RF & Microwave Frequency Bands (L to Ka)
Band names follow different conventions, including ITU-R V.431 general nomenclature, IEEE radar-letter designations and waveguide usage. Some are standardized, but the same letter can have different boundaries under different systems. This table labels the convention for each row.
Treat the numbers below as engineering reference, not as the specification of any supplied component. Where the same letter appears with two different ranges, the source convention is shown so the reader can pick the right one for their context.
ITU defines the millimetre-wave (mmW / EHF) region as 30 – 300 GHz. Choose cables, connectors and test access by their specified frequency rating; no single coaxial connector family covers every band below 30 GHz.
At a glance
- ▹ITU defines mmW / EHF as 30 – 300 GHz; radar-letter and waveguide systems disagree about the boundaries above this band.
- ▹UHF is 300 MHz – 3 GHz under ITU; 'L band' (1 – 2 GHz) is the IEEE radar letter for the upper portion of UHF. They are not interchangeable.
- ▹Ku (12 – 18 GHz) and Ka (27 – 40 GHz) are useful satellite-link reference labels. Some 5G mmW bands overlap Ka; numeric band edges and local spectrum permissions still need separate confirmation.
- ▹E (60 – 90), W (75 – 110) and F (90 – 140) GHz are waveguide designations — common in mmW backhaul and imaging hardware.
- ▹Frequency range drives antenna size, cable loss and connector choice, so fix the band before selecting hardware.
Reference table
| Label | Frequency range | Convention | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| HF | 3 – 30 MHz | ITU general | Long-range communication, instrumentation |
| VHF | 30 – 300 MHz | ITU general | Broadcast, line-of-sight links, monitoring |
| UHF | 300 MHz – 3 GHz | ITU general | Broadcast, cellular, ISM, GNSS |
| L band | 1 – 2 GHz | IEEE radar letters | Satellite links, broadband wireless, GNSS |
| S band | 2 – 4 GHz | IEEE radar letters | Point-to-point, weather radar, wireless |
| C band | 4 – 8 GHz | IEEE radar letters | Satellite downlink, backhaul, test equipment |
| X band | 8 – 12 GHz | IEEE radar letters | Backhaul, instrumentation, payload links |
| Ku band | 12 – 18 GHz | IEEE radar letters | Satellite downlink, VSAT, broadband |
| K band | 18 – 27 GHz | IEEE radar letters | Satellite, automotive sensing, links |
| Ka band | 27 – 40 GHz | IEEE radar letters | High-throughput satellite, 5G FR2 |
| Q band | 33 – 50 GHz | Waveguide designation | Backhaul, experimental links |
| V band | 50 – 75 GHz | Waveguide designation | Backhaul, mmW links |
| E band | 60 – 90 GHz | Waveguide designation | E-band backhaul, point-to-point links |
| W band | 75 – 110 GHz | Waveguide designation | Imaging, automotive radar research |
| F band | 90 – 140 GHz | Waveguide designation | Experimental links, measurement |
| Millimetre wave (mmW) | 30 – 300 GHz | ITU general | 5G FR2, imaging, backhaul, measurement |
Common RF and microwave band designations with approximate ranges. Values are typical engineering reference points.
Frequently asked
What frequency range is Ka band?
Ka band covers roughly 27 – 40 GHz under the IEEE radar-letter convention. It is widely used for high-throughput satellite links and 5G FR2, where wide bandwidth is available but path loss and hardware tolerances are more demanding than at lower bands.
Is the X band the same everywhere?
Not exactly. X band is commonly quoted as 8 – 12 GHz, but some conventions place it at 7 – 11.2 GHz or 8 – 12.4 GHz. The letter is a convenience label, so always confirm the numeric range when it matters for a specification.
How do I choose a band for a new link?
Start from the bandwidth you need and the hardware that already exists at each end. Lower bands give longer range and cheaper cabling; higher bands give more available bandwidth but tighter mechanical and alignment tolerances. The table above maps each range to its typical uses and the convention it follows.
Related reference
Reference sources
Sources support the cited engineering concepts, not product availability or supplied-component ratings. Confirm the selected model's datasheet.
First published 2026-09-26; last updated 2026-10-10. Editorial update, not an engineering sign-off. Reference content only — no models or pricing, and not a statement of supplied-component specifications.