How can non-linear dBmV values be converted into linear numbers for addition?

Converting non-linear dBmV values into linear numbers for addition involves understanding the relationship between decibels and linear power measurements. The dBmV unit expresses voltage levels in decibels relative to a reference voltage of one millivolt. To convert dBmV to a linear scale, you utilize the formula for converting from logarithmic scale to a linear scale.

The correct approach involves using the antilogarithm because dBmV values are logarithmic. Specifically, the conversion uses the formula: A = antilog(dBmV/10). This effectively translates the logarithmic value to a linear representation by calculating the power ratio corresponding to the dBmV level. By doing this, you can accurately add these different power levels together in their linear form, which is necessary for meaningful aggregation in signal analysis or other electrical engineering calculations.

Using this understanding, you can see that the other choices do not correctly facilitate the conversion to a linear scale. The formula provided in the first choice does not account for the logarithmic nature of dBmV. The second choice suggests taking the logarithm, which would further complicate the values rather than converting them to a usable linear form. Averaging the values wouldn't provide a proper conversion because it doesn