What is the Definition of Modulation?
If you have ever listened to the radio in the car, in your home, you must be aware of FM and AM. Moreover, you will also notice that each radio station has a unique address on the FM and AM scale. Such a phenomenon behind radio transmission travelling from your favourite FM station to your audio device is one of the most important uses of modulation.
From radio stations to various other modes of communication, modulation is significantly important. In this topic, the primary focus will be on what is the need for modulation.
However, before that, it is vital to understand the fundamentals of modulation. So, check these following concepts which explain the same
What is the Definition of Modulation?
Modulation can be defined as the process of conversion of data into waves by adding information to a carrier signal. Such a signal can be an electronic or an optic carrier, but most importantly, it should possess a steady waveform.
A signal with a steady waveform indicates that it possesses a constant amplitude and frequency. Moreover, one can add information on such a carrier through modulation by altering its frequency, phase, amplitude, polarisation in the case of optical signals as well as electronic or even quantum signals such as varying the spin.
Why Modulation is Necessary for Communication?
The necessity of modulation is mainly visible in the electronic field as it is applied to electromagnetic signals such as radio waves, lasers, electronic chips, etc. for an efficient mode of communication among various devices.
For example:
In cases where an engineer needs to control the signals sent by the energy generated by a DC motor, he or she can apply modulation to direct current. Here, it will be treated as a degenerate carrier wave that has a constant amplitude and a fixed frequency.
As per the above example, it is easier to gauge the need of modulation in communication systems. Moreover, one can also turn the modulation ON or OFF, which helps in easier delivery and reception of signals, just like the Morse code theory or direct current loop interface.
Furthermore, in various cases, a modulated signal may turn out to be a ‘no carrier’ which means any response message will indicate that any number of attached devices are no longer connected to the remote network system. Such a phenomenon is known as baseband modulation.
What is Modulation in Communication?
Modulation is an essential process to ease communication between several electromagnetic mediums. Moreover, multiple carriers of data, each having different frequencies can be transmitted over only a single media if an independent signal modulates each carrier.
Additionally, one can also apply modulation to alternating current with a low-rated frequency. Usually, alternating current used in our daily lives has a frequency of 50 to 60 Hz. Modulation can be applied to alternating the current of such frequencies with the help of powerline networking.
Before we carry on with our discussion on why modulation is required, brush up your memory with the help of this ‘fill in the blanks’ section given below –
Test Your Knowledge
Fill in the blanks with the correct answer from the options given below.
1.Modulating waves can also be termed as a _________ wave.
comparing
transmission
measuring
optic
Ans: b. Measuring
2. Which of the following is constant in the case of frequency modulation?
Modulation
Wavelength
Amplitude
Frequency
Ans: c. Amplitude
3.One of the most important advantages of modulation is that _______.
signal mixing occurs
signal mixing does not occur
range of communication decreases
adjustments in bandwidth are disallowed
Ans: b. signal mixing does not occur
Types of Modulation
Modulation is of various types based on the alteration of various factors such as frequency, amplitude, etc. on each modulated signal. They are –
Amplitude modulation (AM)
Frequency modulation (FM)
Phase modulation (PM)
Pulse code modulation
Polarisation modulation
Quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM)
Each type of modulation has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. For example, AM is usually used in shortwaves, whereas FM is used in longwave radio transmission.
Conclusion
This is all about different types of modulations and their uses. Learn how different modulations are used in many ways.
FAQs on Modulation
1. Give a Common Example of Modulation?
Signals sent and received through Wi-Fi are a prime example of modulated signals.
2. Name Three Types of Modulation?
There are various types of modulation such as amplitude modulation, frequency modulation and phase modulation.
3. What Kind of Modulation is Associated with ‘no carrier’ Signals?
A ‘no carrier’ signal implies that there has been an occurrence of baseband modulation.
4. What is a modem?
As we learned in the article that for transmitting information, we need to first convert the data into a form of a wave. It is done by a device known as a modulator. Likewise, the waves that reach the receiver device are first deciphered or converted into audible sound or visible pictures by a device named a demodulator.
For communication devices, the transmission and receiving of signals are done by a single device. Such gadgets contain a device that performs moth modulation and demodulation and got the name by combining both the words. All these devices are essentially circuits with semiconductors.
5. How do we receive different channels in a single cable wire?
Modulated signals can be carried through both electronic carriers and optical carriers. Different channels have their own carrier signals of different amplitude and frequencies. So while transmission these wave signals never interfere with each other. Thus the electric cable wires or optical fibres can carry any number of signals if they have different frequencies and modulations. The devices at the receiving end only need to choose the signal wave to be demodulated and change the data into humanly perceptible form.