Steven Maas if I recall in one of his little texts, mentions, I dis like the term return loss.
Its one of those EE crazy terms!
That said, I never discuss return loss with any thought whatsoever. All return loss numbers that ever roll off my lips are positive. Per the IEEE definition. I feel fine with this for the simple reason as follows:
A filter... its passive... generates no power, lousy filter, 2 dB return loss, ugh. Good filter, great match in the pass band, 20 dB return loss. I'll take it.
I just finished a power amplifier design. Output power 500 W and oh by the way, the return loss is 15 dB. Wow.... Is that 15 dB or -15 dB sir? Hey all my power amplifiers are UNCONDITIONALLY stable. I don't build oscillators here, sir!
Alan
