Noise figure

4-1-750

Alternative term: Noise factor

The ratio of the total mean square output-noise e.m.f. of a receiver (when connected to a suitable passive network source at a specific temperature) to that part of it which is due to the thermal noise generated by the source.

Note: The definition applies only to a receiver, or to that part of a receiver, in which the processes of amplification or frequency changing, or both, are substantially linear.

Reference: B.S. (modified)

Please note that this is the term as it stands in the original IALA Dictionary edition (1970-1989)

English