uV to dBm Calculator

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Use this calculator to convert from microvolt (μV) RMS to Power in dBm

The default value of impedance (Z) is 50 ohm although it can be changed in the calculator below

🔄 dBm to uV

Note: μV is a root-mean-square value and hence it is always a positive, real number

Formula

dBm = 20*Log10(uV) – 10*Log10(Z) – 90

Background

What is μV?

μV or microvolt is equal to 10-6 Volt. In this case it refers to root-mean-square (RMS) voltage.

Volt is a unit of potential difference and of electromotive force. One volt is the potential difference between two points of a conducting wire carrying a constant current of 1 ampere, when the power dissipated between these points is equal to 1 watt. Reference

What is dBm?

dBm is a measure of power level. It is used to indicate that the power level is measured in dB referenced to 1 milliwatt. dBm is an absolute quantity (this is different from dB which is a relative measure)

The input or output power level of an RF circuit can be expressed in dBm.

Power in dBm (PdBm) is calculated from Watt (PW) using the following formula:

PWatt=(10(PdBm/10))/1000

Applications where dBm units are used:

  • dBm is normally used in Radio Frequency and Optical Engineering Applications.
    • It is used to specify the maximum input level to a Low Noise Amplifier
    • The third order intercept (IP3) for an RF component such as a mixer, is specified in dBm

Where is the μV to dBm converter used?

The conversion is used by electrical engineers in analog and radio frequency design.

As an example, microvolt is used in Operational amplifiers, Analog-to-digital converters to specify levels. When these components are used in Radio frequency circuits, it becomes necessary to use the converter on this page to convert from uV to dBm. It’s necessary to take the impedance (Z) into consideration.

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