Metric · Analog, RF & Mixed-Signal
P1dB (1 dB Compression Point)
The power level at which an amplifier's gain has dropped 1 dB below its small-signal value, marking the practical onset of saturation. It can be referred to the input or the output and bounds usable dynamic range.
- Also known as
- 1 dB compression, IP1dB, OP1dB
- Type
- Metric
- Domain
- Analog, RF & Mixed-Signal, RF characterisation
Notes
Modern PAs are deliberately operated near compression for efficiency, with digital predistortion restoring linearity.
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