The IEEE bands, occasionally referred to as IEEE radar bands, are standardised categorizations of frequency ranges within the electromagnetic spectrum. These bands were created to streamline the discussion, development, and deployment of technologies, particularly in radar and satellite communications, among various other applications.
The concept of these frequency bands emerged to ensure clear communication and interoperability between different technologies and systems. By dividing the spectrum into clearly defined bands, engineers and technicians can easily reference specific frequencies using simple and universally understood terms. This standardisation aids in the design, testing, and deployment of equipment, ensuring it functions correctly within its designated frequencies.
The IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), a professional association founded in 1963 from the merger of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers (AIEE) and the Institute of Radio Engineers (IRE), plays a key role in advancing global technology standards. Beyond defining frequency bands, the IEEE has been instrumental in developing a wide array of standards that underpin modern technology, including WiFi and Ethernet.
| Band | Min | Max | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| HF Band | The IEEE HF Band, also known as the High Frequency band, encompasses the radio frequencies from 3 to 30 MHz. This range is particularly significant for long-distance communication, as HF radio waves can be reflected off the ionosphere, allowing them to travel beyond the horizon. This characteristic... |
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| VHF Band | 0.03 GHz | 0.3 GHz | The IEEE VHF band, or Very High Frequency band, encompasses the frequency range from 30 MHz to 300 MHz. This segment of the radio spectrum is utilised for a variety of communication services. In Australia, the VHF band is commonly employed for television broadcasting, FM radio, two-way land mobile... |
| UHF Band | 0.3 GHz | 3 GHz | The IEEE UHF band, or Ultra High Frequency band, refers to a segment of the radio frequency spectrum that ranges from 300 MHz to 3 GHz. This band is widely utilised for various forms of communication, including television broadcasting, mobile phones, satellite communication, and Wi-Fi. Due to its... |
| L Band | 1 GHz | 2 GHz | The IEEE L band refers to a range of frequencies in the radio spectrum, specifically from 1 to 2 gigahertz (GHz). This band is utilised for various applications, including satellite communication, GPS, mobile phones, and aircraft surveillance. The relatively long wavelength of L band frequencies... |
| S Band | 2 GHz | 4 GHz | The IEEE S band is a segment of the electromagnetic spectrum defined by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). This band spans frequencies from 2 to 4 gigahertz (GHz). Utilised extensively in radar, satellite communication, and weather monitoring, the S band offers a balance... |
| C Band | 4 GHz | 8 GHz | The IEEE C band is a designation for a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum in the microwave range of frequencies. Specifically, it covers the frequency range from 4.0 to 8.0 GHz. This band is widely utilised for various applications, including satellite communications, radar systems, and some Wi... |
| X Band | 7 GHz | 11.2 GHz | The IEEE X Band is a segment of the microwave radio region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Defined by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the X Band ranges from 8.0 to 12.0 GHz. This frequency range is widely utilised for various applications, including radar, satellite... |
| Ku Band | 12 GHz | 18 GHz | The IEEE Ku Band is a segment of the electromagnetic spectrum in the microwave range of frequencies, specifically from 12 to 18 GHz. This band is widely utilised for satellite communications, including television broadcasting, data transmission, and satellite internet services. The term "Ku" stands... |
| K Band | 18 GHz | 26.5 GHz | The IEEE K Band is a segment of the electromagnetic spectrum in the microwave range of frequencies, spanning from 18 to 26.5 GHz. This band is used for various applications, including satellite communications, radar systems, and astronomical observations. In the context of radar, the K Band is... |
| Ka Band | 26.5 GHz | 40 GHz | The IEEE Ka Band is a segment of the electromagnetic spectrum in the microwave range of frequencies, specifically from 26.5 to 40 gigahertz (GHz). This band is utilised extensively in satellite communications, radar systems, and various other high-frequency applications. The "Ka" in Ka Band stands... |
| V Band | 40 GHz | 75 GHz | The IEEE V Band refers to a specific range of frequencies within the electromagnetic spectrum, designated by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). This band spans frequencies from 40 GHz to 75 GHz. It is primarily used for high-capacity, short-range communication systems... |
| W Band | 75 GHz | 110 GHz | The IEEE W Band is a segment of the electromagnetic spectrum that spans frequencies from 75 to 110 GHz. This band falls within the millimetre wave range, characterised by wavelengths between 2.7 and 4 mm. The W Band is utilised in various applications, including radar systems, satellite... |