Coaxial Cable Attenuation Calculator

To calculate the attenuation of a coaxial cable, multiply the attenuation constant (α) by 2 and the cable length (L). Then, raise Euler’s number (e) to the result, take the base-10 logarithm, and finally multiply by 10 to get the attenuation in decibels (dB).

Signal loss, or attenuation, in coaxial cables can significantly impact performance, especially over long distances. Using a Coaxial Cable Attenuation Calculator can help you determine how much signal will be lost in transmission. The attenuation formula takes into account cable type, length, and frequency. For precise measurements, you can use tools like the CommScope Cable Loss Calculator or the RF Loss Calculator.

Formula

Contents

1 Formula
2 Solved Calculations :
3 What is Coaxial Cable Attenuation Calculator ?

The Coaxial Cable Attenuation Calculator employs the following formula to calculate signal loss:

$Attenuation (dB) = 10 \times \log_{10} (e^{(2 \times a \times L)})$

Solved Calculations :

Example 1:

Given:

Attenuation constant (α) = 0.05 nepers/m
Length of the cable (L) = 50 meters

Calculation	Instructions
Step 1: Attenuation = $10 \times \log_{10}(e^{(2 \times \alpha \times L)})$	Start with the formula.
Step 2: Attenuation = $10 \times \log_{10}(e^{(2 \times 0.05 \times 50)})$	Replace α with 0.05 and L with 50 meters.
Step 3: Attenuation = $10 \times \log_{10}(e^{5})$	Multiply 2 by 0.05 and then by 50.
Step 4: Attenuation = $10 \times \log_{10}(148.41)$	Raise e to the power of 5 (approximately 148.41).
Step 5: Attenuation = $10 \times 2.171$	Take the base-10 logarithm of 148.41.
Step 6: Attenuation = 21.71 dB	Multiply by 10 to get the attenuation in dB.

Answer:
The attenuation is 21.71 dB.

What is Coaxial Cable Attenuation Calculator ?

A Coaxial Cable Attenuation Calculator helps determine how much signal loss occurs over a given distance in a coaxial cable. Attenuation refers to the reduction of signal strength as it travels through the cable. This can be influenced by the cable’s length, frequency of the signal, and cable type.

The coaxial cable attenuation formula typically measures signal loss in decibels (dB) per meter or foot. Using a calculator or formulas like the CommScope Cable Loss Calculator or RF Cable Loss Calculator Excel, you can estimate the loss for cables like RG58 or LMR-400.

For example, high-frequency signals, such as those used in RF transmission, tend to experience greater attenuation over distance. To minimize signal loss, it’s important to choose the right cable type based on your requirements.

Coax signal loss over distance increases with cable length, so using shorter, thicker cables like LMR-400 can reduce attenuation significantly compared to thinner cables like RG58.

To measure and calculate signal loss, tools like dB loss measurement devices or calculators can provide accurate readings, ensuring optimal performance for your setup.

Calculation	Instructions
Step 1: Attenuation = $10 \times \log_{10}(e^{(2 \times \alpha \times L)})$	Start with the formula.
Step 2: Attenuation = $10 \times \log_{10}(e^{(2 \times 0.08 \times 30)})$	Replace α with 0.08 and L with 30 meters.
Step 3: Attenuation = $10 \times \log_{10}(e^{4.8})$	Multiply 2 by 0.08 and then by 30.
Step 4: Attenuation = $10 \times \log_{10}(121.51)$	Raise e to the power of 4.8 (approximately 121.51).
Step 5: Attenuation = $10 \times 2.085$	Take the base-10 logarithm of 121.51.
Step 6: Attenuation = 20.85 dB	Multiply by 10 to get the attenuation in dB.

Coaxial Cable Attenuation Calculator