Low cost noise figure measurement instrument

Receiver sensitivity is often degraded by the presence of broadband noise which could ultimately result in the loss of the ability to detect weak signals. Although receiver sensitivity can be measured in many ways, noise figure is widely used since it can be applied not only to the entire system, but to individual components and subsystems as well. The NF-100 series noise figure measurement instruments are low cost, solid-state test devices which are used in conjunction with spectrum analyzers to perform the Y-factor method, an inexpensive technique for narrowband noise figure measurements. These devices eliminate the need for costly down- and upconversion in the high and low frequency extremities.