This calculator converts the noise figure (in dB) of an amplifier or receiver into equivalent noise temperature (in Kelvin). This helps understand the amount of thermal noise added by an electronic device in an RF chain.
Particularly useful for RF engineers, satellite receiver system designers, and students wishing to evaluate the noise performance of low noise amplifiers (LNA).
Formula
T n = T ref × [ (10^(NF/10)) − 1 ]
Explanation of the formula
- T ref is the reference temperature, generally 290 K.
- NF represents the noise figure in decibels (dB).
- The result T n gives the equivalent noise temperature in Kelvin, indicating the amount of noise added by the component.
Conversion 1 dB noise figure to noise temperature
Input : NF = 1 dB, T ref = 290 K
Output : T n ≈ 75.1 K
Benefits and uses
- Evaluates the quality and efficiency of a low noise amplifier.
- Allows you to compare different devices on an equivalent thermal basis.
- Essential for designing sensitive RF systems such as satellite and radar receivers.
- Facilitates rapid calculations in radio engineering and laboratory testing.