CALCULATORS / SIGNALS, SAMPLING AND DATA

Signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic range calculator

RMS voltage signal-to-noise ratio with identical impedance.

signals-snr.napkin / editable

SCENARIO COMPARISON

Compare the numbers.

This source describes an analytical model. Its quantities and checks are the view.

Scenario	ratio	snrDb
	1000	60
	800	58.0618

All calculated quantities are listed with the inputs. Switch to Source to inspect the equations.

SCENARIOS / CALCULATED VALUESSAME SOURCE

Change an input to see the consequences.

SNR target in dB60.00 ✓ passes

BASELINE INPUTS

signal1 Vnoise0.001 V

CALCULATED

ratio1000

snrDb60

Edits change the baseline source.

THE SOURCE

Edits below update the same model.

# Signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic range
# Scope: RMS voltage signal-to-noise ratio with identical impedance.
# Status: illustrative worked example; engineering review pending.
# Inputs are example values. Checks are editable example requirements, not standards.

signal = 1 V
noise = 0.001 V

ratio := signal/noise
snrDb := 20*log10(ratio)

check SNR target in dB: snrDb >= 50

scenario alternative: signal = 0.8 V

Calculated from your source · not saved

Baseline · Baseline

SNR target in dB60.00 ✓ passes

alternative · alternative

SNR target in dB58.06 ✓ passes

Illustrative first-order example. Checks are editable requirements, not design standards. The broader topic may require additional equations, data, and validation.

Formula and units

This example uses the following equations. Input names and units match the editable source above.

ratio: ratio = signal/noise
snr db: snrDb = 20*log10(ratio)

Original worked example

These are the baseline values in the downloadable source. Edits above let you test your own values.

Given

signal: 1 V
noise: 0.001 V

Calculated

ratio: 1000
snr db: 60

Assumptions and limits

RMS voltage signal-to-noise ratio with identical impedance.

The requirement checks use the limits written in this example. Passing a check does not establish that the model covers every load, material behavior, or operating condition in a real design.

Download this .napkin example ↓

Take it further with your agent

Napkin keeps the inputs, equations, checks and assumptions together in one study. Your agent sets it up; you change the numbers.

Try with Claude ↗

codex 'Use Napkin (https://napkin.engineering/mcp, or the local Napkin plugin) to build a study: Signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic range. Inputs: signal/noise levels; bandwidth; reference conventions. Outputs: SNR; amplitude/power ratios. Model scope: Sampled-data models with stated bandwidth and noise assumptions. Read napkin_capabilities and the current snapshot. Ask me for the values that matter, label assumptions with units, author .napkin source, validate it and apply it with napkin_source using the current revision, then open the study. Add checks for the limits I supply. Keep unsupported analyses explicit.'

Claude needs the Napkin connector; Codex needs the Napkin plugin. Set up your agent ↗

The broader study

The topic brief below describes the broader scope. The worked example above states the particular calculation it implements.

Inputs: signal/noise levels, bandwidth, reference conventions
Outputs: SNR, amplitude/power ratios
Modes: calculate, compare, sweep
Drawing: Signal, samples and spectrum

EXECUTABLE WORKED EXAMPLE · FIRST-ORDER MODEL · CHECK THE SCOPE & ASSUMPTIONS