Insertion Loss Calculator
Calculate signal attenuation in two-port networks from power or voltage measurements
Calculate Insertion Loss
Power delivered to load without the network
Power delivered to load with the network
Insertion Loss Results
Formula used: IL = 10 × log₁₀(Pi / Pt)
Input values: Pi = 0.000W, Pt = 0.000W
Interpretation: No loss or gain in signal
Loss Analysis
Example Calculation
RF Filter Example
System: RF bandpass filter at 1 GHz
Input power (Pi): 12 W
Output power (Pt): 4 W
Application: Wireless communication system
Calculation
IL = 10 × log₁₀(Pi / Pt)
IL = 10 × log₁₀(12 / 4)
IL = 10 × log₁₀(3)
IL = 4.77 dB
Transmission efficiency = (4/12) × 100% = 33.3%
Common Insertion Loss Values
Coaxial Cables
0.1-1 dB/meter at GHz frequencies
RF Connectors
0.05-0.2 dB per connector
RF Filters
1-10 dB depending on design
Splitters/Combiners
3-6 dB for power division
Key Principles
Positive dB values indicate signal loss/attenuation
Negative dB values indicate signal gain/amplification
3 dB loss = 50% power reduction
10 dB loss = 90% power reduction
Insertion loss is frequency dependent
Understanding Insertion Loss
What is Insertion Loss?
Insertion loss is a measure of the signal attenuation caused by inserting a component or network into a transmission line. It quantifies how much signal power is lost when the component is added to the circuit, expressed in decibels (dB).
Common Causes
- •Ohmic losses in conductors and resistive elements
- •Dielectric losses in insulators and substrates
- •Reflection losses due to impedance mismatch
- •Radiation losses at discontinuities
Calculation Methods
Power Method: IL = 10 × log₁₀(Pi / Pt)
Voltage Method: IL = 20 × log₁₀(V2 / V1)
Applications
- RF/Microwave: Filters, amplifiers, antennas
- Fiber Optics: Connectors, splices, components
- Audio: Crossovers, equalizers, cables
- Power Systems: Transformers, transmission lines
Note: Lower insertion loss indicates better component performance and more efficient signal transmission.