1. What is Coaxial Cable Power Loss?

Coaxial cable power loss refers to the reduction in signal power as it travels through a coaxial cable. This loss occurs due to the cable's inherent resistance and dielectric properties, and it increases with cable length and frequency.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the coaxial cable power loss formula:

Where:

• \( Attenuation \) — Cable attenuation per 100 feet (dB/100ft)
• \( Length \) — Cable length in feet (ft)
• \( Power \) — Input power in watts (W)

Explanation: The formula calculates total power loss by multiplying the cable's attenuation coefficient by the normalized length and input power.

3. Importance of Power Loss Calculation

Details: Accurate power loss calculation is crucial for designing RF systems, ensuring adequate signal strength at the receiver, and selecting appropriate cable types for specific applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter attenuation in dB/100ft, length in feet, and power in watts. All values must be positive numbers. The calculator provides the total power loss in decibels (dB).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What factors affect coaxial cable attenuation?
A: Cable diameter, dielectric material, conductor quality, and operating frequency all significantly impact attenuation.

Q2: How does frequency affect power loss?
A: Power loss increases with frequency. Higher frequency signals experience greater attenuation through the same cable.

Q3: What are typical attenuation values for coaxial cables?
A: Common RG-6 cable has about 6.5 dB/100ft at 1 GHz, while LMR-400 has approximately 2.7 dB/100ft at the same frequency.

Q4: How can I reduce power loss in coaxial systems?
A: Use lower-loss cables, minimize cable length, use signal amplifiers, or choose larger diameter cables when possible.

Q5: Is this calculation applicable to all frequencies?
A: The attenuation value should be specified for the operating frequency, as attenuation varies significantly with frequency.