Signaalistmüra

Signaalistmüra, or signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), is a measure used in science and engineering that compares the level of a desired signal to the level of background noise. It is typically expressed as a ratio or in decibels (dB). A high SNR indicates that the signal is strong relative to the noise, while a low SNR suggests that the noise is significant compared to the signal.

The concept of signal-to-noise ratio is crucial in many fields. In telecommunications, it determines the clarity and reliability of transmitted information. In audio engineering, it affects the quality of recordings, with higher SNR meaning less unwanted hiss or hum. In imaging, a good SNR is necessary for clear and detailed photographs or medical scans. In machine learning, it can relate to the quality of training data and its ability to reveal underlying patterns.

Mathematically, SNR is often defined as the power of the signal divided by the power of the noise. When expressed in decibels, the formula is 10 * log10(Signal Power / Noise Power). An alternative definition uses the amplitude of the signal and noise, with the decibel formula being 20 * log10(Signal Amplitude / Noise Amplitude). The interpretation of SNR values depends heavily on the specific application and the acceptable levels of noise for the task at hand. Improving SNR often involves reducing noise sources or amplifying the signal.