Bird Technologies 5019D-Manual - Manual (Page 24)

12
Crest Factor
Figure 4 Crest Factor - 10 dB CDMA Signal - 100 W
Peak - 10 W Ave
Crest factor (CF) is the ratio of the peak and average powers, in
dB. The WPS calculates the Crest Factor from the Forward Peak
and Average Power measurements.
Crest factor is becoming one of the most important measure-
ments as communication systems move into the digital age. For
CDMA and similar modulation types the CF may reach 10 dB. If
the crest factor is too large, the transmitter will not be able to
handle the peak powers and amplitude distortion will occur.
Crest factor can also detect overdrive and overshoot problems.
Knowing the CF allows end-users to more accurately set base
station power and lower operating costs.