Tips for measuring noise figure

Noise figure is usually the key to characterising a receiver and its ability to detect weak incoming signals in the presence of self-generated noise. The process of reducing noise figure begins with a solid understanding of the uncertainties in your components, sub-systems and test setups. Quantifying those unknowns depends on flexible tools that provide accurate, reliable results.

The 10 hints presented here will help minimise the uncertainties in your noise figure measurements—whether you are designing for good, better or best performance in your device. Key topics include minimising extraneous signals, mismatch uncertainties, non-linearities, and path losses.

View the PDF document for more information.

Originally published by Agilent Technologies Inc. at www.agilent.com as "10 Hints for Making Successful Noise Figure Measurements".