How does signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) affect signal quality?

Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) directly relates to the quality of a signal by quantifying the desired signal strength relative to the level of background noise. A higher SNR indicates that the desired signal is much stronger than the noise, which leads to clearer and more reliable communication. In applications such as audio processing, telecommunications, and other areas of electronics, a high SNR is essential for maintaining the integrity of the information being transmitted, ensuring that the signal can be distinguished from the noise in the environment.

In contrast, measuring ambient temperature, calculating frequency, or assessing power consumption does not relate to signal quality. These aspects focus on entirely different properties of a system or signal that are not connected to how well a signal can be perceived against unwanted interference. Thus, the option that explains SNR's significance in determining signal quality by contrasting the strength of the desired signal with background noise is clearly the correct answer.