The vector ratio of the return current, IR, to the incident current, I0, when a transmission line is incorrectly terminated with an impedance, ZR, not equal to the characteristic impedance, Z0, of the line. The incident current is that current flowing in the line at termination when ZR is made equal to Z0; the return current is the portion of the current flowing back along the line due to incorrect matching. The actual current in the line at termination is the vector sum of IR and I0. In this case the reflection coefficient may be expressed in terms of the impedances Z0 and ZR, i.e. the reflection coefficient can be given by
Compare reflection factor.