Confusion in Power gain and voltage gain in decibels

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the relationship between voltage gain and power gain in decibels for amplifiers. It establishes that the formula for power gain, Ap = Po/Pi, can be expressed in terms of voltage gain as 20 log(Vo/Vi) under the condition that the impedance remains constant. Participants confirm that while 20 log(Vo/Vi) is often referred to as voltage gain in literature, it fundamentally represents power gain when the impedance is equal. This distinction is crucial for accurate interpretation in technical contexts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of amplifier concepts, specifically voltage gain and power gain.
  • Familiarity with logarithmic calculations, particularly in decibels.
  • Knowledge of electrical impedance and its role in power calculations.
  • Basic grasp of the relationship between voltage and power (Power = Voltage² / Impedance).
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the decibel scale in audio and electronic applications.
  • Learn about the implications of impedance in amplifier design and performance.
  • Explore the differences between voltage gain and power gain in various amplifier configurations.
  • Investigate practical applications of decibel calculations in signal processing and telecommunications.
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, audio engineers, students studying electronics, and anyone involved in amplifier design or analysis will benefit from this discussion.

dexterdev
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Hi all,
I have a very basic doubt. If we have an amplifier with voltage gain A = Vo/Vi , where Vo is output and Vi is input voltages and Ap = Po/Pi which is power gain.

Ap = Po/Pi = Vo^2/Vi^2 = (Vo/Vi)^2

In decibels powergain = 10 log (Po/Pi) = 20 log (Vo/Vi).

In most tech literature 20 log(Vo/Vi) is addressed as voltage gain in decibels and not power gain in decibels. Why is it so?

Actually 20 log(Vo/Vi) is power gain in decibels. Right...

-Devanand T
 
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Actually 20 log(Vo/Vi) is power gain in decibels. Right...

Yes, that's right.

Both forms of this calculation give power gain.

It just that if you have voltages and the impedance is the same, you can work out power just using voltages using the formula Power = Voltage 2 / impedance. Then you take the ratio of the two powers using the 20 log(Vo/Vi) formula.
 
dexterdev said:
Hi all,
I have a very basic doubt. If we have an amplifier with voltage gain A = Vo/Vi , where Vo is output and Vi is input voltages and Ap = Po/Pi which is power gain.

Ap = Po/Pi = Vo^2/Vi^2 = (Vo/Vi)^2

In decibels powergain = 10 log (Po/Pi) = 20 log (Vo/Vi).

In most tech literature 20 log(Vo/Vi) is addressed as voltage gain in decibels and not power gain in decibels. Why is it so?

Actually 20 log(Vo/Vi) is power gain in decibels. Right...

-Devanand T

Power is

10 \;\log \left(\frac {P_o}{P_i}\right)=10\;\log \left[\left( \frac {V_o}{V_i}\right)^2\right]=20\;\log \frac {V_o}{V_i} \hbox {Only if the resistance R is equal.}

Remember power=\frac{V^2}{R}
 
Last edited:

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