W5DXP wrote:

William E. Sabin wrote:
If the transmitter output is 100 W and the reflected power is 3 W, then
the 100 W is the difference between 100+3=103 W (forward power) and 3 W
(reflected power).

If the source is a signal generator equipped with a circulator and
load, the generator is putting out 103 watts, and the circulator
load is dissipating 3 watts, is the generator still only putting
out 100 watts by definition?

If the sig gen is putting out 100 watts, with 3 watts reflected and 97
watts going to the load, then 3 watts must be going to the circulator.
If 100 watts is going to the load and 3 watts is reflected back to the
circulator, then the sig gen is putting out 103 watts. But if 97 watts
is getting to the load, 3 watts is reflected and there is no circulator
or other load, then how much do you think the sig gen is actually
putting out?

73, ac6xg