4.2: Introduction
- Page ID
- 46117
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Measures of noise, distortion, and dynamic range are system metrics describing the sensitivity of active systems and modules. In this chapter the limitations described by these metrics will be discussed in a form that is applicable to both active device design and system design using modules. Noise and nonlinear distortion set the bounds on the range of signals that can be processed by an RF circuit. Noise (i.e., random fluctuations of voltage and current) establishes the minimum detectable signal, while nonlinear distortion sets the level of the largest signal from which information can be reliably extracted or which can be transmitted without affecting other systems.