Noise figure

Noise figure is a measurement that indicates how much a device, like a receiver or amplifier, adds unwanted background noise to a signal. It compares the amount of noise the device produces to the ideal minimum noise possible for a given situation. A lower noise figure means the device introduces less additional noise, resulting in a clearer, more accurate signal. Essentially, it helps evaluate how well a device preserves the quality of the signal without amplifying or adding unnecessary noise, which is crucial in sensitive applications like radio, satellite communication, and radar systems.