INTRODUCTION/WORKING WITH dBmV

Page 1

Lesson Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this lesson, the student will be able to: 1. Describe a TV sets minimum acceptable input voltage level and its equivalent dBmV reference level; 2. Explain the difference between positive and negative decibel millivolt (dBmV) values; 3. Identify the equivalent power percentage increase for an attenuation increase of 1 dB; 4. Explain why dBmV values do not progress in a linear fashion; 5. Describe the significant difference in dB between 1 millivolt (mV) decreases in signal level at 40 dBmV compared to 6 dBmV; 6. Identify and convert values from a mV, dBmV, and nanowatt (nW) equivalency chart; 7. Calculate the minimum signal level required at the tap port to provide the minimum signal level for one TV set; 8. Calculate the minimum signal level required at the tap port to provide a minimum signal level for two TV sets; 9. Calculate the maximum tap value for a customer drop; and 10. Calculate changes to the TV set input caused by changes in the line extender output.

INTRODUCTION
The previous lesson on decibels (dBs) presented the fundamental concepts necessary for understanding how dBs apply to broadband cable communications. Power ratios are the basis for the dB measurement system and prepare the technician to understand dBs and decibel millivolts (dBmVs). The changes in signal power due to attenuation as the signal passes through the cable were thoroughly covered in the previous lesson. The next step is to examine the changes in the signal voltage and current as the signal passes through the cable. Broadband cable communications signals are measured in dBmVs. Therefore, you must clearly understand the voltage ratios. Once the power and voltage ratios and dBmVs are presented, some signal level calculations are shown.

WORKING WITH dBmV

All the ratios, percentages, and fractions discussed thus far have not indicated any specific level values. When the term dB or decibel is used, it only indicates a ratio and does not indicate any specific amount of voltage or power. By combining millivolt with the decibel unit to form a decibel millivolt (dBmV), it can now effectively indicate specific amounts of voltage and power.
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USING dB AND dBmV

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WORKING WITH dBmV

NOTES

Establishing a Reference Level (0 dBmV)

All that is necessary to indicate specific values of voltage and power is to establish a reference to which other amounts can be compared. In the early days of broadband cable, it was determined that TV sets required at least 0.001 volt that is, 1 mV of signal from the coaxial cable to produce a good quality picture. This amount of signal was adopted as the minimum acceptable level at each customers TV set (Figures 1A and 1B). A level of 1 mV across 75 impedance is the broadband cable reference for the dB measurement system. Therefore, we can say that 0 dBmV equals 1 mV across 75 and has a power of 13.33 nanowatts (nW). Using Ohms law and checking the figures we can see that: P = E2 R = 0.0012 75 = 13.33 nW (or 1.333 108 watts)

B
Measuring 0 dBmV (1 mV across 75 )

Broadband drop cable (75 impedance)

N

TI

1 mV (0 dBmV) required for a good picture Measuring TV set input signal level

1 mV

Broadband drop cable (75 impedance)

Ensure minimum of 1 mV (0 dBmV) at input to customer TV set

Figure 1. A level of 1 mV across 75 at the customers TV set equals 0 dBmV.

mV dBmV

1.585 3 dB greater than 1 mv (0 dBmV) = +3 dBmV 1.413 1.259 1 dB greater than 1 mV (0 dBmV) = +1 dBmV Reference level 1 dB less than 1 mV = 1 dBmV 1.122 1.0 0.891 0.794 3 dB less than 1 mV = 3 dBmV 0.708 0.631

+4 +3 +2 +1 0 1 2 3 4
N

Defining Positive and Negative dBmV Values

When comparing mV and dBmV values, pay particular attention to whether the value is positive or negative (Figure 2). The dBmV values that represent voltages greater than 1 mV are positive dBmV values (e.g., +1 dBmV, +3 dBmV, etc.). Often, the plus sign is omitted. If no sign is indicated, the value is understood to be positive (e.g., 1 dBmV, 3 dBmV, etc.).
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TI

Figure 2. Signal voltages that are 1 dB greater, 3 dB greater, 1 dB less, and 3 dB less than 1 mV (0 dBmV).

USING dB AND dBmV

WORKING WITH dBmV

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The dBmV values that represent voltages less than 1 mV are a l w a y s s h o w n a s n e g a t i v e d B m V v a l u e s ( e . g . , 1 d B m V, 3 dBmV, etc.). Remember that all dBmV values represent a voltage level that is measured across a 75 impedance. RF signal voltages measured across other impedance values cannot be directly compared to voltages measured across 75 and cannot be represented by dBmVs. 10 mV across 75 = +20 dBmV 10 mV across 300 (is not equal to) +20 dBmV It was established earlier that the power ratio for 1 dB is 1.2589:1. In Figure 3, the equivalent power for 0 dBmV is 13.333 nW. To find the resulting power after an increase of 1 dB, the amount of power is multiplied by the power ratio 1.2589:1. We previously learned that ratios are actually percentages. When 13.333 nW is multiplied by 1.2589 (1 dB power ratio), it is increased by a certain percentage. 13.333 1.2589 = 16.785 nW 16.785 13.333 = 3.452 nW increase

NOTES

The percentage of increase is found by dividing the increase in power into the original power level: 3.452 13.333 = 0.2589 = 25.89%.

mV

dBmV

nW

1.125 1.122

+1

16.875 16.785 1 dB increase results in a 25.89% increase in power

1.000

13.333

13.333 1.2589 = 16.785 nW 16.785 13.333 = 3.452 nW increase

0.891 0.875

10.596 10.208

3.452 13.333 = 0.2589 = 25.89% increase in power

N

TI

Figure 3. A 1 dB increase results in a 25.89% increase in power.

A 1 dB increase can be significant because it represents slightly more than a one-fourth increase in power. However, an accuracy of 1 dB is normal and considered sufficient for many measurements made in a broadband cable system.
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WORKING WITH dBmV

NOTES

Understanding the Nonlinearity of dBmVs

It was stated earlier that measurements of signals in a broadband cable system can be expressed using standard units of voltage or power. In fact, a signal level meter does exactly that; it measures the signals voltage. Lets consider what difficulties would emerge without using the dBmV measurement system. If we use only voltages, and the output signal level of a line extender that should be 100 mV is measured at 99 mV, the output signal is 1 mV low. Another measurement is made at the ground block of a customer premises drop. To adequately serve two TV sets, a measurement of 2 mV is required at the input to the twoway splitter. The actual voltage measurement of the splitter input signal indicates only 1 mV 1 mV low. The signal is low by the same amount in both the line extender output and the ground block. To know how significant the missing mV is in each case, compare it to the desired amount of signal. In Figure 4A, the signal should be 100 mV. Clearly, it is 1100 or 1% low (1 100 = 0.01 or 1%). If the meter was capable of 1% accuracy, it would be a very accurate meter, but it still could not indicate with certainty that the signal is 1 mV low. A voltage variation of 1% would not cause any noticeable effects. Using the dBmV system, we find that in the first case 100 mV is +40 dBmV (Figure 4B) and +39 dBmV is 89.125 mV, almost 11 mV less. We are considering a signal that is 1 mV low, less than 110 of 1 dB (0.1 dB) low (39.9 dBmV).

Designed output signal level = 40.0 dBmV Actual output signal level = 39.9 dBmV

B
Desired signal 1 mV Measured signal

mV

dBmV

100.0 99.0 98.0

+40

Less than 0.1 dB

39.9 dBmV
TI

97.0
N

96.0 95.0

1 dB
10.875 mV

94.0 93.0 Line extender #1 92.0 91.0 100 mV 99 mV 1 mV 40.0 dBmV 39.9 dBmV 0.1 dB difference 90.0 89.125 +39

88.0 Line extender

1 mV low at line extender output

1 mV difference < 0.1 dB

Figure 4. The dB equivalent of a 1 mV difference at output of line extender.

USING dB AND dBmV

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WORKING WITH dBmV

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In Figure 5A the signal should be 2 mV. The measured signal is only 1 mV or 1 mV too low, which means it is 12 or 50% low (1 2 = 0.50 = 50%). Certainly, a 50% loss of signal is more significant than a 1% loss of signal. Notice especially that to make this determination, it is necessary to know not only the amount by which the signal is low, but the amount that it should be. In the second case, 2 mV is +6 dBmV and 1 mV is 0 dBmV (Figure 5B). This signal is 6 dB low.
A
Designed two-way splitter input signal level = 6.0 dBmV (2.0 mV) Actual two-way splitter input signal level = 0.0 dBmV (1.0 mV) Desired signal

NOTES

B
mV dBmV

2.0

+6

Should be 2 mV, but is 1 mV

S2DGH6-OP
2-Way Splitter

1.778 1.6 1.585 1 mV

+5

Line extender #2
3.5 dB In
5-600 MHZ

+4 6 dB

Ground block

Two-way splitter

3.5 dB

2.0 mV 1.0 mV 1.0 mV

N

6.0 dBmV 0.0 dBmV 6.0 dB difference To ground Measured signal

1.413 1.3 1.259 1.122 1.0

+3 +2 +1 0 Ground block

TI

1 mV low at two-way splitter input

1 mV difference = 6 dB

Figure 5. The dB equivalent of a 1 mV difference at the input to the two-way splitter.

Earlier, it was stated that 0 dBmV is the minimum amount of signal that still consistently produces a good picture on a TV set. The ground block where we measured 1 mV rather than the desired 2 mV is followed by a two-way splitter. It is easy to see that when the signal is 1 mV low, there is not enough signal for the two TV sets. In the case of the line extender output level, the 1 mV shortfall equals less than 110 dB and is not very significant. However, in the case of the splitter input level, the 1 mV shortfall equals 6 dB and is quite significant. By using dBmVs, the need to make a comparison to the desired signal level is eliminated. The fact that in the first case the signal is 110 dB low, and in the second case it is 6 dB low, clearly shows the instance of greater significance. It also shows that dBmV values do not progress in a linear fashion. If the signal in the first measurement is +39 dBmV (89.125 mV) rather than the desired +40 dBmV (100 mV), it is 1 dB low. This 1 dB
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WORKING WITH dBmV

NOTES

equals 10.875 mV (100 89.125). If the second measurement is +5 dBmV (1.778 mV) rather than the desired +6 dBmV (2 mV), it is also 1 dB low. However, this 1 dB equals only 0.222 mV. A 1 dB difference may be either a large or a small voltage difference, but the two voltage values making up that difference will always form a 1.122018:1 ratio. Figure 6 shows equivalent signal level values in three different units mV, dBmV, and microwatt (W) or nanowatt (nW). Along the left side of each of the three columns is a linear mV scale, and along the right side is a nonlinear power scale (in W or nW). The power scale is nonlinear because power represents a mathematical squaring of the voltage. The corresponding amounts of voltage and power shown are correct for a 75 impedance. For instance, the left-hand column shows that 10 mV has the power of 1.333 W. Remember, this is true only when the impedance is 75 (P = E2 R for 75 ). The numbers in the center of the columns are the equivalent dBmV values. At the 10 mV level the dBmV value is +20. It is apparent that the dBmV values also are not spaced linearly, but are progressively farther apart as they become larger. This is because dBmV represents the logarithm of a power ratio. A thorough study of the columns in Figure 6 and the graph in Figure 7 (on page 8) provides an understanding of the nonlinearity of dBmVs compared to the linearity of mVs. The resulting appreciation of the significance of the various signal level measuring units will help guide your analysis of problems and offer insight on how best to solve them.

NOTE
The text on this page refers to Figures 6 and 7 on pages 7 and 8 respectively.

Review Questions, Part I

1. What is the broadband signal reference level for the dB measurement system? What is the reference level in dBmV and power level in nW that is represented by 1 mV? All dBmV values represent a voltage level that must be measured across what value impedance? 4. A 1 dB increase results in a _______________________ % increase in power. What three different units can be used to represent signal level values? Why are the dBmV values in Figure 6 not spaced linearly the way the mV values are?

2.

5.

3.

6.

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mV

dBmV

mV

dBmV

nW

mV

dBmV

nW

4 33 32 31.62 31 30 29 28 27 26 25.12 24 23 2.818 22 21 19.95 19 +26 5.308 2.512 +8 6.453 +9 +28 9.013 8.413 7.680 3 3.162 +10 10.453 +30 14.520 13.653 13.333 3.981 +12

213.33 211.33

Standard reference point other dBmV values are based upon

N

1.000

13.33
TI

12.000 3.548 +11 167.86 0.891 1 10.596

133.33 120.00

0.794

8.413

.0708 105.91

6.682

0.631 84.13 0.562

5.308

4.216

18 17 15.85 15 14 13 12.59 12 11 10.00 9 7.94 7 6.31 6 5.01 4 3.981 +12 +14 +16 +18 +20 +22 +24

4.320 2.239 3.349 1.995 2.613 2.113 1.920 1.778 +5 42.16 0.398 8 2.113 +7 66.82 0.501 2 +6 53.33 53.08 6 3.349

0.446

2.660

1.585 1.333
nW

+4 +3 +2 +1 0

33.49 0.316 10 1.333 26.60 21.13 16.79 13.33 0.158 0.125 0.100 16 18 20 0.3349 0.2113 0.1333 0.251 12 0.8413

1.413 1.259 1.122

841.3

0.1995

14

0.5308

530.8 480.0 334.9 213.33 211.3

1.000

To convert any power value in watts to an equivalent voltage value in microvolts use Ohms law.

P (watts) =

E2 (voltage) R (75 resistance)

Center and right-hand columns have expanded scales

Figure 6. Voltage and corresponding power values shown on a linear scale, with dBmV values indicated. The nonlinearity of the dBmV values is due to the logarithmic relationship with the respective voltage and power ratios.

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USING dB AND dBmV

dBmV mV 35.48 mV

Page 8

+31
N

36
TI

34

1.122:1 ratio (1 dB) 1.259:1 ratio (2 dB) 31.62 mV 1.122:1 ratio 28.18 mV 1.122:1 ratio 25.12 mV 35.48 1.122 = 31.62 mV In the second 1 dB section of cable: 31.62 1.122 = 28.18 mV In the third 1 dB section of cable: 28.18 1.122 = 25.12 mV In the first 1 dB section of cable the signal voltage decreases from 35.48 mV to 31.62 mV. 1.413:1 ratio (3 dB)

USING dB AND dBmV

Because the reduction is based on logarithm of a ratio, the signal loss is not linear. In the first 6 dB loss of signal on the cable half the signal voltage is lost. Half of the remaining signal voltage is lost in the next 6 dB of cable, etc. Note that we started out with 31 dBmV and at the end of the cable span we have 9 dBmV. 31 dBmV 9 dBmV = 22 dB This 22 dB is the total loss from the cable. 2.82 mV 2 3 4 50.12% 70.79% 5 6 7 25.12% 50.12% 8 9 10 11 10% 31.62% 12 13 14 5% 22.39% 15 16 17 2.5% 15.85% 18 19 20 21 1.0% 10.0% 22 dB 0.631% 7.94%

+30

32

30

+29

28

26

+28

24

+27

22

+26

20

+25

18

+24

16

+23

14

+22

12

+21

10

+20 +19 +18 +17 +16 +15 +14 +13 +12 +11 +10 +9

0 1 % Power 100% % Voltage 100%

WORKING WITH dBmV

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Amplifier #1

Figure 7. Amplitude of signal voltage as the signal passes through 22 dB of cable from one amplifier to another.

PERFORMING SIGNAL LEVEL CALCULATIONS

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PERFORMING SIGNAL LEVEL CALCULATIONS

Now that the basis for and the meaning of dBs and dBmVs is established, the practical use of this measurement system can be realized. It is no longer necessary to convert from mV or nW to dBmV nor to think in terms of specific voltage and power ratios. Because 0 dBmV already refers to a specific amount of voltage and power, it is only necessary to add or subtract dBs and dBmVs to determine the amount of signal that is present anywhere in the system. As mentioned earlier, the 1 mV reference level for 0 dBmV exists because it is the minimum signal level that consistently provides a good quality picture on a TV set.

NOTES

Estimating Tap Port Signal Level for One TV Set

If a system requires a minimum signal level at the TV set of +3 dBmV, it is easy to determine the necessary minimum signal level at the tap port (Figure 8). A drop that consists of 100 feet of Series 6 drop cable (from the tap to the TV set) has a loss of 5.65 dB in the drop cable at 750 MHz (Series 6 attenuation rate = 5.65 dB/100 feet @ 750 MHz). Thus, the minimum amount of signal from the tap port @ 750 MHz must be: 3.00 dBmV @ 745.25 MHz (system minimum level at the TV set) + 5.65 dB/100 feet of Series 6 @ 750 MHz (cable loss) 8.65 dBmV (minimum tap port signal level at 745.25 MHz) NOTE
Remember that a given attenuation rate is for 100 feet. For drop lengths greater than 100 feet, you must multiply the rate by the desired footage and divide by 100 to obtain the total loss of the cable.

Tap

Minimum of +8.65 dBmV at 745.25 MHz

5.65 dB loss/100 feet of Series 6 @ 750 MHz

TI

To ground

+3 dBmV @ 745.25 MHz required at the TV set

Figure 8. Minimum tap port signal level required for one TV set.

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USING dB AND dBmV

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PERFORMING SIGNAL LEVEL CALCULATIONS

NOTES

Estimating Tap Port Signal Level for Two TV Sets

If a two-way splitter is needed to provide service to an additional TV set (Figure 9), and the longest amount of cable from the tap to either TV set is 100 feet, the minimum signal needed from the tap is:

NOTE
Remember that a given attenuation rate is for 100 feet. For drop lengths greater than 100 feet, you must multiply the rate by the desired footage and divide by 100 to obtain the total loss of the cable.

3.00 dBmV @ 745.25 MHz (system minimum level at the TV set) 5.65 dB/100 feet @ 750 MHz (loss from Series 6 drop cable) + 4.00 dB (approximate loss from the two-way splitter) 12.65 dBmV (12.7 rounded off) (minimum signal level from the tap port @ 745.25 MHz)
Tap

+12.7 dBmV

100 feet Series 6 cable 5.65 dB loss

Two-way splitter
S2DGH6-OP
2-Way Splitter

Set-top terminal #1 +3 dBmV required

In

5-600 MHz

4.0 dB @ 750 MHz +3 dBmV required To ground

N

3.5 dB

3.5 dB

TI

Set-top terminal #2

Figure 9. Minimum tap port signal level required for two TV sets.

Estimating the Required Tap Value for Two TV Sets

If this drop is connected to a tap on the output of a line extender, which has a flat output signal level of 45 dBmV (as shown in Figure 10), the highest value tap that can be used and still provide the required minimum level is: 45.0 dBmV @ 745.25 MHz (signal into the tap from the line extender) 12.7 dBmV (minimum signal required from the tap port) 32.3 dB (maximum tap value)

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In practice, the nearest tap value lower than 32.3 dB is used. If this is a 32 dB tap value, the amount of signal arriving at the TV set is: 45.00 dBmV @ 745.25 MHz (tap input level) 32.00 dB (tap value) 13.00 dBmV @ 745.25 MHz (tap port output) 5.65 dB (cable loss) 7.35 dBmV @ 745.25 MHz (splitter input level) 4.00 dB (approximate splitter loss) 3.35 dBmV @ 745.25 MHz (actual TV set input level) This is 0.35 dB higher than the required minimum.
32.3 dB maximum tap value Line extender
N

NOTES

NOTE
Remember that a given attenuation rate is for 100 feet. For drop lengths greater than 100 feet, you must multiply the rate by the desired footage and divide by 100 to obtain the total loss of the cable.

32 four-way tap

32 dB actual tap value

TI

Jerrold Starline

100 feet Series 6 5.65 dB +12.7 dBmV +45 dBmV @ 745.25 MHz (desired) @ 745.25 MHz +13.0 dBmV @ 745.25 MHz (actual) Two-way splitter
S2DGH6-OP
2-Way Splitter

GENERAL INSTRUMENT

TV set #1

In

5-600 MHZ

4.0 dB splitter loss

3.5 dB

3.5 dB

TV set #2

To ground

+3 dBmV @ 745.25 MHz (desired) +3.35 dBmV @ 745.25 MHz (actual)

Figure 10. Required theoretical and actual video carrier signal levels.

Learning the Effects of Reduced Line Extender Output

In Figure 11 on page 12 the input to the line extender is shown as +20 dBmV. The line extender gain of 25 dB produces an output of +45 dBmV, and the other signal levels along the drop are indicated. If the gain of the line extender decreased to 22 dB, the output would be +42 dBmV, 3 dB lower than normal. All levels from that point on
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PERFORMING SIGNAL LEVEL CALCULATIONS

NOTES

will be reduced by the same amount (3 dB). Therefore, instead of having +3.35 dBmV at the TV set, the signal is +0.35 dBmV (2.65 dB lower than system-required minimum).
Line extender
N

32 four-way tap

TI

13 dBmV @ 745.25 MHz 10 dBmV @ 745.25 MHz (ch. 119) 3 dB less

100-foot Series 6 5.65 dB/100 feet @ 750 MHz +45 dBmV +20 TV set #1 +25 dB gain +42 dBmV @ 745.25 MHz (ch. 119) dBmV +22 dB gain 3 dB less @ 745.25 3 dB less MHz Two-way splitter
S2DGH6-OP
2-Way Splitter

In

5-600 MHZ

7.35 dBmV @ 745.25 MHz (ground block) 4.35 dBmV @ 745.25 MHz (ground block) 3 dB less

4.0 dB splitter loss

3.5 dB

3.5 dB

TV set #2

To ground 3.35 dBmV @ 745.25 MHz 0.35 dBmV @ 745.25 MHz (ch. 119) 3 dB less

Figure 11. Signal level to the TV set with reduced line extender output.

Review Questions, Part II

7. What is the minimum amount of signal needed @ 750 MHz from the tap port through a 100-foot Series 6 drop if the minimum signal level required at a single TV set is +2 dBmV? Referring to Figure 11, how much signal would arrive at TV set #2 if a 29 dB tap value is used instead of a 32 dB tap when the amplifier gain is 25 dB? 9. Again, referring to Figure 11, if the line extender gain is a normal 25 dB, but the input signal level is instead +15 dBmV, how much signal from the 32 dB tap port will be present at TV set #2?

8.

USING dB AND dBmV

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SUMMARIZING dB AND dBmV

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SUMMARIZING dB and dBmV

Summarizing, dB (decibel) and dBmV (decibel millivolt) are terms used daily by the broadband cable technician. Just remember that fractions, percentages, ratios, and dBs are all simply methods of comparing values.

NOTES

The foundational starting point of the entire decibel measurement system is that 1 bel equals a 10:1 power ratio.

The items listed below are derived from this basic foundation and are therefore the most important things to understand and remember. 1/10 bel (1 dB) is a power ratio of 1.2589:1. 1/10 bel (1 dB) is a voltage ratio of 1.122:1. The voltage ratio is always the square root of the power ratio. A 1 dB increase is equal to a 25.89% power increase. A 1 dB increase is equal to a 12.2% voltage increase. When dBs and dBmVs are added, their respective power and voltage ratios are multiplied. (1.258910 = 10 dB) When dBs are added to dBmVs, the voltage is multiplied by the corresponding dB ratio. When dBs are subtracted from dBmVs, the voltage is divided by the corresponding dB ratio. Voltage and dBmV values can be compared in a meaningful way only if measured across the same impedance value. A level of 0 dBmV equals 1 mV across 75 . Signal values greater than 1 mV across 75 are indicated by positive dBmV values (e.g., +3 dBmV or 3 dBmV). Signal values smaller than 1 mV across 75 are indicated by negative dBmV values (e.g., 3 dBmV). dBmV values do not progress in a linear fashion because they are based on the logarithms of power ratios. When the signal from an amplifier changes by a dB amount, 2 dB for instance, the signal is changed by that same dB amount from that point on. 3 dB is essentially a 2:1 power ratio (twice as much or one-half as much). 6 dB is essentially a 4:1 power ratio. 6 dB is a 2:1 voltage ratio (twice as much or one-half as much).

Finally, there is nothing mysterious or unexplainable about dBs and dBmVs. Some mathematics is required to understand and convert dBs to their equivalent ratios and dBmVs to their
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SUMMARIZING dB AND dBmV

NOTES

equivalent voltage and power values. However, with a good understanding of ratios, the groundwork for understanding higher mathematical techniques is established. Figures 12 and 13 provide convenient reference material for finding equivalent dBmV, voltage, power, and ratio values.

UNIT CONVERSION CHART

dBmV
+20.00 +19.00 +18.00 +17.00 +16.00 +15.00 +14.00 +13.00 +12.00 +11.00 +10.00 +9.00 +8.00 +7.00 +6.00 +5.00 +4.00 +3.00 +2.00 +1.00 0.00 1.00 2.00 3.00 4.00 5.00 6.00 7.00 8.00 9.00 10.00 11.00 12.00 13.00 14.00 15.00 16.00 17.00 18.00 19.00 20.00

TI

RMS (mV)
10.0000 8.9125 7.9433 7.0795 6.3096 5.6234 5.0119 4.4668 3.9811 3.5481 3.1623 2.8184 2.5119 2.2387 1.9953 1.7783 1.5849 1.4125 1.2589 1.1220 1.0000 891.25 794.33 707.95 630.96 562.34 501.19 446.68 398.11 354.81 316.23 281.84 251.19 223.87 199.53 177.83 158.49 141.25 125.89 112.20 100.00

Ratio of Voltage to 0 dBmV

10.0000 8.9125 7.9433 7.0795 6.3096 5.6234 5.0119 4.4668 3.9811 3.5481 3.1623 2.8184 2.5119 2.2387 1.9953 1.7783 1.5849 1.4125 1.2589 1.1220 1.0000 0.8913 0.7943 0.7079 0.6310 0.5623 0.5012 0.4467 0.3981 0.3548 0.3162 0.2818 0.2512 0.2239 0.1995 0.1778 0.1585 0.1413 0.1259 0.1122 0.1000

RMS Power (nW)

1333.33 1059.10 841.28 668.25 530.81 421.64 334.92 266.03 211.32 167.86 133.33 105.91 84.128 66.825 53.081 42.164 33.492 26.603 21.132 16.786 13.333 10.591 8.413 6.682 5.308 4.216 3.349 2.660 2.113 1.679 1.333 1.059 841.28 668.25 530.81 421.64 334.92 266.03 211.32 167.86 133.333

Ratio of Power to 0 dBmV

100.00 79.433 63.096 50.119 39.811 31.623 25.119 19.953 15.849 12.589 10.000 7.9433 6.3096 5.0119 3.9811 3.1623 2.5119 1.9953 1.5849 1.2589 1.0000 0.79433 0.63096 0.50119 0.39811 0.31623 0.25119 0.19953 0.15849 0.12589 0.10000 0.07943 0.06310 0.05012 0.03981 0.03162 0.02512 0.01995 0.01585 0.01259 0.01000

M I C R O V O L T S

P I C O W A T T S

Figure 12. Converting dBmV to voltage and power ratios.

USING dB AND dBmV

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SUMMARIZING dB AND dBmV

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3 dB = *2:1 power ratio and *1.414:1 voltage ratio 6 dB = *4:1 power ratio and *2.000:1 voltage ratio 10 dB = 10:1 power ratio and 3.162:1 voltage ratio 20 dB = 100:1 power ratio and 10.000:1 voltage ratio
*These values are rounded off. The accuracy is within 0.5% (one-half of 1%).

To multiply ratios, simply add decibels. To divide ratios, simply subtract decibels.
N

TI

To find the power ratio for 16 dB multiply the power ratio for 10 dB by the power ratio for 6 dB. 16 dB = 10 dB + 6 dB Power ratio for 16 dB = (10:1)(4:1) = 40:1 16 dB = 40:1 power ratio For 36 dB: 36 dB = 20 dB + 10 dB + 6 dB Power ratio for 36 dB = (100:1)(10:1)(4:1) = 4000:1 36 dB = 4000:1 power ratio To find the power ratio for 4 dB divide the power ratio for 10 dB by the power ratio for 6 dB. 4 dB = 10 dB 6 dB Power ratio for 4 dB = (10:1) (4:1) = 2.5:1 4 dB = 2.5:1 power ratio

To find the voltage ratio for 16 dB multiply the voltage ratio for 10 dB by the voltage ratio for 6 dB. 16 dB = 10 dB + 6 dB Voltage ratio for 16 dB = (3.162:1)(2:1) = 6.324:1 16 dB = 6.324:1 voltage ratio For 36 dB: 36 dB = 20 dB + 10 dB + 6 dB Voltage ratio for 36 dB = (10:1)(3.162:1)(2:1) = 63.24:1 36 dB = 63.24:1 voltage ratio To find the voltage ratio for 4 dB divide the voltage ratio for 10 dB by the voltage ratio for 6 dB. 4 dB = 10 dB 6 dB Voltage ratio for 4 dB = (3.162:1) (2:1) = 1.581:1 4 dB = 1.581:1 voltage ratio

Figure 13. Adding and subtracting dB values using power and voltage ratios.

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USING dB AND dBmV

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ANSWERS TO REVIEW QUESTIONS/GLOSSARY

ANSWERS TO REVIEW QUESTIONS

Part I
1. The broadband signal reference level for the dB measurement system is 1 mV across 75 of impedance or 0 dBmV. A level of 1 mV across 75 represents the 0 dBmV reference level and a power level of 13.33 nW. All dBmV values represent a voltage level that is measured across a 75 impedance. A 1 dB increase results in a 25.89% increase in power. The three different units that can be used to represent signal level values are mV, dBmV, and W or nW. The dBmV values in Figure 6 are not spaced linearly because the dB measurement system is based on logarithms of power ratios. 8.

Part II
7. 2.00 dBmV (required level at the TV set) + 5.35 dB (cable loss through 100 feet of Series 6 cable @ 750 MHz) 7.35 dBmV (minimum signal required from the tap port @ 750 MHz) A signal level of 6.35 dBmV would arrive at TV set #2 if a 29 dB tap value were used instead of a 32 dB tap. The signal level at TV set #2 would be +1.35 dBmV.

2.

3.

4.

9.

5.

6.

GLOSSARY
Below are the definitions of the key terms occurring in bold italic and regular type in the text.

Impedance The combined effect of inductance, capacitance, and resistance in an electronic circuit or transmission line that opposes current flow. The value of impedance is stated in ohms () and is the ratio of voltage in volts to current in amperes. Logarithm A type of shorthand to represent a number expressed as the exponent of a base number (usually 10) that equals the original number.

Negative dBmV values Negative () dBmV values represent signal level voltages of less than 1 mV. The minus sign is never omitted for negative values. A dBmV value without a polarity sign is always considered positive. Positive dBmV values Positive (+) dBmV values represent signal level values of more than 1 mV. The plus sign is frequently omitted; however, the value remains positive (more than 1 mV) when no polarity sign is used (e.g., 1 dBmV, 16 dBmV, 30 dBmV, etc.).

0 dBmV A signal voltage value of 1 mV across a 75 impedance. Other amounts of signal voltage (both smaller and greater) are compared to this reference by using the dB measurement system.

USING dB AND dBmV

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USING dB AND dBmV EXAMINATION QUESTIONS FOR LESSON 217-23-1 1. A minimum acceptable signal level of 0 dBmV at a TV set input A. Only indicates a ratio and does not indicate any specific amount of voltage or power. B. Equals 1 mV across 75 . C. Equals 0 mV across 300 . D. Equals 0 mV across 75 . E. Is 1 dB less than 1 dBmV.

2.

Values expressed in dBmV that are preceded by a minus sign () represent A. Values of voltage less than 1 mV across 75 . B. Values of voltage subtracted from one another. C. No voltage. D. Signals that are too low by the amount indicated. E. Values of power more than 1 W across 75 .

3.

A signal increase of 1 dB represents a _______ increase in power. A. 10% B. 50% C. 25.89% D. 12.5% E. 90%

4.

Values expressed in dBmV progress in a nonlinear fashion when compared to a linear mV scale because A. They are based on a 300 impedance. B. They are based on the logarithms of power ratios. C. 1 bel equals a 1.122:1 voltage ratio. D. They are based on a sine wave ratio. E. Both C and D.

5.

A 1 mV decrease in a signal level of 40 dBmV is approximately equivalent to a decrease in level of A. B. C. D. E. 10 dB. 20 dB. 3 dB. 0.1 dB. 6 dB.

6.

What is the equivalent voltage in mV for a +20 dBmV signal using the chart in Figure 6? A. 10 mV. B. 1.333 mV. C. 3.162 mV. D. 0.100 mV. E. 12.59 mV.

7.

How much signal is necessary from the subscribers tap port @ 750 MHz to provide a minimum of 3.0 dBmV to the TV set when the drop is 150 feet of Series 6 cable and just one outlet (use 5.65 dB per 100 feet for the attenuation rate and round off to nearest tenth of a dBmV)? A. 15.0 dBmV. B. 7.7 dBmV. C. 11.5 dBmV. D. 4.5 dBmV. E. 8.7 dBmV.

8.

How much signal is needed from the subscribers tap port @ 750 MHz to provide a minimum of +3.0 dBmV to each of the TV sets when there is 132 feet of Series 6 cable and a two-way splitter? (Use 5.65 dB per 100 feet for the Series 6 cable attenuation rate and 4.0 dB for the splitter attenuation.) A. 14.5 dBmV. B. 10.3 dBmV. C. 8.8 dBmV. D. 12.7 dBmV. E. 17.2 dBmV.

9.

What is the maximum tap value that can be installed when the tap is connected directly to a line extender amplifier output and: (1) the line extender output is 45 dBmV @ 745.25 MHz; (2) the longest amount of Series 6 coaxial cable from the tap to either of the two TV sets is 150 feet; (3) the Series 6 coaxial cable attenuation rate is 5.65 dB/100 feet @ 750 MHz; (4) the drop includes a splitter with a 4.0 dB loss; and (5) the system minimum signal level required at each of the two TV sets is 3.0 dBmV? A. 32 dB. B. 20 dB. C. 23 dB. D. 29 dB. E. 35 dB.

10. When the output of a line extender is 3 dB lower than it normally should be, A. Only the subscriber drops that have a two-way splitter are affected. B. The signal power is 25.89% low from that point on. C. The signal is 3 dB lower than normal from that point on. D. The signal voltage is 1 millivolt lower than normal from that point on. E. The signal at the TV set is always too low to provide a good picture.
USING dB AND dBmV EXAM 217-23-1

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USING dB AND dBmV

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION................................................................................. 1 WORKING WITH dBmV .................................................................... 1 Establishing a Reference Level (0 dBmV) Defining Positive and Negative dBmV Values Understanding the Nonlinearity of dBmVs PERFORMING SIGNAL LEVEL CALCULATIONS ..................... 9 Estimating Tap Port Signal Level for One TV Set Estimating Tap Port Signal Level for Two TV Sets Estimating the Required Tap Value for Two TV Sets Learning the Effects of Reduced Line Extender Output SUMMARIZING dB AND dBmV..................................................... 13 Converting dBmV to Voltage and Power Ratios Adding and Subtracting dB Values Using Power and Voltage Ratios ANSWERS TO REVIEW QUESTIONS .......................................... 16 GLOSSARY ......................................................................................... 16 Key terms occurring in bold italic and regular type in the text are listed with definitions specific to this lesson.

Copyright 2000 by Versacom, Inc., dba NCTI, Inc., 801 W. Mineral Ave., Littleton, CO 80120-4501. All rights reserved. No part of this lesson may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher.
Printed in U.S.A.

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