1 Noise: An Introduction

In an electronic design, noise is a fundamental parameter considered since it limits the

system's performance as a whole. Any voltage or current in a system which are not related to
signal has the potential to be defined as noise. It is an unwanted signal interfering with the
original signal and corrupting its parameters. Practically, its addition over the information
carrying signal cannot be avoided, and so automatically halts the quality of the transmitted
signal. Because of that decrease in the quality of the signal, the receiver will have difficulty in
demodulating the transmitted signal. Of course, this will result in reduction of system efficiency.
Since it alters the communication process, it leads to alteration of the message signal itself.
Most likely, it is entered at the channel or the receiver.

Figure 1.1 Understanding the noise signal

(retrieved from https://www.tutorialspoint.com/principles_of_communication/principles_of_communication_noise.htm)

It follows that noise is some signal which has neither pattern nor constant
frequency or amplitude. Noise is random and unpredictable. Though it can't be
completely eliminated, several measures are taken in order to reduce it. Most common
examples of noise are the hiss sound in radio receivers, buzz sound in the middle of
telephone conversations, and flicker in TV receivers. These unwanted signals arise from
a variety of sources as we will discuss further.

2 Sources of Noise

Figure 2.1 Understanding Sources of Noise

(retrieved from: https://www.ijemr.net/DOC/StudyOfDifferentTypesOfNoiseAndItsEffectsInCommunicationSystems(410-413).pdf)

2.1 Internal Sources

 Internal sources of noise are those which are parts of the circuit that is being examined.
Examples of which are resistors, amplifiers, and transistors. Noise from internal source get
generated within the receiver or the communication system while functioning. Since the
components of the circuits function continuously, they may produce few kinds of noise which
can be quantified. What can lower the effect of noise from internal sources is a proper design of
the receiver or the communication system.

2.1.1 Thermal Noise

Thermal noise is generated in any resistance due to random motion of electron. An
electrical signal is transmitted via a channel and conductors. Hence, the electrons in the
conductors move in a random way, which causes the thermal energy being received by the
conductor. Since these electrons are being distributed in the conductor non-uniformly, it is
possible that at one end, the free electrons will be of higher number than at another end. This
causes the average voltage to be 0, but the average power is nonzero. That nonzero power is
the noise and is resulted by thermal action. Thermal noise is also referred to as white noise or
Johnson noise.

2.1.2 Shot Noise

This type of noise is caused by random movement of holes and electrons. Shot noise is
resulted by random variation in the holes and electrons' appearance at the device's output side.
The random movements are caused by discontinuities in the device being used by the system.
The generated sound by shot noise is like multiple lead shots striking over a tube or metal plate.
Further, shot noise occurs in junction diodes. Generally, non-linearity or discontinuity in the
system can generate this type of noise.

2.1.3 Transit Time Noise

Transit time is defined as the amount of time that a current carrier like a current or hole
take to move from input to output. It appears as a type of random noise inside the device which
is directly proportional to the operation's frequency. Transit Time Noise occurs in transistors and
is also known as high-frequency noise. When charge carriers require more time to travel within
the conductor from one end to another, transit time noise arises. This is avoidable for
applications which are low-frequency. Otherwise, it cannot be avoided.

2.1.4 Miscellaneous Internal Sources

Miscellaneous internal sources induce type of noises such as flicker, resistance effect
and mixer generated noise, etc. One of which is Partition Noise. The current is being divided
as it gets generated when the system is composed of multiple paths. It is caused by random
variation in those divisions. Because of this, some devices offer low partition noise while other
have high. Another noise induced by miscellaneous internal sources is Flicker Noise. Due to
the variation in the density of the carrier, this is also known as low-frequency noise. Hence, the
fluctuating voltage drop across the conductor when a direct current is allowed to flow through
the conductor results in flicker noise voltage. This means that the mean square of flicker noise
voltage goes up, the square of the current flowing through the device goes up as well, and vice
versa.

2.2 External Sources

 Noise from external sources are those present in the signal applied to the circuit or those
introduced into the circuit by other means. Simply speaking, they are those whose sources are
external. They may occur in the medium or channel of communication and can’t be eliminated
completely. Avoiding the noise from affecting the signal is the best means to avoid noise from
external sources.

2.2.1 Natural Sources

These sources are generated by phenomena which happen naturally or by atmospheric
phenomena such as solar flares, space radiation, and electronic storms. They cannot be
controlled directly and are best characterized statistically. Noise from natural sources can be
classified into atmospheric and extraterrestrial noise.

2.2.1.1 Atmospheric Noise

Atmospheric noise, also called as static, is resulted by lightning discharges in
thunderstorms and other electrical disturbances which happens naturally in the atmosphere.
They naturally happen randomly and thus; the energy is spread over the complete spectrum of
frequency for radio communication. This noise is due to irregularities in the atmosphere and is
consisted by spurious radio signals with components spread over a wide frequency range.
These waves get propagated over the Earth in the same way as the desired radio waves of the
same frequency.

2.2.1.2 Extraterrestrial Noise

This kind of noise is caused by the outer space or the sun. It is further classified into two
categories which are Cosmic Noise and Solar Noise.
Cosmic Noise
This noise is being generated from the stars in the outer space. Since distant stars have
very high temperature, noise generated by stars is similar by that which is generated by the sun.
Cosmic Noise is also called black body noise. Aside from stars, the galaxies, quasars, and
pulsars also generate cosmic noise.
Solar Noise
Solar noise is caused by the sun. Since it is a large body with very high temperature, it
emits high electrical energy in the form of noise over a wide range of frequency. Still, the
intensity of the emitted noise signal changes timely because the sun's temperature changes
every 11 years. This, huge electrical disturbances occur every 11 years.

2.2.2 Man-made Source

Man-made noise, also called industrial noise, arises from any piece of electrical or
electronic equipment. This has common property that their effect can be eliminated or at least
minimized by careful practice and engineering design. Basically, it is the noise that is generated
by wear and tear of the circuit being used. Some sources of man-made noise are electronic
motors, florescent lights, and high current circuits. Man-made noise's spectrum of frequency has
ranges from 1MHz to 600MHz.

3 References
https://www.ihe.kit.edu/img/studium/Chapter_Noise.pdf
https://electronicsdesk.com/noise-in-communication-system.html
https://www.tutorialspoint.com/principles_of_communication/principles_of_communication_nois
e.htm
https://www.daenotes.com/electronics/communication-system/noise#sthash.E51bWlyW.dpbs
https://www.ijemr.net/DOC/StudyOfDifferentTypesOfNoiseAndItsEffectsInCommunicationSyste
ms(410-413).pdf
https://www.k-state.edu/edl/docs/pubs/technical-resources/Technote4.pdf