Signal-to-noise ratio (often abbreviated SNR or S/N) is a measure used in science and engineering that compares the level

of a desired signal to the level of background noise. It is defined as the ratio of signal power to the noise power. A ratio higher than 1:1 indicates more signal than noise. While SNR is commonly quoted for electrical signals, it can be applied to any form of signal (such as isotope levels in an ice core or biochemical signaling between cells). Signal-to-noise ratio is sometimes used informally to refer to the ratio of useful information to false or irrelevant data in a conversation or exchange. For example, in online discussion forums and other online communities, off-topic posts and spam are regarded as "noise" that interferes with the "signal" of appropriate discussion.
Contents
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1 Definition 2 Alternative definition 3 SNR for various modulation systems

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3.1 Amplitude Modulation 3.2 Frequency Modulation

4 Improving SNR in practice 5 Digital signals

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5.1 Fixed point 5.2 Floating point

6 Optical SNR 7 See also 8 Notes 9 References 10 External links

[edit]Definition Signal-to-noise ratio is defined as the power ratio between a signal (meaningful information) and the background noise (unwanted signal):

where P is average power. Both signal and noise power must be measured at the same or equivalent points in a system, and within the same system bandwidth. If the signal and the noise are measured across the same impedance, then the SNR can be obtained by calculating the square of the amplitude ratio:

Signal To Noise Ratio: The signal to noise ratio is the difference between the noise floor and the reference level. The reference level is determined by the person making the measurements. For amplifiers, the reference may be, full power, one volt, one watt into a given load or any number of other things. For you to compare two pieces of equipment which were tested by different methods, you must know precisely what reference was used.
What is Signal to Noise Ratio?

Answer:

Signal to noise ratio is a specification that measures the level of the audio signal compared to the level of noise present in the signal. Signal to noise ratio specifications are common in many components, including amplifiers, phonograph players, CD/DVD players, tape decks and others. Noise is described as hiss, as in tape deck, or simply general electronic background noise found in all components.

How is it Expressed?

As the name suggests, signal to noise ratio is a comparison or ratio of the amount of signal to the amount of noise and is expressed in decibels. Signal to noise ratio is abbreviated S/N Ratio and higher numbers mean a better specification. A component with a signal to noise ratio of 100dB means that the level of the audio signal is 100dB higher than the level of the noise and is a better specification than a component with a S/N ratio of 90dB.

Why is it Important?

Unfortunately, all components add some level of noise to an audio signal but it should be kept as low as possible. Analog components, such as amplifiers, tape decks and phonograph players generally have a lower signal to noise ratio than digital components, such as CD and DVD players but the goal is still to keep noise as low as possible. As an example, a signal to noise ratio for tape deck or phonograph player is typically about 60dB-70dB, while it is common for a CD player to have a S/N Ratio of 100dB or higher. S/N Ratio is important, but should not be used as the only specification to measure the sound quality of a component.

In audio, Signal-To-Noise Ratio (S/N) is a ratio of sound to background noise. The larger the ratio, the more the desirable sounds (music, voice, effects) are separated from acoustical effects and background noise. In amplifier specifications S/N ratios are expressed in decibels. A S/N ratio of 70db is much more desirable than a S/N ratio of 50db. A 100db S/N ratio is considered excellent. Also Known As: S/N

Signal-to-noise ratio is a term that refers to the measurement of the level of an audio signal as compared to the level of noise that is present in that signal. Signal-to-noise ratio specifications are important sound level measurements used in describing the capabilities and qualities of many electronic sound components.

For example, amplifiers, CD/DVD players, tape decks, receivers and other electronic audio components frequently list signal-to-noise ratio specifications to help users understand how clear or noise free signals produced by these components will be.

Expressing the Signal-to-Noise Ratio

Just as its name implies, the signal-to-noise ratio is a direct comparison, or ratio, of the level of the signal to the amount of noise expressed in decibels. The abbreviation 'S/N Ratio' is commonly used to represent the term signal-tonoise ratio and the measurement is usually expressed in decibels (or dB).

In regards to the signal-to-noise ratio, a larger number means a better specification. For example, an audio component that has a signal-to-noise ratio of 105 dB produces an audio signal that is 105 dB higher than the level of noise created by the component. Therefore, a device with a 105 dB signal-to-noise noise ratio specification would produce less signal noise than a component that is rated only 90 dB.

Why You Should Care about the Signal-to-Noise Ratio

All electronic audio devices create some level of noise in audio signals. However, it is important to keep the noise in the signal as low as possible in order to produce accurate and clear sound. In short, the lower the signal-to-noise ratio a component produces, the better the aural quality audio or music that you will hear.

Generally speaking, analog audio components (i.e. amplifiers, tape decks and record players) usually have a much lower signal-to-noise ratio than digital audio components. Digital components, such as CD players, DVD players and DAT machines do a much better job of reducing noise in the signal. For example, an average quality stereo tape deck

will usually have a signal-to-noise ratio of about 60 dB to 70 dB. On the other hand, even inexpensive CD players usually produce a signal-to-noise ratio of 100 dB or higher.

S/N Ratio is Only Part of the Equation

Although a high signal-to-noise ratio is an important part of creating accurate and high quality sound, it is not the only factor in the equation. Other important measurements (such as frequency response, distortion levels and speaker efficiency) are also very important factors that will determine the final output quality of sound on your stereo system.

How to Improve Signal-to-Noise Ratio in Your System

In many cases, you can improve the signal-to-noise ratio specification measurements of your stereo system with a few minor upgrades. Rather than going out and buying expensive new components, improve the signal-to-noise ratio spec for your system by using higher quality connection cables. Generally speaking, using a thicker cable with a better conductor or connector was result in less noise in signals due to cross talk between electronic components. Also, keeping the length of connection cables in your stereo at a minimum will also help reduce the noise created in your audio system.