Better Noise Figure Measurements: 3 Hints
Application Notes
Noise figure, also known as noise factor, is a key performance parameter in many receivers and RF systems. It measures the degradation in the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) as a signal passes through the device under test (DUT). In a digital communications system, a receiver with low noise figure is capable of detecting low-amplitude signals, and this directly correlates to improved bit error rate (BER) performance. Noise figure measurements are typically required in a development lab during new product design and optimization, and noise figure is also used on the production line to ensure device performance is meeting specification with adequate margin.
Noise figure measurement uncertainty is a critical factor in achieving high yield and low cost. This application brief provides hints that will help you improve measurement uncertainty, increase yield, and lower your costs when measuring noise figure performance of low-noise amplifiers, mixers and frequency converters.