1. What is Receiver Sensitivity?

Definition: Receiver sensitivity is the minimum signal power that a receiver can detect with acceptable signal-to-noise ratio.

Purpose: It helps engineers design and evaluate communication systems, particularly in wireless and RF applications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( P_{min} \) — Minimum detectable power (Watts)
• \( k \) — Boltzmann's constant (1.38 × 10^-23 J/K)
• \( T \) — Temperature in Kelvin
• \( B \) — Bandwidth in Hertz

Explanation: The formula calculates the theoretical sensitivity limit based on thermal noise considerations.

3. Importance of Receiver Sensitivity

Details: Higher sensitivity means a receiver can detect weaker signals, which is crucial for long-range communications and low-power devices.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the minimum power (typically very small values), temperature (default 290K for room temp), and bandwidth. All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical P_min value?
A: For many receivers, P_min ranges from 10^-12 to 10^-15 Watts.

Q2: Why is temperature important?
A: Higher temperatures increase thermal noise, reducing receiver sensitivity.

Q3: How does bandwidth affect sensitivity?
A: Wider bandwidth means more noise, requiring higher power for detection.

Q4: Is this the only factor in receiver performance?
A: No, actual sensitivity also depends on implementation factors like noise figure and modulation scheme.

Q5: Can I calculate P_min from sensitivity?
A: Yes, rearrange the formula: P_min = Sensitivity × k × T × B.