Radio Frequency - RF Spectrum

Radio signals are transmitted through electromagnetic waves, also called radio waves, in radio communication system. The radio waves have a wide frequency range starting from a few ten kiloHertz (kHz) to several thousand Mega Hertz (MHz). This wide range frequencies is called the radio spectrum or RF spectrum.

The RF spectrum is classified according to the applications of the spectrum in different service areas. The classification of the RF spectrum is given in below table along with the associated applications in communication systems.

Classification of the Radio Frequency Spectrum

Radio frequency range Wavelength (meters) Mass Class Applicintions
10-30 kHz 3 x 104 - 104 Very Low Frequency (VLF) Point-to-point communication (long Distance)
30-300 kHz 104 - 103 Low Frequency (LF) Point-to-point communication (Long Distance) and Navigation
       
300-3000 kHz 103 - 102 Medium Frequency (MF) Radio broadcasting
3-30 MHz 102 - 10 High Frequency (HF) Overseas radio broadcasting,Point to Point Radio Telegraphy and Telephony
30-300 MHz 10 - 1.0 Very High Frequency (VHF) FM brOadcast, television, and Radar
300-3000 MHz 1.0 - 0.1 Ultra heigh Frequency (UHF) Television and navigation
3000-30,000 MHz 0.1 - 0.01 Super High Frequency (SHF) Radar navigation and radio relays