TV antenna amplifier noise calculation

AI Thread Summary
A 4-way TV antenna amplifier with a gain of 20dB and a noise figure of 6dB requires an input voltage of approximately 1.778mV to achieve a maximum output of 85dBuV. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) at the amplifier's output is calculated to be 39dB, after considering an input signal level of 5dBmV and an input noise level of 20dBuV. The discussion highlights the importance of maintaining consistent units throughout calculations, particularly when determining SNR. Participants confirm the calculations and clarify the approach to avoid errors. Overall, the thread emphasizes the significance of proper unit conversion and calculation methods in amplifier performance analysis.
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Homework Statement



Hello everyone. A 4-way TV antenna amplifier has the following specifications:

Bandwidth = 40-862Mhz
Gain = 20dB
Noise figure = 6 dB
Max output = 85dBuV
Input impedance = output impedance = 75 ohm

Question 1: Calculate the required voltage on the input of the amplifier to achieve 85dBuV max output.

Question 2: If the aerial signal level is 5dBmV and the input noise level is 20dBuV, determine SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) on the output of the amplifier.

Homework Equations



##SNR = 20 log (\frac{V_{signal}}{V_{noise}})##

The Attempt at a Solution



Question 1:

Max output = max input neglecting noise and distortion + amplifier gain
85dBuV = max input + 20dB
Max input = 65dbuV

Input voltage = ##antilog (\frac{65}{20})## = 1.778mV

Question 2:

5dBmV = ##antilog (\frac{5}{20})## = 1.778mV
20dBuV = ##antilog (\frac{20}{20})## = 0.01mV

##SNR_{in} = 20 log (\frac{1.778}{0.01})## = 45dB

##SNR_{out} = SNR_{in} - noise figure## = 45 - 6 = 39dB

Am I thinking correctly? Thank you for your comments.
 
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1 is correct, 2 is not--you messed up an antilog There's no need to convert to volyage for #2. it's simpler to just work in dB straight through.
 
Right, okay. In that case:

5dBmV + 60 = 65dBuV

##SNR_{in dB} = 65 - 20 = 45dB##
##SNR_{out dB} = SNR_{in dB} - noise figure = 45 - 6 = 39dB##

I get the same results. Where am I mistaken?
 
Sorry, I wasn't looking carefully at the units. I agree with your calculation.
 
Thank you.
 
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