How sensitive is a receiver?

The sensitivity of a receiver refers to the minimum signal resistance that the receiver can detect and process effectively. It is usually measured in terms of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and is expressed in decibels (dB) or microvolts (µV). Higher sensitivity indicates the ability to detect weaker signals, which is crucial for communications and signal processing applications.

The sensitivity of a radar receiver is the minimum power level of an incoming radar signal that the receiver can accurately detect and process.

It is usually determined by the receiver noise figure and the required signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for reliable detection. High radar receiver sensitivity is essential for detecting targets at long ranges or with low radar cross sections.

The sensitivity of an optical receiver refers to the minimum optical power required for the receiver to detect and process an optical signal with acceptable performance.

It is usually measured in terms of power levels such as picowatts (PW) or microwatts (µW) and is influenced by factors such as photodetector quality, receiver noise characteristics and bit error rate required (BER).

The sensitivity of an IR (infrared) receiver indicates the minimum infrared signal strength it can detect. This sensitivity is affected by the noise characteristics of the IR sensor, the wavelength of the infrared light, and the ambient conditions.

Higher sensitivity allows the IR receiver to detect weaker infrared signals, which is essential in applications such as remote controls, communication and sensing.

The sensitivity of a receiver in a Wi-Fi router is the minimum signal resistance that the router can detect and process to establish and maintain a reliable wireless connection. It is typically measured in Decibel Milliwatts (DBM) and affects the range and performance of the Wi-Fi network.

High sensitivity in a Wi-Fi router allows for better reception of weak signals, improving connectivity and coverage in areas with low signal strength