What is decibels related to dipole antenna (dBd)? - Definition from Whatis.com

Definition

decibels related to dipole antenna (dBd)

dBd (decibels related to dipole antenna) is a measure of the gain of an antenna system relative to a dipole antenna at radio frequency.

The dBd specification is based on the decibel

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, a logarithmic measure of relative power. Suppose an antenna A produces an electromagnetic field of intensity IA microwatts per square meter (µW/m2) in its favored direction at a point located a defined distance away. Also, suppose a half-wave dipole antenna D produces an electromagnetic field of intensity ID µW/m2 in its favored direction at the same distance. Then the gain G of antenna A, in dBd, is:

G = 10 log10 (IA / ID)

A dipole antenna has a gain of 0 dBd. An isotropic radiator has a gain of -2.15 dBd.

This was last updated in May 2000

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