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Chameleon Knowledge Base · The Complete Online HF Antenna Handbook

What Is Corona Discharge?

Learn what corona discharge is, why it occurs in high-voltage RF systems, and how antenna designers reduce its effects.

Getting Started Advanced RF Engineering Reviewed 2026-07-14
Short Answer: Learn what corona discharge is, why it occurs in high-voltage RF systems, and how antenna designers reduce its effects.

Explanation

Overview Corona discharge is the ionization of air surrounding a conductor when the electric field becomes sufficiently strong. Although it is not a complete electrical arc, corona discharge wastes RF energy, produces ozone, generates noise, and may eventually damage antenna components. Corona is most likely to occur in high-voltage RF systems using sharp conductors or poorly designed high-voltage components. When It Occurs High RF voltage. Sharp conductor edges. Poor connector design. High transmitter power. Low atmospheric pressure. Wet or contaminated surfaces. Signs of Corona Hissing sound. Blue or purple glow in darkness. Ozone odor. Unexplained RF losses. Intermittent arcing. Reducing Corona Use smooth conductors. Avoid sharp points. Increase conductor spacing. Use components with appropriate voltage ratings. Keep high-voltage surfaces clean and dry. Applied to Chameleon Products High-power Chameleon products, particularly magnetic loop antennas and matching networks, are engineered to minimize electric field concentration and maintain appropriate spacing around high-voltage components. Related Articles What Is RF Voltage? What Is Dielectric Breakdown? What Is Q Factor? Why D

The exact result depends on the complete station: frequency, geometry, feed line, matching network, return-current path, environment, operating power, and the reference plane of any measurement. A low SWR establishes an impedance relationship at that point; it does not by itself prove efficiency, radiation pattern, compatibility, or safety.

What to Verify

  • Use the newest official product guide or primary service documentation.
  • Confirm the exact model, revision, components, configuration, and operating conditions.
  • Begin tests at low power and change one variable at a time.
  • Do not infer compatibility from connector or thread fit.

Learn Next

  • Antenna Selection: A Mission-First Decision Guide
  • Engineering Design Tradeoffs in Portable HF Antennas
  • Antenna Measurement Reference Planes
  • Understanding Common-Mode Current

Source note: Independently synthesized with reference to The ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications, 99th edition (2022), and The ARRL Antenna Book for Radio Communications, 24th edition (2019). Verify changing regulations, services, software, specifications, availability, and safety requirements against current primary sources.