Use this electronics calculation for a first-pass component, converter, signal, motor, or sensor estimate when the stated operating conditions and units match the device data.

Stage 1 NF

First-stage noise factor, linear.

Stage 2 NF

Second-stage noise factor, linear.

Stage 1 Gain

First-stage power gain, linear.

Combine two cascade noise factors with the Friis formula fTotal = f1 + (f2 - 1) / g1 using linear units. The tool evaluates the supplied inputs together and returns the named outputs below; it does not infer omitted operating conditions or change the units shown.^[1]

Total Noise Factor

Total cascade noise factor, linear.

• RF gain, noise, compression, intercept, mismatch, sensitivity, and link calculations require consistent impedance, bandwidth, frequency, reference plane, temperature, modulation, and cascade ordering. Datasheet values at different conditions cannot be combined without correction.
• Use finite inputs in the displayed units and preserve more precision than the final presentation requires. Independently verify safety-critical, financial, compliance, or production decisions.

Check the result against the current datasheet and worst-case operating corners, then verify the circuit or measurement with simulation and bench testing where failure matters.

• MDS Calculator

  Compute the minimum detectable signal as MDS(dBm) = -174 + 10 x log10(BW(Hz)) + NF(dB) + SNR(dB); bandwidth must be positive and the noise figure non-negative.

• Noise Figure To Factor

  Convert a system noise figure in decibels to a linear noise factor.

• Factor To Noise Figure

  Convert a linear noise factor to an equivalent system noise figure in decibels.