Fundamental Noise Limits in Miniature Acoustic and Vibration Sensors
Abstract
Conventional noise analysis for acoustic and vibration sensors has focused either on the ambient noise floor imposed by the environment or the electrical noise floor imposed by the preamplifier. Microminiature sensors are, however, particularly sensitive to thermal (molecular) agitation because of their small moving parts. This mechanical-thermal noise can easily dominate the noise performance of these sensors. The purposes of this report are to review the fundamental noise sources in a sensor system and to illustrate the importance of noise sources intrinsic to the sensor's design. In particular, thermal noise, shot noise, 1/f noise, and amplifier noise components are discussed as they relate to the sensor system. Thermal noise, shot noise, 1/f noise, micromachined sensors, miniature sensors, sensor preamplifiers
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 31, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA247016
Entities
People
- Thomas B. Gabrielson
Organizations
- Naval Air Warfare Center Warminster