characteristic impedance


characteristic impedance

[‚kar·ik·tə′ris·tik im′pēd·əns] (communications) The impedance that, when connected to the output terminals of a transmission line of any length, makes the line appear to be infinitely long, for there are then no standing waves on the line, and the ratio of voltage to current is the same for each point on the line. Also known as surge impedance.