Dumb Question About Function Generator Signal Levels and their PTP Voltage

[Paul Marossy]

I have a function generator that can be attenuated 20dB, 10dB, 0dB, etc.

Is there any way to know, for example, what 0dB equates to in terms of PTP voltage?

[alanlan]

Not strictly speaking as the dB unit in itself is a measure of ratio, but usually for signal generators or other test equipment some form of reference level is used e.g. dBV which is referenced to 1V rms or dBu referenced to 776mV rms.

So 20dBV is 10Vrms and -20dBV is 0.1Vrms.  Multiply by 2.828 to get the pk-pk voltage.

If you can't find any info on your function generator you will probably have to measure it with a scope or rms voltmeter at 0dB and go from there.

[rubix cube]

I don't know if this answers your question, but a useful reference nonetheless: http://focus.ti.com/docs/toolsw/folders/print/decibel-calc.html.  Except it's not working as I type this.

[Paul Marossy]

Thanks guys. 

[brett]

Hey. I never gnu that !  Thanks heaps.