Dynamic Range
The ratio between the largest and smallest meaningful signal levels that a system can represent, measure, or process without unacceptable distortion or noise.
Signal Processing Context
Dynamic range describes the span between the smallest useful signal level and the largest level that a system can represent without unacceptable distortion or clipping. ADC resolution, analog noise, gain staging, and downstream numerical representation all influence usable dynamic range.
Measurement Boundary
Bit depth alone does not determine effective dynamic range. Noise, headroom, calibration, and the definition of the lower detection limit must be specified when values are compared.