Principle of signal-to-noise ratio direct measurement

The sensitivity of radio receivers and other systems used in all fields of practical applications of electronics is carried out at certain signal-to-noise ratio value. Examples of systems, for which this ratio is one of the important qualitative indicators, are given. The aim of the investigation is to solve the actual problem of signal-to-noise ratio measurement in a wide range of frequencies, simplify instruments and improve their technical and metrological parameters. A principle of signal-to-noise ratio measurement has been proposed, its theoretical foundation has been given. Precise relationship between the signal-to-noise ratio and the parameters of noise amplitude, phase and frequency modulation has been established, thus modulation meters can measure signal-to-noise ratio. There are three options for implementing the developed measurement principle. All of them use one existing industrial modulation meter and provide direct signal-to-noise ratio. For two options there are no restrictions on the origin and type of noise, it may be arbitrary. A pilot test of the measurement principle was conducted, and three implementation options were actually tested. Their discrepancies with the original data of the signal and noise generator lie within error limits of the instrumentation of the former. Mathematical modeling of the principle of signal-to-noise ratio measurement in Mathcad software package was also carried out. Recommendations on the use of the principle are given. The fundamental advantages of the developed principle consist of simple implementation by a single industrial instrument and solving the problem of metrological ensuring of signal-to-noise measuring instruments using the existing state verification plans. The main technical and metrological characteristics obtained by using the principle are determined by parameters of existing modulation meters and are proven to be high, the frequency range is till 26,5 GHz and the measurement error is as low as 8 %.