Reflection coefficient

In telecommunication, the term reflection coefficient (RC) has the following meanings:

1. The ratio of the amplitude of the reflected wave and the amplitude of the incident wave.

2. At a discontinuity in a transmission line, the complex ratio of the electric field strength of the reflected wave to that of the incident wave.

Note 1: The reflection coefficient may also be established using other field or circuit quantities.

Note 2: The reflection coefficient is given by the equations below, where Z ₁ is the impedance toward the source, Z ₂ is the impedance toward the load, the vertical bars designate absolute magnitude, and SWR is the standing wave ratio:

Source: from Federal Standard 1037C and from MIL-STD-188