RF

Updated: 11/12/2023 by Computer Hope

RF may refer to any of the following:

radio frequency

1. Short for radio frequency, RF refers to the oscillation rate of alternating electric voltage or current of a system in the frequency range of approximately 20 kHz to 300 GHz. These systems can be electric, magnetic, electromagnetic, or mechanical. More plainly, RF is the frequency range over which radio waves are transmitted. There are many radio frequency uses, including television and radio devices, satellite transmission, radar, mobile phones, Wi-Fi, and other wireless broadcasting technologies.

Radio waves, a form of electromagnetic radiation, start near the upper end of audio frequencies and near the lower end of the infrared section of the electromagnetic spectrum. Different radio frequency bands have varying properties, like the ability to go through obstacles, which makes them suitable for specific applications. Consequently, the RF spectrum is split into bands, each serving different communication needs and technology types.

Electromagnetic spectrum

The following chart shows where radio frequency lies with respect to other forms of radiation on the electromagnetic spectrum.

Electromagnetic Spectrum

2. Short for royalty-free, RF is a licensing model where one user may be allowed to utilize another user's intellectual property without paying a fee for each use. That said, most royalty-free arrangements are not actually free; they involve payment in another form. For example, on certain e-commerce sites, you may pay once for unlimited access to another user's content, such as images, music, or software.

This model, while not exactly free, can provide a convenient and cost-effective way to use creative works without needing continuous payments based on usage. Essentially, royalty-free is like a one-time purchase that grants you the right to use the content in the terms specified by the license you buy.

Bluetooth, Business terms, Computer acronyms, Microwave, Mobile device, Network terms, Phone terms, RFI, RF Shielding, Sound terms, Wi-Fi