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Frequency Bands

L-Band

/el band/
L-band covers 1 to 2 GHz in the IEEE radar band designation. L-band is used for GPS (L1: 1.575 GHz, L2: 1.227 GHz), mobile satellite (Iridium, Inmarsat, Globalstar), long-range radar (air traffic control), and some cellular bands. L-band offers good propagation through the atmosphere with minimal rain attenuation, moderate antenna sizes, and adequate bandwidth for many applications.
Category: Frequency Bands
Related to: S-Band, Frequency, GPS, Satellite, Radar
Units: GHz

Understanding L-Band

L-band is critical for navigation, satellite mobile communications, and long-range surveillance radar. Its combination of atmospheric transparency, reasonable antenna size, and adequate bandwidth makes it ideal for these applications.

L-Band Allocations

ServiceFrequency
GPS L21227.60 MHz
GPS L11575.42 MHz
Iridium1616-1626 MHz
Inmarsat1525-1559 MHz
ATC Radar1215-1400 MHz
DAB Radio1452-1492 MHz
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is L-band?

L-band covers 1-2 GHz. Used for GPS, mobile satellite (Iridium, Inmarsat), air traffic control radar, and DAB radio. Good atmospheric propagation, moderate antenna sizes, minimal rain fade.

Why is GPS at L-band?

L-band penetrates the ionosphere with manageable dispersion (correctable with dual-frequency). Rain attenuation is negligible. The frequency is high enough for adequate bandwidth but low enough for reliable satellite-to-ground propagation.

What antennas are used at L-band?

GPS: patch antenna (25x25mm). Satellite mobile: crossed dipoles, patch arrays, or helical antennas. ATC radar: large phased arrays or rotating reflectors (5-10m aperture for long range).

See Also

Related Terms

S-Band → Frequency → Satellite → Radar → Electromagnetic Spectrum → Ku-Band →
← Back to LAll Terms →
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