Dynamic Range Calculator
Calculate the dynamic range of a system from its maximum signal level and noise floor.
Dynamic Range
90.0 dB
Dynamic Range vs Maximum Signal Level
Formula
## What is Dynamic Range? Dynamic range is the ratio between the largest and smallest signals a system can handle, expressed in decibels. ### Formula **DR (dB) = Max Signal Level - Noise Floor** **Equivalent Bits = (DR - 1.76) / 6.02** The equivalent bits tell you the ADC resolution needed to digitize this range. Each bit adds about 6 dB of dynamic range. ### Examples - CD audio (16-bit): 96 dB - Professional audio (24-bit): 144 dB theoretical - FM radio: ~70 dB - Human ear: ~120 dB
Esempio Risolto
Receiver with max signal +10 dBm and noise floor -80 dBm.
- 01Dynamic range: 10 - (-80) = 90 dB
- 02Equivalent bits: (90 - 1.76) / 6.02 = 14.7 bits
- 03A 16-bit ADC would cover this range
Domande Frequenti
What limits dynamic range?
The noise floor sets the lower limit, and compression/clipping sets the upper limit. Both analog and digital stages contribute.
How does dynamic range relate to SFDR?
Spurious-Free Dynamic Range (SFDR) measures from the signal to the largest spurious component, not the noise floor. SFDR is always less than or equal to DR.
Can I extend dynamic range with AGC?
Automatic Gain Control extends the effective input range but does not improve instantaneous dynamic range.
Impara