EXTREMELY LOW FREQUENCY

Communications Systems Glossary

Communications Systems — Radio frequency — Extremely low frequency

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Information on Extremely low frequency (ELF)

The extremely-low-frequency (ELF) band is the radio-frequency (RF) band between 30-300 Hz. The ELF band is not of significant use in communications due to the extremely small bandwidth available and the enormous antennas required. ELF has one redeeming feature that makes its use a viable proposition for communications to submarines. ELF propagation suffers very little attenuation (approximately 1,000 times less than other radio frequencies) by any medium, particularly the atmosphere and seawater. Propagation is primarily via surface wave, and the signal is very stable with little diurnal or seasonal variation. In addition to submarine communications, some of the audible frequencies are contained in this band. Although not part of communications frequencies, electric power is generated in this band.


Other topics in our resources on Communications Systems related to Extremely low frequency include: 
 
  • High frequency (HF)
  • Super high frequency (SHF)
  • Low frequency (LF)
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  • Extremely high frequency (EHF)
  • Medium frequency (MF)
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  • Ultra High Frequency (UHF)
  • Very high frequency (VHF)
  • Very low frequency (VLF)

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