Understanding the attenuation of a signal

1. How do you understand attenuation?
2. How do you determine the attenuation of a signal?
3. What does 30 dB attenuation mean?

How do you understand attenuation?

Attenuation is a general term that refers to any reduction in the strength of a signal. Attenuation occurs with any type of signal, whether digital or analog. Sometimes called loss, attenuation is a natural consequence of signal transmission over long distances.

How do you determine the attenuation of a signal?

Attenuation (dB)= 10 X log(P_I/P_O)

Where P_I is input power and P_O is the output power. P_I is the power applied at one end of the cable, while P_O is the wattage at the end of the cable. An attenuator is a passive or active circuit that can attenuate a signal.

What does 30 dB attenuation mean?

30 dB attenuation means that 0.001 of the input power survives. 40 dB attenuation means that 0.0001 of the input power survives. NOTE: Many times dB ratios are expressed using a third letter (or letters), e.g. dBm -- the third letter is a reference level for the log operation.