What does the effective radiated power of a repeater take into account?

The effective radiated power (ERP) of a repeater is a critical measurement that provides insight into how much power is effectively radiated by the repeater's antenna into the environment. To accurately calculate ERP, it is essential to consider several key factors.

The correct answer encompasses transmitter power, losses, and gains. This means that ERP is determined by taking the power output from the transmitter, adjusting for any losses that occur along the feedline (such as attenuation), and adding any gains provided by the antenna. Each of these components plays a vital role in determining the actual radiated power.

Transmitter power is the starting point, as it represents the initial power output from the transmitter before any losses occur. Feedline loss accounts for the reduction in signal strength as the power travels along the cable to the antenna, which is critical to understanding how much power is actually available for radiation. Finally, antenna gain is significant because antennas can focus energy in specific directions and enhance the effective radiated power compared to an isotropic radiator.

By combining these elements, the effective radiated power offers a comprehensive view of how much power the repeater is able to radiate effectively, which is essential for ensuring optimal coverage and communication quality.