What is SINAD: radio receiver sensitivity specification

Signal to Noise ratio or SNR is one popular method of defining radio receiver sensitivity. But another measurements that's often seen, especially for VHF / UHF FM communications radios is called SINAD.

In this video Ian Poole of Electronics Notes takes a look at what SINAD is, and investigates what a typical measurement means. He also checks out the way SINAD is measured for radio receivers. Ian Poole also mentions that there are some standards associated with SINAD and finds out where they are used.

SINAD standards for Signal to Noise and Distortion, so this specification is more than just a signal to noise ratio because it includes the unwanted distortion products as well.

Whilst noise is traditionally the main limitation for sensitivity, any distortion and other unwanted products will also limit the ability of the receiver to discern the wanted signals.

As a result, SINAD is an important measurement because as we said, it looks at a variety of signal degradation issues in one measurement. And although it is most widely used for VHF or UHF FM two way radios, it can also be used for other analogue modes and frequencies as well.

SINAD can be defined as the ratio of the total received signal level, in other words, signal together with the noise and distortion to the noise and distortion level. This means that the higher the SINAD level, the better the quality of the audio signal.

In terms of the formula, SINAD is expressed in decibels and it is equal to the log to the base ten of the level of the combined signal, noise and distortion divided by the noise and distortion. It's worth noting that the signal levels are all measured as power levels and not as voltages.

More information about radio receiver sensitivity and SINAD: https://www.electronics-notes.com/art...

Check out the Electronics Notes website: https://www.electronics-notes.com

Please don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/electronicsnotes?...