Quick and easy binary to dB conversion

Abstract

An algorithm is developed for converting binary integers to decibels (dB). Compared to known alternative methods the algorithm is not only faster, but requires less memory. It also has the advantage of being easy to implement. The presented technique is useful for applications such as converting the output of an analog to digital converter to discrete dB values. The speed of the algorithm is due to the fact that no floating-point operations are required. In fact, the only real time arithmetic employed is one integer subtraction. The algorithm can easily be implemented in a microcontroller or FPGA.