Calculating Noise Power, SNR, and Bit Error Probability

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating noise power, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and bit error probability using time and voltage data from a noise signal. Participants explore methods and formulas relevant to these calculations, with a focus on practical application and theoretical understanding.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the process for determining noise power, SNR, and bit error probability given time and voltage values.
  • Another participant suggests starting with average power calculations and mentions the concept of noise figure, providing a link for further reading.
  • A participant seeks clarification on whether the method applies to data obtained from an oscilloscope and requests specific formulas to assist with their calculations.
  • It is noted that to calculate average power, one must consider the RMS values of voltage and current, with a formula provided for calculating power based on these values.
  • Concerns are raised about the need for additional information regarding the noise source to accurately calculate the SNR.
  • One participant mentions that noise power can be represented as the variance and provides a formula for calculating bit error probability, indicating a shift towards specific mathematical expressions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding and approaches to the calculations, with no consensus reached on a single method or formula. Some participants provide formulas while others highlight the need for more context regarding the noise source.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention limitations in the data available, specifically that only time and voltage values are provided, which may affect the calculations. There is also uncertainty regarding when to apply certain factors in the power calculations.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in signal processing, electrical engineering, or those working with noise analysis in experimental setups.

viperfx
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I have values of time, and volts of a noise signal.

I am trying to determine the noise power, signal to power ratio and bit error probability.

How would I go about doing this?

Thanks.
 
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You start out with average power if you have the time and voltage.

Usually people use noise figure:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noise_figure

Is that what you want? If so and you still have question, come back.
 
Ah ok, thank you.

Is this the method for volt and time values obtained from scope? Currently I have the data in excel. I will read into noise figure.

If you have any particular formulas that could give me a start that would be great.
 
As power is average, you need to take the average of the volt to the resistance or if you know the current you can calculate as

[tex]P= I_{RMS}V_{RMS}=\frac {V_{RMS}^2} R[/tex]

You have to use your data to find the RMS. Someone might want to come in about [itex]\frac 1 2[/itex]. I just don't remember when to put the half in or not.

You calculate the power of the signal, This is the easy part. The trick is knowing your noise source. You need to give a lot more information about the noise before you can get the signal to noise ratio. If it is electronic component noise, then you need to give your circuit and calculate from there.
 
Yea I have come across many formulas like this, however the problem is I have values for only the time, and volts.
 
Never mind. The Noise power is the variance (S.D. ^2), and the SNR is the Signal Power/Noise Power. Signal Power is A^2/2.
PE = 0.5erfc(V/2*variance*sqrt(2))

Thanks anyways.
 

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