SBC RF Tools and Calculators
This page is a companion to our Complete ERCES Handbook.
Free Space Loss Calculator (Distance in Feet)
Result
FSPL (dB) = 36.6 + 20·log10(fMHz) + 20·log10(dft / 5280)
Free Space Path Loss Calculator
Result
FSPL (dB) = 20·log10(dkm) + 20·log10(fMHz) + 32.44 − (Gt + Gr)
RF Power Conversion Calculator
Result
Assumes a 50 Ω system. V and mV are RMS; peak-to-peak (Vpp) also shown for voltage outputs.
Return Loss & VSWR Calculator
Result
Return Loss (dB) = 10·log10(Pfwd / Prefl) VSWR = (1 + √(Prefl/Pfwd)) / (1 − √(Prefl/Pfwd))
Vertical Antenna-to-Antenna Isolation
Result
Isolation (dB) = 28 + 40·log10(dft / λft) − Gtop − Gbottom, with λft = 984 / fMHz
Horizontal Antenna-to-Antenna Isolation
Result
Isolation (dB) = 22 + 20·log10(dft / λft) − Gleft − Gright, with λft = 984 / fMHz
BDA Optimization Excel Worksheet
As described in the Complete ERCES Handbook — Page 426
22.11 The BDA Optimization Excel Worksheet
The UL optimization procedures in section 22.10 involve math functions with negative numbers which may be confusing to some installers. In the following sections within this chapter we introduce a new Excel worksheet to help with those calculations.
Not all tests and optimizations use this worksheet, actually just a few. Most tests rely on basic dB math as we covered in Chapter 7. But for those that prefer a more exact solution we have the worksheet as a commissioning aid.
It takes more variables into account and helps as a checklist to verify all tests were completed. It can also serve as a record of measurements and level settings as part of the close-out package.