SCTE 293-3 2024

What is…Return Loss?

Executive Summary

This document is one in a series of technical monographs providing a high-level overview of a given topic. Here, return loss is discussed.

Scope

There are several ways to characterize impedance mismatches and their severity. The cable industry has long used return loss, expressed in decibels, which fits in nicely with our use of the decibel for various other measurements.

Benefits

The material in this document can be used as part of technical training programs, a tutorial for individuals seeking a high-level understanding of return loss, and/or a refresher for those who may have forgotten some of the fundamentals of the topic.

Intended Audience

The intended audience for this document includes technical personnel from installers to engineers. The material is also suitable for those new to the cable industry.