SDR bit resolution vs. spectrum dynamic range

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NO6B
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Joined: Wed Aug 19, 2020 7:06 am

SDR bit resolution vs. spectrum dynamic range

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Unread post by NO6B »

Trying to understand how bit resolution translates to maximum observable dynamic range in the spectrum display.

I thought that, given no decimation or other "tricks", maximum dynamic range is 20*log(2^(# of bits)) dB. So for an 8 bit RTL SDR the maximum dynamic range should be 48 dB. Yet I'm seeing upwards of 70 dB in the attached. The spectrum amplitude scale is relatively linear - I checked it against my HP8640B. AGC is off.

What am I missing? :?

Bob NO6B
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