is transmitted, results in an SWR of 1:1, indicating no reflected power.

Higher SWR values indicate more reflected power due to an impedance mismatch, which can lead to signal loss and potential damage to the transmitter. Monitoring and maintaining an appropriate SWR is essential for optimizing the performance of radio systems, ensuring effective communication, and preventing equipment failures.

Understanding SWR helps operators assess their antenna systems and make necessary adjustments, which directly impacts the quality and reliability of radio transmissions.