Which of the following is a measurement of strength of a signal relative to ambient noise?

The measurement of strength of a signal relative to ambient noise is known as the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). SNR quantifies how much of the signal strength is present compared to the level of background noise. A higher SNR indicates that the signal is clearer, making it easier to distinguish from noise, which is particularly important for communication systems, including those used in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).

Bandwidth refers to the range of frequencies used for transmitting a signal, while latency measures the delay experienced in data transmission. Throughput indicates the actual data transfer rate over time. None of these terms directly quantify the relationship between the desired signal and unwanted noise, which is the essence of what SNR measures. Thus, the correct answer reflects the importance of SNR in ensuring clear communication and reliable operation in UAS applications.