Minimum Detectable Signal (`MDS`)

MDS is a level 3 dB above the noise floor. The value of MDS is calculated with the help of following formula.

MDS = kTBF

k = Boltzmann’s constant

T = Temperature in degree Kelvin

B = Noise Bandwidth

F = Noise Factor

Range of input powers at which a receiver can operate is called dynamic range of the system

Lower End: - Lowest detectable input power is sometimes characterized by the MDS (Minimum Detectable Signal)

Upper End: - Third order intermodulation products (IP3) limits the performance of the receiver at the upper end.

A commonly accepted equation/definition for dynamic range is:

Dynamic Range = 2/3(IP3 - MDS)

Minimum Detectable Signal (MDS)