Cable 101 Training Series

Cable Math
dBmV ) mV
/P1
g ₁ ₀ (P2 Metric s
2 to 1 x lo ystem
= 10 10²
dB 2 + 2 =?
 Cable Math
Learning Objectives
Metric System
Powers of 10
Logarithms
dB and dBmV
Cable Loss
HFC and Drop Caculations
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 Metric System
Metric system is used in most of the world, except the USA
Measures volume(liters), weight(kilograms) and
distance(meters)
Smaller or larger units of measure are all based on the power
of 10
Only one basic unit for distance, the meter
1 Kilometer = 1,000 Meters = 10,000 decimeters = 1,000,000
centimeters
1 Mile = 1,760 Yards = 5,280 Feet = 63,360 Inches

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 Powers of 10
Powers of 10 is used in the decimal system that we use everyday

10 is the basic number in our numbering system, just like the

meter is the basic unit of measurement in the metric system

Express very large or small numbers in a compact and easy to

calculate way
Exponent
10² (10 squared) = 10 X 10 = 100
Base
10³ (10 cubed) = 10 X 10 X 10 = 1,000

10⁶ = 10 X 10 X 10 X 10 X 10 X 10 = 1,000,000

10⁹ = 10 X 10 X 10 X 10 X 10 X 10 X 10 X 10 X 10 = 1,000,000,000
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 Powers of 10
Numbers less than zero can be expressed using negative
powers of 10

10⁻³ = .001

10⁻⁶ = .000,001

10⁻⁹ = .000,000,001

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 Powers of 10
Power Metric Metric
of 10 Number Decimal Prefix Symbol
10¹² 1,000,000,000,000 Trillion Tera T
10⁹ 1,000,000,000 Billion Giga G
10⁶ 1,000,000 Million Mega M
10³ 1,000 Thousand Kilo K
10² 100 Hundred Hecto H
10¹ 10 Ten Deca D
10⁰ 1 One
10⁻¹ 0.1 Tenth deci d
10⁻² 0.01 Hundredth centi c
10⁻³ 0.001 Thousandth milli m
10⁻⁶ 0.000,001 Millionth micro μ
10⁻⁹ 0.000,000,001 Billionth nano n
10⁻¹² 0.000,000,000,001 Trillionth pico p

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 Metric System
Metric Metric Common
Prefix Symbol Nomenclature
Tera T TB = Terabyte
Giga G GHz = Gigahertz
Mega M MHz = Megahertz
Kilo K KHz = Kilohertz
Hecto H
Deca D

deci d dB = decibel
centi c cm = centimeter
milli m mV = millivolt
micro μ μV = microvolt
nano n nm = nanometer
pico p pf = picofarad

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 Metric System

1 Kilometer = 1,000,000 Meters = 0.62 Miles

1 Meter = 3.28 Feet
1 centimeter = .01 meters = 0.39 Inches

Channel 2 = 55.25MHz = 55,250,000 Hertz

0 dBmV = 1millivolt = 0.001 volt

32GB = 32Gigabyte = 32,000,000,000 byte’s

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 Metric System

32,400 μV (microvolt) 32,400 = 32.4 mV

0.7 V (Volts) 0.700 = 700 mV
860 mV (millivolts) = 860 mV
= 1,592.4 mV

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 Logarithms
The logarithm (log) is the number to which the base must be
raised in order to produce that number
Logs express large numbers simply
Simplifies calculations because the addition and subtraction of
logarithms is equivalent to multiplication and division
Logarithms can be expressed as powers of any number, most
cable applications uses the power of 10
Used for decibels, gain, loss, signal levels, carrier-to-noise and
noise figures

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Logarithms

1 Kilometer
= 1,000 Meters
= 10 X 10 X 10
= 10³
= log 3

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 Logarithms

10,000 = log
log 10 4
100,000 = log 5
log ₁₀
1,000,000 = log 6
log (10)
1,000,000,000 = log 9
1,000,000,000,000 = log 12
log -3 = .001
log -6 = .000,001
log -9 = .000,000,001

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Logarithms

593,766,821.6382
8 .77

593,766,821.6382
8.77

log₁₀

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 Decibels

Decibel is one tenth of a bel and is a ratio that compares any two
power or voltage levels such as input level to output level, video
carrier to noise floor, etc

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 bel

10 W
100 W

100 W input / 10 W output

10 to 1ratio

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 bel

1,000 W 100 W

1,000 W input / 100 W output

still 10 to 1 ratio

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 Decibels
The bel was found to be too large to use for cable communication
applications so the decibel, one tenth of a bel, was established
Written as dB

Power Value Value in

Ratio in Bels decibels
1 to 1 0 0
2 to 1 0.3 3
10 to 1 1 10
100 to 1 2 20
1,000 to 1 3 30

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 Decibels
dB represents the logarithm of a ratio of two signal power or
voltage levels
dB is a relative measurement
dB = 10 x log₁₀(P2/P1), Power
P1 = Input
P2 = Output

dB = 20 x log₁₀(V2/V1), Voltage
V1 = Input
V2 = Output

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 Decibels

50 Watts

100 Watts

dB = 10 x log₁₀ (P2/P1)
dB = 10 x log₁₀ (100/50)
dB = 10 x log₁₀ (2)
dB = 10 x 0.301
dB = 3.01 Louder (Gain)

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 Decibels

10 Watts 5 Watts

dB = 10 x log₁₀ (P2/P1)
dB = 10 x log₁₀ (5/10)
dB = 10 x log₁₀ (0.5)
dB = 10 x -0.301
dB = -3.01Loss

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 dBmV

Measured in
millivolts (mV)

Very small and cumbersome numbers

3.1623 mV

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 dBmV

Experiments were made in the early

days of television to determine the
minimum signal strength needed to
produce a noise free picture

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 dBmV

1 millivolt was established as the minimum signal level

needed to produce a good noise-free video picture
1milli-volt measured across 75 ohms equals
0 dBmV, this is the standard we use today

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 dBmV
dBmV is a reference related to voltage and is an absolute
measurement

dBmV mV
40 100
20 10
18 7.9
12 4
Each 6db increase doubles 6 2 20 dB changes produce a
the voltage; each 6dB 5 1.8 10-fold change in voltage
decrease halves the voltage 4 1.6
3 1.4
2 1.3
1 1.1
0 1
-6 0.5
-12 0.25

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 dBmV
dBmV is a reference related to voltage and is an absolute
measurement

Level Level
Channel 2 Channel 2

+15 +15

+10

+5
10 +10

+5
6
dBmV dBmV
+0 +0

-5 -5

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 dB & dBmV
3.1623 mV in

3.1623 mV in dB = 20 x log(2.1135/3.1623)
2.1135 mV out dB = 20 x log(.67)
1.0488 mV loss dB = 20 x (-.17)
dB = -3.4

2.1135 mV 2.1135 mV
out out

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 dB & dBmV
10 dBmV in

10 dBmV in
6.5 dBmV out
3.5dB loss

6.5dBmV 6.5dBmV
out out

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 dB & dBmV

10 dBmV in
25 dBmV out
15dB gain

10 dBmV 25 dBmV
in out

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 dB & dBmV
If you can measure it, it’s “dBmV”
Absolute signal measurement
0 dBmV = 1mV across 75 ohms

If you have to calculate it, it’s “dB”

Ratio between two power or voltage levels
Represents Gain or Loss

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 Cable Attenuation

One of the essential steps in the troubleshooting process is how to calculate

the amount of attenuation that a length of coaxial cable has

To determine the loss you need to

know 3 things:
1. Type of cable

2. Frequency used

3. Cable length

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 Cable Attenuation

Cable manufactures provide cable loss tables that indicate the loss of cables in
dB per 100 feet at different frequencies

Cable Loss Per 100 Feet

MHz RG-59 RG-6 RG-11 0.625 0.875
5 0.77 0.58 0.38 0.13 0.09
45 1.75 1.39 0.89 0.4 0.29
55 1.88 1.54 0.96 0.45 0.32
330 4.5 3.74 2.35 1.14 0.82
450 5.3 4.4 2.75 1.35 0.97
550 5.9 4.9 3.04 1.51 1.09
750 6.96 5.54 3.65 1.79 1.29
870 7.54 6.11 4.06 1.95 1.41
1000 8.09 6.55 4.35 2.11 1.53

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 Cable Attenuation

How to calculate cable loss:

1. Use the cable loss table to find the loss thru 100 feet of cable
loss through RG-6 cable at 550MHz = 4.9dB

2. Divide the length of the cable by 100

140’ (cable length) ÷ 100 = 1.4 (the multiplier)

3. Multiply the result from step 2, by the cable loss in step 1

1.4 X 4.9 = 6.86 dB

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 Cable Attenuation

Example 1, calculate the loss through 118 feet of RG-6 cable at 870 MHz

1. Using the cable loss table find the loss thru 100 feet of RG-6 cable at 870 MHz
6.11 dB

2. Divide the length of the cable by 100

118 /100 = 1.18

3. Multiply 1.18 by the cable loss per 100 feet (6.11)

1.18 X 6.11 = 7.21 dB cable attenuation

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 Cable Attenuation

Example 2, calculate the loss through 56 feet of RG-6 cable at 45 MHz

1. Using the cable loss table find the loss thru 100 feet of RG-6 cable at 45 MHz
1.39dB

2. Divide the length of the cable by 100

56 / 100 = 0.56

3. Multiply 0.56 by the cable loss per 100 feet (1.39)

0.56 X 1.39 = 0.78 dB cable attenuation

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HFC Plant

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 HFC Plant
Express Feeder
Fiber 875 Cable 875 Cable 875 Cable
Tapped
Tapped Tapped Tapped
Tapped
Line Line Line
Fiber
Extender Extender Extender
Node

Distribution Feeder
From 625 Cable 625 Cable 625 Cable 625 Cable 625 Cable
Amp
23 20 17 14 11 8

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 HFC Plant

H H H H
L L L
L
Fiber H L H L H L
Tapped
Tapped Tapped Tapped
Tapped
Line Line Line
Fiber
Extender Extender Extender
Node

23 20 17 14 11 8

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 Taps

DC
In 4 Port Tap
2
Out
Way

2 2
Way Way

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 Taps

23 Tap

-1dB
45 dBmV
In Out
44 dBmV
-16 -3.5
dB dB

-3.5 -3.5
dB dB

22 dBmV
@ Tap Ports

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 Taps

14 Tap

-2.6dB

35 dBmV 32.4 dBmV

-7 -3.5
dB dB

-3.5 -3.5
dB dB

21 dBmV
@ Tap Ports

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 Taps

23, 20, 17, 14, 11, 8 Values

23

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 HFC Plant

H H H H
L L L
L
Fiber H L H L H L
Tapped
Tapped Tapped Tapped
Tapped
Line Line Line
Fiber
Extender Extender Extender
Node

H - 42.0dBmV H - 38.7dBmV H - 35.1dBmV H - 31.0dBmV H - 25.2dBmV

L - 33.75dBmV L - 32.2dBmV L - 30.35dBmV L - 28.0dBmV L - 23.95dBmV

H -2.5dB H -2.5dB H -2.5dB H -2.5dB H -2.5dB

0.5 L - 0.75dB
0.8 L - 0.75dB 1.1 L - 0.75dB
1.6 L - 0.75dB
3.3 L - 0.75dB
H - 45dBmV
L - 35dBmV
23 20 17 14 11 8
H - 22dBmV H - 22.0dBmV H - 21.7dBmV H - 21.1dBmV H - 20.0dBmV H - 17.2dBmV
L - 12dBmV L - 13.75dBmV L - 15.2dBmV L - 16.35dBmV L - 17.0dBmV L - 15.95dBmV

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 HFC Plant Return

18dBmV 18dBmV 18dBmV 18dBmV

Fiber
Tapped
Tapped Tapped Tapped
Tapped
Line Line Line
Fiber
Extender Extender Extender
Node

0.5 0.5dB 0.8 0.5dB

1.1 0.5dB 1.6 0.5dB
3.3 0.5dB
Target
18dBmV

23 20 17 14 11 8
41dBmV 39dBmV 37.3dBmV 35.9dBmV 35.0dBmV 35.8dBmV

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Levels in the Home
Forward and Return

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 Operating Windows
50 55

Use the following as 45

average guidelines to 40

Modem/Set Top
calculate proper

Transmit
30
operating levels. Each
system/operator will 20
have different 18

standards to follow 10 12

First Active
Return at
8
but the math is the
same 0 0

Analog Receive
-8
-10

Set Top
Modem/Set Top
Digital Receive
-20
dBmV
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How is forward signal loss determined?

Output levels at tap

Length of drop and attenuation

Passive devices in home

House cable attenuation

Active devices in home

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 Forward Exercise
Analog Digital
55 MHz 750 MHz
Distribution Plant R 17 F 10dBmV 15dBmV
@ 55MHz -1.5dB/100’
Drop = 200’of RG6 @ 750MHz -5.5dB/100’ -3dB -11dB
7dBmV 4dBmV
Data Splitter

Amplifier/Gain

Splitter = 2 Way -3.5dB -3.5dB

3.5dBmV 0.5dBmV
@ 55MHz -1.5dB/100’
Outlet Cable = 100’of RG6 @ 750MHz -5.5dB/100’ -1.5dB -5.5dB

CPE 2.0dBmV -5.0dBmV

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 Forward Exercise
Analog Digital
55 MHz 750 MHz
Distribution Plant R 17 F 10dBmV 15dBmV
@ 55MHz -1.5dB/100’
Drop = 200’of RG6 @ 750MHz -5.5dB/100’ -3dB -11dB
7dBmV 4dBmV
Data Splitter = 2 Way -3.5dB -3.5dB -3.5dB
0.5dBmV 3.5dBmV 0.5dBmV
Amplifier/Gain

dB
.75
-2
Hz
Splitter = 3 Way Balanced -5.5dB -5.5dB
0M
75
@
-2dBmV -5dBmV
G6
’R

@ 55MHz -1.5dB/100’
Outlet Cable
50

= 100’of RG6 @ 750MHz -5.5dB/100’ -1.5dB -5.5dB

CPE -2.25dBmV -3.5dBmV -10.5dBmV

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 Forward Exercise
Analog Digital
55 MHz 750 MHz
Distribution Plant R 17 F 10dBmV 15dBmV
@ 55MHz -1.5dB/100’
Drop = 200’of RG6 @ 750MHz -5.5dB/100’ -3dB -11dB
7dBmV 4dBmV
Data Splitter = 2 Way -3.5dB -3.5dB -3.5dB
0.5dBmV 3.5dBmV 0.5dBmV
Amplifier/Gain 15dB 15dB

dB
.75
18.5dBmV15.5dBmV

-2
Hz
Splitter = 3 Way Balanced -5.5dB -5.5dB
0M
75
@
13dBmV
-2dBmV 10dBmV
-5dBmV
G6
’R

@ 55MHz -1.5dB/100’
Outlet Cable
50

= 100’of RG6 @ 750MHz -5.5dB/100’ -1.5dB -5.5dB

CPE -2.25dBmV 4.5dBmV

-3.5dBmV -10.5dBmV
11.5dBmV

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How is return signal loss determined?

Output level of device

Cable attenuation

Passive loss

Active gain

Tap value

Tap thru put loss

Feeder cable attenuation

Input requirement at first active

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 Return Exercise
Return
13.5dBmV -1.0dB 15.5dBmV 30 MHz
-0.5dB -0.5dB
Distribution Plant R 23 23 F 38.5dBmV

Drop = 200’of RG6 @ 30MHz -1.18dB/100’ -2.4dB

Data Splitter

Amplifier/Gain
40.9dBmV
Splitter = 2 Way -3.5dB
44.4dBmV

Outlet Cable = 50’of RG6 @ 30MHz -1.18dB/100’ -0.6dB

CPE 45dBmV
4.5dB low - CMTS request modem to turn up 4.5 dB to 49.5dBmV
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 Cable Math Summary

Metric prefix’s are used for system measurements

Powers of 10 tells us how may times we have to multiply
10 by itself
Logarithms express large numbers simply
dB represents the logarithm of a ratio of two signal
power or voltage levels
dBmV is an absolute signal measurement where 0 dBmV
= 1mV across 75 ohms

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Thank You For Attending This
Training On

Cable Math

For Additional Training Topics See Our Website At

www.amphenolbroadband.com