Black Box Measurement of System Noise in Integrated Wireless Receivers

Published

September 13, 2017

Author(s)

Daniel G. Kuester, Duncan A. McGillivray, Sheryl M. Genco, Dazhen Gu

Abstract

Tightly-integrated antennas and inaccessible radio frequency (RF) outputs are common barriers to measuring system noise in integrated wireless receive systems. We propose a solution centered on locating "SNR isoresponses" --- processed receiver outputs achieved equivalently by either signal attenuation or added excess noise. The approach enables measurements that may be referred to the receiver input or a plane wave incident upon the receive antenna. We parameterize the latter concept and relate it to input-referred noise and the gain-to-system- noise figure of merit (G/T). Either the conducted or radiated parameter may be applied as a performance metric or as a basis to compare incident signal or interference strength. Tests demonstrate the method and parameters with a consumer off-the-shelf global positioning system (GPS) L1 receiver.

Proceedings Title

IEEE Antennas and Propagation for Wireless Communication

Conference Dates

September 11-15, 2017

Conference Location

Verona

Pub Type

Conferences

Citation

Kuester, D. , McGillivray, D. , Genco, S. and Gu, D. (2017), Black Box Measurement of System Noise in Integrated Wireless Receivers, IEEE Antennas and Propagation for Wireless Communication, Verona, -1 (Accessed October 18, 2025)