How to find out the sensitivity of a receiver

Hi all,

I'm wondering how to find out the sensitivity of a FM receiver through simulation and measurement using equipments from lab.

Thanks in advance.

Danny

the sensitivity is the mnimum detectable signal for a certain SNR at the demodulator
so u need to know the SNR needed , and then begin to decrease the input signal level until the SNR change this is the sensitivity

khouly

FM receivers are compared with a figure of merit called SINAD, which signal-to-noise-and-distortion. Typically consumer equipment FM threshold is compared at SINAD=12dB.

SINAD is related to SNR, but measured using an audio distortion test meter rather than a simple audio power meter. Realistically they give about the same result because the distortion contribution has little effect at threshold.

A good overview of SINAD and its measurement is found here:

h**p://www.radio-electronics.com/info/receivers/sensitivity/sinad.php

So far as simulation you need to know some intrinsic parameters of your FM radio such as noise figure, IF bandwidth, and type of demodulator (though most are FM discriminators).

SNR needed for typical FM receiver for 12Sinad is around 17dB.

As for measurements, well just use a signal generator to find the minimum
power your receiver works, just be sure to put the generator far enough
so no leakage will happen.