DECIBEL OPERATIONS

DECIBEL

The db (decibel) is a relative unit of measurement commonly used in communications for providing a reference for input and output levels. Decibels are used to specify measured and calculated values in audio systems, microwave system gain calculations, satellite system link-budget analysis, antenna power gain, light-budget calculations and in many other communication system measurements In each case the dB value is calculated with respect to a standard or specified reference.

dB Calculations

The dB value is calculated by taking the log of the ratio of the measured or calculated power (P2) with respect to a reference power (P1).
P1 P2

The result is multiplied by 10 to obtain the value in dB.

dB = 10 log 10 ( P2 / P1 )

It can be modified to provide a dB value based on the ratio of two voltages. By using the power relationship P = V2/R

dB = 10 log10 (P2/P1) = 10 log 10 [ (V22/R) / (V12/R)] dB = 10 log 10 ( V2 / V1 ) 2 dB = 20 log 10 ( V2 / V1)

It can be modified to provide a dB value based on the ratio of two currents.

dB = 20 log 10 ( I2 / I1 )

Definitions of dBm and dBW

dBm indicates that the specified dB level is relative to a 1milliwatt reference.

1mW P2

dBm = 10 log 10 ( P2 / 0.001W)

If Power is expressed in watts instead of milliwatts.

the dB unit is obtained with respect to 1 watt and the dB values are expressed as dBW. dBW = 10 log 10 ( P2 / 1W)

Specific Reference Power Levels

1.
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

dBm = 10 log 10 ( P level / 1 mW ) dBK = 10 log 10 ( P level / 1 KW ) dBW = 10 log 10 ( P level / 1 W ) dBu = 10 log 10 ( P level / 1 x 10-6 W ) dBn = 10 log 10 ( P level / 1 x 10-9 W ) dBp = 10 log 10 ( P level / 1 x 10-12 W ) dBf = 10 log 10 ( P level / 1 x 10-15 W )

dB Operations

1.

dB1 + dB2 = dBT

dB dB dB dB + + + + dBm = dBm dBu = dBu dBk = dBk dBW = dBW

2.

Invalid dB Operations
3.

dBm1 + dBW1 + dBu1 + dBK1 +

dBm2 dBW2 dBu2 dBK2

Note: Convert power levels first into watts then perform the operation.

Power Expressed in Nepers

Power can also be defined in terms of the natural logarithm to the base e = 2.71828128. When defined as the natural logarithm, the unit is Neper. The neper is often used to express ratios of voltage and current amplitudes in electrical circuits (or pressure in acoustics), whereas the decibel is used to express power ratios.

Neper = ln (V2 / V1) Like the decibel, the neper is a dimensionless unit. The ITU recognizes both units.

Sample Problem

What is the power output of a 3 stage amplifier having gains equal to 25 dB, -35 dB, and 50 dB, respectively if the input power is 10 mW?

Sample Problem
Add the gains GT = G1 + G2 + G3 = 25 + (-35) + 50 = 40 dB Convert input to dB dB = 10 log ( 10 mW / 1mW) = 10dBm Output = 10 dBm + 40 dB = 50 dBm

Antenna dB Notation

Decibel notation is frequently seen in specifications for radio antennas. There are two basic forms of gain specification: gain relative to isotropic (dBi) and gain relative to a dipole (dBd).

Gain relative to Isotropic (dBi)

Gain relative to isotropic (dBi) uses a theoretical construct called an isotropic radiator, which is a spherical source of RF energy that radiates equally well in all directions. The available power is distributed equally across the entire surface of the sphere. Gain antennas distribute the same amount of power over a much smaller portion of the sphere, so calculations can easily be made. The isotropic gain method is preferred by professional antenna designers.

Gain relative to a Dipole (dBd).

Gain relative to a dipole (dBd) uses a half wavelength dipole as the reference. When both antennas are set up to intercept the same signal, then the gain of the test antenna is found by measuring the signal levels of both the test antenna and the dipole reference antenna, and then performing the calculation. The dBd measurement is about 2 dB higher than the dBi measurement.

ND