Enter the field strength and the voltage into the calculator to determine the antenna factor. The antenna factor is a parameter that describes the relationship between the electric field strength and the voltage induced by that field over a given distance.
Antenna Factor Formula
The following formula is used to calculate the antenna factor:
AF = 20 * log10(FS / V)
Variables:
- AF is the antenna factor (dB/m)
- FS is the field strength (V/m)
- V is the voltage (V) induced by the field strength
To calculate the antenna factor, divide the field strength by the voltage induced by that field, then take the logarithm base 10 of that quotient, and multiply by 20 to convert it to decibels per meter (dB/m).
What is an Antenna Factor?
The antenna factor is a measure used in electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing to relate the electric field strength to the voltage induced by that field in an antenna. It is a critical parameter for determining the performance of an antenna in a given electromagnetic environment. The antenna factor is typically expressed in decibels per meter (dB/m) and is used to convert measurements taken by an antenna into field strength values.
How to Calculate Antenna Factor?
The following steps outline how to calculate the Antenna Factor.
- First, measure the field strength (FS) in volts per meter (V/m).
- Next, measure the voltage (V) induced by the field strength in the antenna.
- Use the formula AF = 20 * log10(FS / V) to calculate the Antenna Factor (AF).
- Finally, enter the measured values into the calculator above to verify the Antenna Factor.
Example Problem:
Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.
Field strength (FS) = 3 V/m
Voltage (V) induced by the field = 0.1 V
