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RF Link Budget Calculator

Estimate received signal level and link margin from power, gains, losses and receiver sensitivity.

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How to use the RF Link Budget Calculator

Enter transmitter power, antenna gains, cable and path losses, and receiver sensitivity to estimate received power and link margin.

How it works

A link budget accounts for gains and losses from the transmitter to the receiver. Transmit power and antenna gains are added; cable, connector and path losses are subtracted. The remaining received power is compared with receiver sensitivity.

Example: With 20 dBm transmit power, 5 dBi antennas at each end, 1 dB cable loss at each end and 100 dB path loss, estimated received power is −72 dBm. Against −90 dBm sensitivity, the indicative margin is 18 dB.

What to keep in mind

A positive margin does not guarantee service. Include fading, interference, implementation loss, required data rate, regulatory limits and realistic antenna performance when designing a link.

Frequently asked questions

What is link margin?

It is the amount by which estimated received power exceeds the receiver sensitivity used in the calculation.

Is antenna gain always helpful?

Gain can improve a link in its intended direction, but changes beamwidth, alignment needs and regulatory EIRP.

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