Which term describes the ability of a receiver to detect the presence of a signal?

Which term describes the ability of a receiver to detect the presence of a signal?

• A. Sensitivity
• B. Impedance
• C. Bandwidth
• D. Signal-to-noise ratio

Answer: (A)

The term that describes the ability of a receiver to detect the presence of a signal is sensitivity. Sensitivity is a critical specification for receivers, as it indicates the minimum level of signal power that the receiver can detect and respond to. A high sensitivity means that the receiver can detect weak signals, which is essential for effective communication, especially in environments with significant background noise or interference. In contrast, impedance refers to the opposition that a circuit presents to the flow of alternating current and is not directly related to the ability to detect signals. Bandwidth denotes the range of frequencies a receiver can process, which impacts the quality and clarity of the received signal but does not define its detection capability. Signal-to-noise ratio is a measure used to compare the level of the desired signal to the level of background noise; while it is important for understanding the quality of reception, it does not specifically define a receiver’s sensitivity. Thus, sensitivity is the correct term for the ability to detect the presence of a signal.

The term that describes the ability of a receiver to detect the presence of a signal is sensitivity. Sensitivity is a critical specification for receivers, as it indicates the minimum level of signal power that the receiver can detect and respond to. A high sensitivity means that the receiver can detect weak signals, which is essential for effective communication, especially in environments with significant background noise or interference.

In contrast, impedance refers to the opposition that a circuit presents to the flow of alternating current and is not directly related to the ability to detect signals. Bandwidth denotes the range of frequencies a receiver can process, which impacts the quality and clarity of the received signal but does not define its detection capability. Signal-to-noise ratio is a measure used to compare the level of the desired signal to the level of background noise; while it is important for understanding the quality of reception, it does not specifically define a receiver’s sensitivity. Thus, sensitivity is the correct term for the ability to detect the presence of a signal.