Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR)

Signal-to-noise ratio is the difference between the relative strengths of the noise floor power level and the intended signal power level.

Total noise power is a combination of thermal noise and any noise added by the system. Higher signal-to-noise values are better since there is less of a probability that signal corruption and data errors will occur.

SNRrx = Prx - 10 log ( k Ta B )  { dB }
where: SNRrx = signal-to-noise ratio at detector ( dB )
k = Boltzmann's constant = 1.380 ยท 10-23 ( J/K )
Ta = ambient temperature ( K )
B = receiver bandwidth at detector ( Hz )