Welcome to our site! EDAboard.com is an international Electronics Discussion Forum focused on EDA software, circuits, schematics, books, theory, papers, asic, pld, 8051, DSP, Network, RF, Analog Design, PCB, Service Manuals... and a whole lot more! To participate you need to register. Registration is free. Click here to register now.
It depends on the SNR at the input. The 10 dB attenuator itself also injects noise (unless it is cryogenically cooled). But you have to relate this attenuator noise power to the noise power at the input.
So there's many factors involved. Unless you provide more details, it's impossible to give a detailed answer.
To make the proper calculation, you need to know your system bandwidth also.
You can proceed like this:
signal: -30 dBm->att 10 dB ->-40 dBm
noise: -75 dBm. The attenuator reduces input noise as well but adds it's own noise (that has to be integrated into system bandwidth).
For example, if you have B=20 MHz bandwidth, the output noise of the attenuator (assuming it is matched to the load and chatacteristic impedance is 50 Ohm) will be -101dBm(-174+10LOG(B)) that is negligible respect to -85 dBm.
So your SNR is still 45 dB.
With the assumptions given above it comes that even after adding 20dB pad it still maintain SNR of 45.
I think there could be wrong calculation.
I am surprise that SNR will not affect in a channel of loss 10 dB per say.
Put me in other way,
What value of attenuation pad will make the above system differ from 45dB SNR?
is it more than 20dB atennuator?
with 25 dB attenuation, for example, output signal will be -55 dBm and noise (-100dBm + -101dBm due to floor) goes roughly to -97 dBm, so SNR starts to be reduced.
If attenuator is higher than 25 dB it starts to limit the SNR.
Hi Mazz and Vfone
I have another question.
The SNR remain unchanged with 10dB attenuator / amplifier as long as it is above noise floor.
Is above statement is true?
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.