Syllabus :GS 3/Science and Tech
In News
- Signal modulation streamlines the technology needed to transmit information, such as news on TV or music on the radio.
Modulation
- Modulation, in electronics, technique for impressing information (voice, music, pictures, or data) on a radio-frequency carrier wave by varying one or more characteristics of the wave in accordance with the information signal.
- There are various forms of modulation, each designed to alter a particular characteristic of the carrier wave.
- Modulation allows multiple signals to coexist without interference.
- Digital transmissions are less affected by static noise, enhancing communication technologies.
Modulation Types:
- Frequency Modulation (FM): It involves changing the frequency of the waves to convey information (e.g., Morse code with closely spaced waves for dots).
- FM is widely used in FM radio broadcasting, where the quality of sound is crucial. It provides better resistance to noise and interference compared to AM.
- Amplitude modulation (AM) : It involves varying the amplitude of the waves while keeping frequency constant (e.g., using heavy and light stones to represent dots and dashes).
- Phase Modulation (PM): It changes the phase of waves to encode messages, allowing for clearer digital transmission since it’s less affected by amplitude fluctuations
- PM is used in certain digital communication systems and radar applications.
Uses of Modulation:
- Radio Broadcasting: Both AM and FM modulation are used for radio transmission. AM covers long distances but is susceptible to interference. FM provides better sound quality and is ideal for music.
- Television Broadcasting: TV signals are also modulated (usually using vestigial sideband modulation).
- This allows us to watch our favorite shows with clear audio and video.
- Cellular Communication: Mobile phones use various modulation techniques to transmit voice and data over cellular networks.
- Wireless Internet (Wi-Fi): Wi-Fi signals are modulated to carry data wirelessly between devices.
- Satellite Communication: Satellites use modulation to relay signals across vast distances.
| Do you know ? – Digital transmission uses discrete signals (0s and 1s), while analog transmission uses continuous signals. – PM is digital and better for data transmission, whereas AM and FM are used for analog radio and TV broadcasts. |
Source :TH
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