PRELIMINARY

For Your Information ...

Understanding RF Communication - PATH LOSS

APPLICATION
NOTE

#85

Overview
Radio waves attenuate as they travel through space. Referred to as path loss, this is the difference between the
power transmitted from the signal source and the power received at the signals destination. Even though this
application note will reference Lutron's RadioRA Wireless Home Lighting Control System the knowledge can be
applied to any Radio Frequency (RF) device.

IR Mapping
Radio Frequency Power

Many devices are required to meet Part 15 of the FCC code which states that a transmitter can not radiate more
than 1 microwatt of power. High quality devices like Lutron's RadioRA lighting control receivers can decode as
little as 30 billionths of the original signal or 0.0000000003 Watt. That is comparable to -75dB of path loss.

Understanding Decibels (dB)

Path loss is commonly measured by decibels (dB). Decibels are a way to represent the ratio of transmitted to
received power. Used to simplify calculations, decibels allow basic addition to achieve summations rather than
more complicated ratio mathematics. Signals sent from a transmitter are measured in POWER (Watts). The ratio
of transmitted to received power is represented in decibels (dB) by taking the ratio's logarithm
'
and multiplying by
10. 10 x LOG (Power received /Power transmitted) = Path loss in dB.

Obstacles

RF Propagation through surfaces and even air will attenuate the signal. Different structures and materials provide
different levels of path loss as do different distances between transmitter and receiver.
Typical Surface losses:
Doors and Windows = -2dB
Standard walls = -3dB
Concrete Wall = -13dB
Aluminum Siding = -20dB
Metals = -26dB

Typical RF distance losses:

10ft = -10dB
30ft = -20dB
100ft = -30dB
300ft = -40dB
1000ft = -50dB

Application
Determining Path Loss

1. Identify surfaces between Transmitter and Receiver

Thinking of a straight line between transmitter and receiver identify all the surfaces the signal must pass
through and the makeup of that surface. An example may be a standard wall made of drywall and wood
studs, a wood interior door or a garage wall made of concrete (see Figure 1).
2. Calculate loss of each surface
Using the example above the standard wall would have approximately a -3dB loss, the interior door would
have approximately a -2dB loss, and the concrete wall would have approximately a -13dB loss.
3. Calculate distance loss
Measure the distance between the transmitter and receiver and add the loss from radiation through air. In the
example on the next page (see Figure 1), the transmitter is 30ft from the receiver, representing an
approximate -20dB loss.
4. Add the losses
The summation of surface losses are -3dB + -2dB + -13dB = -18dB. Adding a distance loss of -20dB a total of
-38dB path loss is accumulated between the transmitter and receiver.

Need additional assistance? Call the Lutron Technical Support Center 1-800-523-9466
Please provide exact model number when calling.

Figure 1 - Example Calculation

Porch

Total loss calculation

-3dB loss from standard wall
-2dB loss from interior door
-13dB loss from concrete wall
-20dB loss from distance
-2dB + -3dB + -13dB + -20dB = -38dB

Dining Room
Transmitter

Garage

Entertainment
Center

Kitchen
Receiver

Standard Wall Interior Door

(-3dB Loss)
(-2dB Loss)

30ft Distance
(-20dB Loss)

Concrete Wall
(-13dB Loss)

Determining Best Path

Finding the best path is not a function of only distance but of distance plus surface obstructions. The following
examples are of GOOD and BETTER paths where distance is not the prime factor.

Figure 2 - Room Placement Example

Receiver
Transmitter

GOOD

Kitchen

BETTER
Transmitter

GOOD - Metal Refrigerator (-26dB) + 6ft Distance Loss (-6dB) = -32dB

BETTER - 12ft Distance Loss (-12dB) = -12dB

Need additional assistance? Call the Lutron Technical Support Center 1-800-523-9466
Please provide exact model number when calling.

Figure 3 - Floor Placement Example

Receiver
Breakfast
Room

Powder
Room

BETTER
GOOD

Living Room
Transmitter
Transmitter

GOOD - Stainless Steel Cabinet Loss (-26dB) + 9ft Distance

Loss (-9dB) = -35dB

Kitchen

BETTER - Standard Wall Loss (-3dB) + Closet Door Loss (-2dB)

+ 18ft Distance Loss (-15dB) = -20dB

Laundry
Room

Figure 4 - Area Placement Example

GOOD - Concrete Wall Loss (-13dB) + Standard Wall Loss
(-3dB) + 12ft Distance Loss (-13dB) = -29dB
BETTER - Standard Wall Loss (-3dB) + Standard Wall Loss
(-3dB) + 30ft Distance Loss (-20dB) = -26dB
Dining Room

Transmitter

Porch

BETTER

Receiver

Transmitter
GOOD
Garage
Entertainment
Center

Kitchen
Pool House

Need additional assistance? Call the Lutron Technical Support Center 1-800-523-9466
Please provide exact model number when calling.

Conclusion
Path losses are a consideration when installing any type of RF system. With proper attention to placement,
surfaces, and distances, installers can better guarantee proper functionality of all transmitters and receivers in the
system. The best assurance that your RF system works to its fullest potential is the knowledge to setup the
equipment to receive the best signal possible.

Worldwide Technical and

Sales Assistance
If you need assistance call the toll-free Lutron
Technical Support Center. Please provide exact
model number when calling.
(800) 523-9466 (U.S.A. and Canada)
Other countries call (610) 282-3800
Visit us on the web at www.lutron.com

Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.

7200 Suter Road
Coopersburg, PA 18036-1299 U.S.A.
Phone:
(610) 282-3800
Fax:
(610) 282-3090

Lutron and RadioRA are trademarks of Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.

2002 Lutron Electronics, Co., Inc.

Need additional assistance? Call the Lutron Technical Support Center 1-800-523-9466
Please provide exact model number when calling.
Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
7200 Suter Road
Coopersburg, PA 18036-1299 U.S.A.
Made and printed in U.S.A. 8/04 P/N xxx-xxx Rev. A