What is "dbc"

init. (context software design English) (initialism of design by contract English)

dBc (decibels relative to the carrier) is the power ratio of a signal to a carrier signal, expressed in decibels. For example, phase noise is expressed in dBc/ Hz at a given frequency offset from the carrier. dBc can also be used as a measurement of Spurious-Free Dynamic Range ( SFDR) between the desired signal and unwanted spurious outputs resulting from the use of signal converters such as a digital-to-analog converter or a frequency mixer.

If the dBc figure is positive, then the relative signal strength is greater than the carrier signal strength. If the dBc figure is negative, then the relative signal strength is less than carrier signal strength.

Although the decibel (dB) is permitted for use alongside SI units, the dBc is not.