dBm to dBmV/m Calculator

Contents

1 Introduction
2 Calculator
3 Example Calculations
4 Formula
- 4.1 Derivation
5 Background
6 Related Calculators

Introduction

The calculator converts from radiated power (EIRP) at the output of the transmitter in dBm to the electric field strength* dBmV/m (deciBels millivolt per meter).

*Electric Field Strength and Electric Field Intensity refer to the same thing

Typically this measurement is made at 3 meters for the purposes of FCC testing. However you can specify any distance in the calculator.

Calculator

dBmV/m to dBm

Example Calculations

For an EIRP of 0 dBm, the field strength at 3 meters is calculated to be 35.2 dBmV/m. As the distance increases, the field strength decreases.

Formula

E_dBmV/m = P_dBm + 35.2

Derivation

Consider an isotropic source that radiates equally in all directions.

The power density P_d = P/(4*π*r²)

The power density decreases with increasing distance r from the source. The FCC stipulates radiated emissions at a distance of 3 meters away from the source and hence we will use r=3 in the equation above.

P_d is also given by the equation

P_d = E²/Z_o

Where E is the field strength and Z_o is the characteristic impedance of free space, equal to 377 Ω.

Therefore,

P/(4*π*r²)= E²/Z_o

which simplifies to

P = 0.3*E²

Converting Power from Watt to dBm and field from uV/m to dBuV/m gives

P_dBm = E_dBμV/m – 95.2

E_dBμV/m = P_dBm + 95.2

E_dBμV/m = E_dBmV/m + 60

therefore

E_dBmV/m = P_dBm + 35.2

Background

dBmV/m is a unit of measurement used in the field of electromagnetic wave propagation, particularly in radio and television broadcasting, to quantify the strength or intensity of an electromagnetic field at a specific distance away from the emitter or transmitter. It is often used to describe the signal strength or power level of a radio or television signal in a given area.

EIRP stands for “Effective Isotropic Radiated Power.” It is a measure of the total power radiated by an antenna in a specific direction, expressed as an equivalent power that would be radiated by an ideal isotropic antenna (a theoretical antenna that radiates energy uniformly in all directions). EIRP is typically used in the context of radio frequency (RF) and wireless communication systems to describe the strength of a transmitted signal.