calc.engineer

dbm convert

dbm_convert

Convert a power level in dBm to milliwatts, watts, dBW, and RMS voltage across a given impedance. dBm is the standard unit for RF power referenced to 1 milliwatt. This tool is essential when interfacing datasheets (which use dBm) with circuit analysis (which uses volts and watts). Default impedance is 50 ohms, matching most RF systems. Use this to quickly verify power amplifier output, receiver sensitivity, or regulatory EIRP limits.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema

Name	Required	Description	Default
`dbm`	Yes	Power level in dBm (decibels relative to 1 milliwatt)
`impedance_ohm`	No	Load impedance in ohms for Vrms calculation (default 50)

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema

Name	Required	Description
`mw`	Yes	Power in milliwatts
`dbw`	Yes	Power in dBW (decibels relative to 1 watt)
`vrms`	Yes	RMS voltage across the load impedance in volts
`watts`	Yes	Power in watts

TDQS

A4/5.0

Behavior3/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

No annotations are provided, so the description carries full burden. It discloses default impedance (50 ohms) and mentions conversion to multiple units. However, it lacks details on precision, error handling, or any limitations, resulting in adequate but not comprehensive transparency.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is three sentences long, front-loaded with the main conversion action. Every sentence adds value: purpose, dBm definition, use case, and default. No redundant or extraneous content.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the presence of an output schema and the simplicity of the tool (2 parameters, no nested objects), the description is largely complete. It covers purpose, usage context, and defaults. Could explicitly clarify it is a pure conversion tool versus related compliance tools, but overall adequate.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema documentation coverage is 100%, so parameters are already well-described. The description adds context (default impedance matching most RF systems) but does not provide significant additional meaning beyond the schema.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the tool converts dBm to milliwatts, watts, dBW, and RMS voltage. It specifies the resource (power levels) and action (convert), and differentiates itself from sibling RF tools by focusing on a specific conversion need.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines4/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description gives concrete use cases: interfacing datasheets with circuit analysis, verifying power amplifier output, receiver sensitivity, and regulatory EIRP limits. It does not explicitly mention when not to use or alternatives, but the context is clear enough.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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TDQS

A3.9/5.0

Disambiguation4/5

Despite 89 tools, each has a clearly distinct purpose with detailed descriptions that often reference related tools. Overlap exists (e.g., multiple LoRa/RF tools), but the descriptions are sufficient to distinguish them. Some confusion possible among similar-sounding tools like attenuator_pi and attenuator_tee, but the descriptions explicitly compare them.

Naming Consistency4/5

Consistent underscore-separated lowercase naming. Most tools follow a verb_noun pattern (e.g., capacitor_charge, wire_gauge) or noun_noun (power_cost). Minor inconsistencies such as 'bmi_calculator' vs 'solar_sizing' but overall predictable.

Tool Count2/5

89 tools is far too many for a single MCP server. This scope is more appropriate for multiple specialized servers. The sheer number will slow agent selection and increase cognitive load, reducing coherence.

Completeness3/5

Covers many domains (RF, solar, PCB, networking, math, etc.) but lacks depth in some areas (e.g., no three-phase power, no airflow calculations). Some domains have comprehensive coverage (LoRa/Meshtastic), but others feel incomplete for the tool count.

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