About

In the high-speed domain of telecommunications and processor architecture, frequency conversion is a daily necessity. Network engineers optimizing Wi-Fi channels and overclockers tuning CPU multipliers often juggle between Gigahertz (GHz) and Megahertz (MHz). While the decimal shift is straightforward, the context is critical.

This tool goes beyond simple multiplication. It simultaneously calculates the Time Period of the signal, a crucial parameter for determining latency and cycle duration in digital logic. Understanding that 5 GHz corresponds to a cycle time of 0.2 nanoseconds allows for deeper insight into signal propagation and processing limits.

Formulas

Frequency (f) scales by a factor of one thousand:

f_MHz = f_GHz × 1000

The Period (T), which represents the duration of one complete cycle, is the inverse of frequency:

T_ns = 1f_GHz

Note: Since 1 ns = 10⁻⁹ s and 1 GHz = 10⁹ Hz, the units cancel perfectly to provide the period directly in nanoseconds.

Reference Data

Standard / Application	Frequency (GHz)	Frequency (MHz)	Period (ns)
FM Radio (Lower Band)	0.088	88	11.36
4G LTE (Band 20)	0.8	800	1.25
GPS L1 Signal	1.575	1575.42	0.63
Wi-Fi (Standard)	2.4	2400	0.416
CPU Base Clock (Modern)	3.5	3500	0.285
Wi-Fi 6 / 5G Mid-band	5.0	5000	0.200
Wi-Fi 6E (High)	6.0	6000	0.166
Ku-Band (Satellite TV)	12.0	12000	0.083

Frequently Asked Questions

They are inversely proportional. As frequency increases (more cycles per second), the time for each individual cycle (period) decreases. A 1 GHz signal has a period of 1 nanosecond.

It is largely a matter of marketing and historical convention. Double Data Rate (DDR) RAM speeds are technically quoted in MegaTransfers per second (MT/s), but MHz is colloquially used. CPUs operate at much higher internal clock multipliers, reaching the GHz range.

In general terminology, yes. However, in Wi-Fi protocols, the 2.4 GHz band is actually a range spanning from roughly 2.401 GHz to 2.473 GHz, divided into channels. This tool calculates the exact scalar conversion.

Not directly with this tool, but knowing the frequency allows you to calculate wavelength (λ) using the speed of light (c). λ = c / f.