Is the Frequency of Current Noise Voltage Dependent?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the observation of current noise in thick film resistors as voltage is increased, specifically focusing on the relationship between the frequency and magnitude of the noise. The context includes experimental observations and potential explanations related to electronic behavior in resistors.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Experimental/applied, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster (OP) describes a phenomenon where increasing voltage results in decreased current noise magnitude but increased frequency, seeking explanations related to electron behavior.
  • One participant suggests that the observed frequency behavior resembles white noise generation in circuits, attributing it to quantum or tunneling effects in a pn junction, while noting that carbon composite resistors typically exhibit noise.
  • Another participant reflects on past experiences with noise generation in different contexts, indicating a broader interest in the topic but not directly addressing the OP's question.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus reached in the discussion, as participants offer differing observations and experiences without resolving the OP's inquiry.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various types of resistors and their noise characteristics, but the discussion lacks detailed exploration of the underlying mechanisms or assumptions regarding the observed phenomena.

Who May Find This Useful

Researchers and practitioners interested in electronic noise, resistor behavior, and experimental physics may find the observations and discussions relevant.

jonlg_uk
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Hello I have been doing a set of experiments in order to try and measure the current noise of a thick film resistor. I basically attach a low noise, power supply, to a thick film resistor and slowly increasing the power supplies voltage to that resistor.

I am noticing a strange phenomena when observing the FFT frequency plots.
As I increase the voltage I can see that the current noise decreases in magnitude, yet increases in frequency. I thought that as I increased the voltage I would see the peak get bigger. Can anyone explain this (in terms of electrons bunching and releasing)? I have attached the frequency plots:

graphnoise.jpg
 
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Your plot looks similar to white noise generation in some circuits i have played with. These made lower frequency, falling rocks or rain, audio noise at voltages near a threshold and as voltage (and subsiquent current) were increased, the frequencey would increase but reduce in amplitude. But this was atributed quantum or tunneling effects in a pn junction.
I have always been aware of carbon composite resistors having noise, and thought the metalic thin film resistors avoided this.
 
The OP hasn't been here in seven years, just in case you were expecting a response.
 
My reminising. It also reminded me of the time I used an aluminized space blanket to create electrotatic sub sonic sound and had this noise showing up on our other equipment. Hate seeing a question just hang there. Thanks
 

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