Use this electronics calculation for a first-pass component, converter, signal, motor, or sensor estimate when the stated operating conditions and units match the device data.

Sensitivity with impairments (dBm)

Required number input.

Baseline sensitivity (dBm)

Required number input.

Compute receiver power penalty as impaired minus baseline sensitivity, with both measurements in dBm at the same error-rate target. The tool evaluates the supplied inputs together and returns the named outputs below; it does not infer omitted operating conditions or change the units shown.^[1]

Required-power penalty (dB)

The resulting required-power penalty returned as a number.

• RF gain, noise, compression, intercept, mismatch, sensitivity, and link calculations require consistent impedance, bandwidth, frequency, reference plane, temperature, modulation, and cascade ordering. Datasheet values at different conditions cannot be combined without correction.
• Use finite inputs in the displayed units and preserve more precision than the final presentation requires. Independently verify safety-critical, financial, compliance, or production decisions.

Check the result against the current datasheet and worst-case operating corners, then verify the circuit or measurement with simulation and bench testing where failure matters.

• C/N Ratio dB

  Compute the carrier-to-noise ratio in decibels as the carrier power minus the noise power, both in dBm.

• Link Margin dB

  Compute the link margin in dB as EIRP plus receive gain minus free-space path loss minus receiver sensitivity.

• Antenna Front To Back Ratio

  Directional front-to-back radiation ratio from same-distance power measurements in the two directions.