Automated Measurement of the Bit-Error Rate as a Function of Signal-to-Noise Ratio for Microwave Communications Systems

Abstract

The performance of microwave systems and components for digital data transmission can be characterized by a plot of the bit-error rate as a function of the signal-to-noise ratio (or Eb/No). Methods for the efficient automated measurement of bit-error rates and signal-to-noise ratios, developed at NASA Lewis Research Center, are described. Noise measurement considerations and time requirements for measurement accuracy, as well as computer control and data processing methods, are discussed.