dB-dB 1MA98_4EProducts: Signal generators, spectrum analyzers, test receivers, network analyzers, power meters, audio analyzers dB or not dB? Everything you ever wanted to know about decibels but were afraid to ask… Application Note 1MA98 True or false: 30 dBm + 30 dBm = 60 dBm? Why does 1% work out to be -40 dB one time but then 0.1 dB or 0.05 dB the next time? These questions sometimes leave even experienced engineers scratching their heads. Decibels are found everywhere, including power levels, voltages, reflection coefficients, noise figures, field strengths and more. What is a decibel and how should we use it in our calculations? This Application Note is intended as a refresher on the subject of decibels. Subject to change ……