What Does It Mean If A Signal's Crest Factor Is High Or Low?

In this video, you will learn about crest factor and its importance in RF and microwave applications. Crest factor refers to the ratio between the highest peak of a signal and its average power level. A high crest factor suggests that the signal has intense peaks that exceed its average power. On the other hand, low crest factor signals have peak amplitudes closer to the average power, meaning that the power distribution is more uniform.

Understanding crest factor is important in RF and microwave testing and measurement, as it helps to determine the signal's power distribution and dynamic range. By analyzing the crest factor, engineers can evaluate the performance and efficiency of RF systems more effectively.