Channel Insertion Loss Calculator
Work out channel insertion loss instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
About Channel Insertion Loss Calculator
Channel loss is trace loss per inch at the Nyquist frequency times the length, plus connector, via and package contributions. Standards define a loss budget — around 28 dB for PCIe 5.0 at 16 GHz — and exceeding it means a retimer rather than more equalisation.
Formula
Insertion loss
total = length (inches) x loss per inch at Nyquist + connector and via losses
Worked example
With the default values below, Channel Insertion Loss Calculator returns Total insertion loss of 16.07. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.
Inputs used
- Channel length
- 300 mm
- Loss per inch at Nyquist
- 1.2 dB/in
- Connectors in the path
- 2 connectors
- Nyquist frequency
- 13 GHz
Results
- Total insertion loss
- 16.07 dB
- Trace loss
- 14.17 dB
- Connector and via loss
- 1.90 dB
- Equalisation assessment
- Within typical receiver equalisation capability
Step by step
- 1Values used
- 2Insertion loss
- 3Total insertion loss= 16.07 dB
- 4Trace loss= 14.17 dB
- 5Connector and via loss= 1.90 dB
- 6Equalisation assessment= Within typical receiver equalisation capability
Assumptions and limits
- The result is derived only from the 4 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
- In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax or fees or charges into account.
- Figures are rounded for display to 2 decimal places, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.
How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why quote loss at the Nyquist frequency?
Because that is where the fundamental of an alternating bit pattern sits, and it is the worst case the equaliser must recover.
What raises loss per inch?
Higher dielectric loss tangent, rougher copper (skin effect on surface roughness) and narrower traces. Low-loss laminates and smooth copper are why high-speed boards cost more.
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