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Signal Attenuation

Description

In physics, attenuation (in some contexts also called extinction) is the gradual loss in intensity of any kind of flux through a medium. For instance, dark glasses attenuate sunlight, lead attenuates X-rays, and water attenuates both light and sound.

In electrical engineering and telecommunications, attenuation affects the propagation of waves and signals in electrical circuits, in optical fibers, and in air (radio waves). Electrical attenuators and optical attenuators are commonly manufactured components in this field.

The formula shown calculates the gradual loss in power over a transmission distance.

Related formulas

Variables

AttAttenuation (dB) (dimensionless)
PiOutput power (watt)
PoInput power (watt)