Signal Sources - Optimizing Noise Addition for Receiver Test
An explanation of methods to add calibrated noise to an RF carrier: ARB Waveform Generator AWGN and Real Time I/Q Baseband AWGN.
About this course
Common receiver tests are performed by introducing additional noise to the receiver that can reduce the effective signal to noise ratio, SNR or for digital systems, Eb/No (SNR per bit). This is a test of the receiver’s ability to meet its BER (bit error rate) , FER (frame error rate) or BLR (Block Error Rate) specifications with minimum specified Eb/No. Vector signal generators offer two main methods to add calibrated noise to an RF carrier: ARB Waveform Generator AWGN and Real Time I/Q Baseband AWGN. Both methods are explained in detail, with examples of how to set up and pros and cons for each use case. Understanding and mastering these methods helps validate receivers during design and installation.