This tool helps you accurately estimate the performance of mmWave systems for your specific application needs.
How to Use This Calculator
To use this mmWave link calculator, please fill in all the required fields:
- Frequency (GHz): The frequency at which your system is operating, in gigahertz.
- Distance (m): The distance between the transmitter and receiver, in meters.
- TX Power (dBm): The transmission power, in decibel-milliwatts.
- TX Gain (dBi): The gain of the transmitting antenna, in decibels relative to isotropic.
- RX Gain (dBi): The gain of the receiving antenna, in decibels relative to isotropic.
- Path Loss Exponent: The path loss exponent for the environment the system is operating in (default is 2, suitable for free space).
After entering all the parameters, click the “Calculate” button to get the result, which will be displayed in the “Result” field in decibel-milliwatts (dBm).
How It Calculates
The calculator uses the following formula to estimate the received power:
Received Power (dBm) = TX Power (dBm) + TX Gain (dBi) + RX Gain (dBi) – Path Loss (dB)
Where the Path Loss is calculated using the Log-distance path loss model:
Path Loss (dB) = 20 * log10(f) + 20 * log10(d) + 20 * log10(4π/c) + (path loss exponent) * 10 * log10(d)
Here, f is the frequency in Hz, d is the distance in meters, and c is the speed of light (approximately 3 x 10^8 meters per second). The term 20 * log10(4π/c) is often simplified as a constant, approximately -147.55 dB, for ease of calculation.
Limitations
While this calculator provides a good estimate for mmWave links under ideal conditions, it has limitations:
- It assumes free-space propagation, which may not be accurate in built-up environments where obstacles cause additional signal loss.
- It does not account for additional losses such as atmospheric absorption, rain fade, or material penetration losses.
- It assumes omnidirectional antennas if gain values are not specified accurately, which may not reflect actual directional antenna gain profiles.
Use Cases for This Calculator
Calculate Maximum Distance with Line of Sight
Calculate the maximum distance a mmWave signal can travel in a clear line of sight scenario. Input the transmission power, frequency, and antenna gain to estimate the maximum distance without obstructions.
Estimate Signal Attenuation through Walls
Determine the signal attenuation when a mmWave signal passes through walls. Input the wall material, thickness, and number of walls to get an accurate estimation of signal loss.
Calculate Beamforming Gain
Estimate the beamforming gain for a specific mmWave antenna configuration. Input the number of antennas, beamwidth, and phase shift to calculate the beamforming gain for improved signal strength.
Estimate Doppler Shift for Moving Objects
Calculate the Doppler shift for mmWave signals reflecting off moving objects. Input the object’s velocity and the signal frequency to estimate the Doppler shift for accurate motion detection.
Calculate EIRP for Regulatory Compliance
Estimate the Equivalent Isotropically Radiated Power (EIRP) to comply with regulatory limits. Input the transmission power, antenna gain, and cable losses to calculate the EIRP for legal mmWave operation.
Estimate Path Loss for Obstructed Environments
Determine the path loss in obstructed environments with mmWave signals. Input the distance, antenna height, and environment type to estimate path loss accurately for signal coverage planning.
Calculate Free Space Loss for Long-distance Links
Estimate the free space loss for long-distance mmWave links. Input the frequency, distance, and antenna gains to calculate the signal attenuation in free space for accurate link budgeting.
Estimate Rain Attenuation for Outdoor Links
Calculate the rain attenuation for outdoor mmWave links. Input the rain rate, frequency, and distance to estimate signal loss due to rainfall for reliable outdoor communication planning.
Calculate Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR)
Estimate the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) for mmWave communication systems. Input the signal power, noise figure, and bandwidth to calculate the SNR for assessing signal quality.
Estimate Multi-path Fading Margin
Calculate the multi-path fading margin for mmWave links in urban environments. Input the distance, frequency, and environment characteristics to estimate the margin required to combat signal fading effects.