A convenient way of expressing attenuation or gain.
Gain as the name implies is an increase and so the gain expressed without dB is a number greater than 1.
Attenuation is a reduction and so the attenuation expressed without dB is a number less than 1.
The log of a number greater than 1 is positive.
The log of a number less than 1 is negative.
The log of 1 is zero.
Note if there is a string of amplifiers and attenuators, how is the total gain or attenuation calculated. The gains and attenuations expressed without dB can be multiplied. The gains and attenuations expressed as a dB can simply be added. Recall the property of logs were Log (ab) = Log (a) + Log(b)
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