Use of Standard Definitions of Terms for Antennas & Propagation: IEEE Std. 145 & IEEE Std. 211

Abstract

To ensure that the accepted and harmonized technical terminology is employed in the field of antennas and propagation, two standards on the definitions of terms have already been developed [1, 2]. The standard on the definitions of terms for radio wave propagation (IEEE Std. 211) is currently being revised by the IEEE Antennas and Propagation Standards Committee, sponsored by the Antennas and Propagation Society [3]. These two standards on the definitions of terms are included as normative references of IEEE Std. 149 on the test procedures for antennas and IEEE Std. 1502 on the recommended practice for radar cross-section test procedures that are also undergoing revision [4, 5]. The terms defined in these two standards as well as terms defined in standards developed by other standards committees are made available in the IEEE Standard Dictionary of Electrical and Electronics Terms [6]. Nonetheless, misuse of terms is constantly being observed in presentations at conferences and in papers. The most common misuse is probably the term return loss [7].