Shannon's Formula: Solve S/N for Simple RF Data Link

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on understanding Shannon's Formula in the context of a simple RF data link application. The key equation discussed is SNR (dB) = 10 log (Ps / Pn), where Ps represents the signal power and Pn represents the noise power. The maximum theoretical channel capacity (c) is defined by the formula c = B * log2 (1+SNR), where B is the bandwidth in Hz. The participants clarify the relationship between signal-to-noise ratio and bandwidth, emphasizing the importance of these calculations for optimizing RF communication systems.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Shannon's Theorem and its implications for communication systems
  • Knowledge of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) calculations
  • Familiarity with RF power measurements in dB
  • Basic concepts of bandwidth and its impact on data transmission
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the Shannon-Hartley theorem for deeper insights into channel capacity
  • Explore various modulation schemes, focusing on GFSK and its efficiency in bandwidth usage
  • Learn about RF power amplifiers and their impact on signal quality and battery consumption
  • Investigate techniques for optimizing SNR in RF communication systems
USEFUL FOR

Engineers and developers working on RF communication systems, particularly those interested in optimizing data transmission rates and power efficiency in constrained environments like the ISM band.

dnyberg2
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I guess its time I try and understand Shannon's Formula as it relates to a simple RF data link application. The part I am having trouble understanding is the S/N in the formula. If I am delivering 1dB of usable RF power at some carrier frequency and have an allowable bandwidth of 870 KHz and the noise floor in this system can be said to be -80dB how in Gods name do I develop the S/N part of the equation? Any help is most welcome.
 
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SNR (dB) = 10 log (Ps / Pn) = Ps (dB) - Pn (dB)

c = B * log10 (1+SNR) / log10 (2)

Does that help?
 
Zryn said:
SNR (dB) = 10 log (Ps / Pn) = Ps (dB) - Pn (dB)

c = B * log10 (1+SNR) / log10 (2)

Does that help?

Where did C and B come from?
The top line makes sense but you lost me with the second line...
Thanks
 
Are you talking about the 'Shannons formula' that relates the maximum theoretical capacity of a channel (c), the bandwidth available (B), and the signal to noise ratio (SNR) ?

c = B * log2 (1+SNR) = B * log10 (1+SNR) / log10 (2)
 
Zryn said:
Are you talking about the 'Shannons formula' that relates the maximum theoretical capacity of a channel (c), the bandwidth available (B), and the signal to noise ratio (SNR) ?

c = B * log2 (1+SNR) = B * log10 (1+SNR) / log10 (2)

Yes. I'm trying to understand how to calculate the S/N ratio for that application.
 
SNR (dB) = 10 log (Ps / Pn) = Ps (dB) - Pn (dB)

This is how you generically figure out the SNR from the power (W or dB).

c = B * log2 (1+SNR) = B * log10 (1+SNR) / log10 (2)

This is Shannons formula, which wasn't expressly written down in the original post, and is just there to make sure we're talking about the same thing.

Does that clarify everything?
 
Zryn said:
This is how you generically figure out the SNR from the power (W or dB).



This is Shannons formula, which wasn't expressly written down in the original post, and is just there to make sure we're talking about the same thing.

Does that clarify everything?

Sure. So c is channels and b is bandwidth?
 
c = Maximum theoretical channel capacity (bits/second). This may not be achievable in reality.

B = Bandwidth (Hz)

Actually, all this and more can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shannon%E2%80%93Hartley_theorem"
 
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Zryn said:
c = Maximum theoretical channel capacity (bits/second). This may not be achievable in reality.

B = Bandwidth (Hz)

Actually, all this and more can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shannon%E2%80%93Hartley_theorem"

Thanks for your patience and wisdom. Any idea where I can find a guide to the best modulation scheme that can transmit the highest bit-rates using the least bandwidth with the best spectral density? I find that GFSK looks sexy but still the bandwidth is still relatively substantial and the currently available chipsets are VERY power hungry! I am confined to the ISM band for my application. The present solution is very easy on battery power but a spectral hog. (BAD FCC) My present bit-rate is over 1mbps using a crude on / off keying approach of a very low power class D amplifier...
 
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