Free-space Path Loss (Frequency) formula |
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| \( FSPL \;=\; \left( \dfrac{ 4 \cdot \pi \cdot d \cdot f }{ c } \right)^2 \) | ||
| Symbol | English | Metric |
| \( FSPL \) = Free-space Path Loss | \(dB\) | \(dB\) |
| \( \pi \) = Pi | \(3.141 592 653 ...\) | \(3.141 592 653 ...\) |
| \( d \) = Distance from Transmitter | \(ft\) | \(m\) |
| \( f \) = Signal Frequency | \(Hz\) | \(Hz\) |
| \( c \) = Speed of Light | \(ft \;/\; sec\) | \(m \;/\; s\) |
Free-space path loss (Frequency), abbreviated as \(FSPL\), is the reduction in signal strength that occurs as an electromagnetic wave travels through free space, without any obstacles or reflections, over a given distance and frequency. This loss happens because the transmitted energy spreads out as the wave propagates away from the source, causing the power density to decrease with distance.
The free-space path loss depends directly on the signal’s frequency and the distance between the transmitter and receiver higher frequencies experience greater loss for the same distance because their wavelengths are shorter. It is an important concept in telecommunications, satellite communication, and radio wave propagation, as it helps engineers predict how much signal power will be lost over a given path in open space.
