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Difference Between UHF and VHF

UHF vs VHF

VHF (Very High Frequency) and UHF (Ultra High Frequency) are two radio frequency bands of electromagnetic waves. Both of these bands are widely used in wireless television broadcast services. These bands are divided into small sub-bands called channels. Those channels are used for different purposes in different countries.

VHF (Very High Frequency)

Electromagnetic waves with the frequency range from 30MHz to 300MHz are called VHF. VHF band is sandwiched between HF (High Frequency) and UHF (Ultra High Frequency) bands in spectrum. Television broadcast and FM radio broadcast (usually utilizes the 88MHz – 108MHz range) are two major uses of VHF.

VHF band is used for terrestrial communication, and ‘line of sight’ (where transmitter can be seen from receiving antenna without any obstacle) is not necessary.

UHF (Ultra High Frequency)

Frequency range of 300MHz – 3000MHz (or 3GHz) in electromagnetic wave spectrum are known as UHF. It is also known as the ‘decimeter range’ as the wavelength is in the range from 1 to 10 decimeters. UHF band is sandwiched between VHF and SHF (Super High Frequency) bands in spectrum.

UHF waves are mostly used for television broadcast and mobile phones. GSM networks usually utilize the 900MHz – 1800 MHz band. 3G mobile networks use more high frequencies of the UHF band. Although ‘line of sight’ is not necessary UHF waves are more attenuated than VHF waves.

What is the difference between VHF and UHF?

1. UHF uses higher frequencies than VHF

2. VHF band (with a length of 270MHz) is much narrower than the UHF band (which has a frequency range of 2700MHz)

3. Usually channels of UHF have a higher bandwidths than VHF, therefore, carries more information

4. UHF waves are more affected by attenuation than VHF waves. Therefore, VHF waves can travel longer distances than UHF.

5. UHF antennas are smaller than VHF antennas as their wavelength are smaller than VHF