The neper (unit symbol Np) is a logarithmic unit for ratios of measurements of physical field and power quantities, such as gain and loss of electronic signals. The unit's name is derived from the name of John Napier, the inventor of logarithms. As is the case for the decibel and bel, the neper is a unit of the International System of Quantities (ISQ), but not part of the International System of Units (SI), but it is accepted for use alongside the SI.