RF Glossary: C | Terms Starting with C

Calibration — The process of characterizing and removing systematic errors from RF measurement systems using known reference standards.

Carrier — A continuous sinusoidal waveform that is modulated by an information signal for transmission through a communications channel.

Cascade — A series connection of two or more RF components or stages where the output of one feeds the input of the next.

Cavity Resonator — A metallic enclosure that supports resonant electromagnetic field modes at specific frequencies, used in filters and oscillators.

Circulator — A three-port ferrite device that routes RF signals in one direction around a loop while providing isolation in the reverse direction.

Coaxial Cable (Coax) — A transmission line consisting of a center conductor surrounded by a dielectric insulator and an outer conductor, supporting TEM mode propagation.

Compression Point (P1dB) — The output power level at which the gain of an amplifier has decreased by 1 dB from its small-signal value due to nonlinear saturation.

Connector — A mechanical device for making a separable electrical connection between transmission lines while maintaining impedance continuity.

Coupler (Directional Coupler) — A passive device that samples a portion of the RF power flowing in one direction on a transmission line.

Cross-Polarization (X-Pol) — The component of an antenna's radiated field that is orthogonal to the intended polarization. Lower cross-pol indicates better polarization purity.

Cutoff Frequency — The frequency below which a waveguide mode cannot propagate, determined by the waveguide dimensions and mode type.

CW (Continuous Wave) — An unmodulated sinusoidal RF signal at a single frequency. Used as a test signal and as a carrier for modulation.

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