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Old February 14th 05, 08:02 PM
Al
 
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Default Confused About Noise Floor and Sensitivity

In QST Jan 2000 the ARRL published some specifications about receivers
including the Icom R75. Regarding the R75 it stated that the Noise Floor
(mds) is -130dBm under certain specific conditions. It also states that the
AM Sensitivity, 10dB (S + N)/N, under the same conditions is 1.7uV.

I am trying to equate the two specs into the same units. -130dBm is equal to
0.071uV; 1.7uV is equal to -102.5dBm. That is a difference of 27.5dB.

It is my understanding (and this is where the fault probably lies) that 10dB
above the noise floor should put the signal at -120dBm, which is 0.22uV not
1.7uV. They are putting the signal at -102.5dBm. Where is the extra 17.5dB
loss coming from? Doesn't 10dB (S + N)/N mean 10dB above the noise?

All input is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Al KA5JGV