Bit rate and baud rate are two fundamental terms in digital communication, often misunderstood or used interchangeably. While they are related, they describe different aspects of data transmission.
What is Bit Rate?
The bit rate refers to the number of bits transmitted per second (bps) in a communication channel. It measures the actual data being sent, including any overhead such as error-checking bits or control signals.
Formula:
Bit Rate=Baud Rate×Number of Bits per Symbol
Bit Rate=Baud Rate×Number of Bits per Symbol
Example:
If a system transmits 4 bits per symbol at a baud rate of 1,000 symbols per second, the bit rate would be:
Bit Rate=1,000 Baud×4 Bits/Symbol=4,000 bps.
Bit Rate=1,000Baud×4Bits/Symbol=4,000bps.