Linear Power to dBm and Vice-Versa

Similar content

GDPR

The General Data Protection Regulation

Share

 

Question

“How To Change from Linear Power to dB Power and Vice-Versa?”

 

Answer

dBm (sometimes dBmW or decibel-milliwatts) is an abbreviation for the power ratio in decibels (dB) of the measured power referenced to one milliwatt (mW). Since it is referenced to the watt, it is an absolute unit, used when measuring absolute power.

By comparison, the decibel (dB) is a dimensionless unit, used for quantifying the ratio between two values, such a signal-to-noise ratio.

As well known, Decibels express a power ratio and not an amount. Decibels are logarithmic, not linear. In fact, 20 dB is not twice the power ratio of 10 dB but 13dB is twice of 10 dB.

The defining equation for decibels is:

dB Definition

where P2 is the power being measured, and P1 is the reference to which P2 is being compared.

To convert from decibel measure back to power ratio:

dB to Linear

dBm is defined as the dB using a reference P1 equal to 1 mW (Radio frequency, 50 Ohm)

Stay current on your favorite topics

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Let's talk about your project!

industries
Assess, certify and manage your company network security effortless with our professional team and our SaaS-based solutions
Information Technology experts with long experience working on field for system design installation on Enterprise, Industry, TELCO Network
Our digital marketing solutions helps our clients to achieve challenging marketing objectives as well as increase company audience in a way that have to be both cost-effective and measurable.
Manufactureres needs Professionals Consultants that helps during the overall process of digitalization
Improve business operations and worker safety, reduce costs reduction and grow reliability of solutions
We provide the necessary advice to choose the best solutions for your needs by combining efficiency and reliability and keeping attention to all aspects
Leading players need to address their chronic production backlog and embrace the possibilities of best in class analogically & digital technologies
solutions
We provide the necessary advice to choose the best solutions for your needs by combining efficiency and reliability and keeping attention to all aspects
Leading players need to address their chronic production backlog and embrace the possibilities of best in class analogically & digital technologies