Cascaded VSWR (Worst / Best Case) and Coax Cable Loss vs Frequency Calculator
Worst- and best-case VSWR of connectors in series, and cable attenuation scaled to another frequency and length.
Connectors in series
Cable attenuation at another frequency
Cascaded mismatches add as reflection coefficients with an unknown phase: the worst case is |Γ1| + |Γ2| + …, the best case is the largest |Γ| minus all the others (never below 0). Cable and connector loss between the interfaces is ignored, which makes the worst case slightly pessimistic. Attenuation scaling uses A ∝ √f (skin-effect loss); dielectric loss rises faster than √f, so at high frequency the real loss is higher — take the datasheet value for your frequency when you have it.
For preliminary assessment only — the final decision must follow the manufacturer’s datasheet and the applicable NEC / IEC / UL standards. Results are calculated from the standard formulas stated on this page and are for design estimates only. They are not a rating of any specific part — always confirm current, voltage, temperature and environment limits against the manufacturer’s datasheet for the part you intend to use.
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