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Wireless & Mobility · Intermediate

Intentional Radiator (IR)

The RF device and cabling up to, but not including, the antenna.

Definition

The FCC defines the intentional radiator as the transmitter plus all cables and connectors leading to the antenna. Its output power is the transmitter power minus cable and connector loss. Adding antenna gain to IR power yields EIRP.

Example

A 100 mW radio with 1 dB of cable loss yields about 80 mW at the IR output.

Exam tip

Watch for questions that ask for power at the IR versus EIRP.

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