What is modulation in radio communication?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the concept of modulation in radio communication, exploring its definition, various types, and applications in fields such as radar and radio technology.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant defines modulation as the process of varying a characteristic of a carrier wave according to a desired signal, mentioning the role of a modulator.
  • Another participant provides a summary of modulation types taught in their field, including Amplitude Modulation (AM), Frequency Modulation (FM), and Pulse Modulation (PM), with specific details about their applications and characteristics.
  • There is a mention that PM is primarily used in radar rather than radio, with a note on the classification of certain information.
  • Additional resources for further reading on modulation are shared by participants.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present various definitions and types of modulation, but there is no explicit consensus on the details or applications of each type. The discussion includes differing perspectives on the use of Pulse Modulation.

Contextual Notes

Some claims about the specifics of modulation types, such as percentages and frequency ranges, may depend on context or definitions that are not fully clarified in the discussion.

Reshma
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What is modulation in radio communication?
 
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Hello,
Modulation is the process whereby some characteristic of a carrier wave is varied in accordance with a signal desired to be conveyed (ARRL handbook is a good resource for inquires of this type). The circuit responsible for performing this function is termed modulator. Naturally, there have been different modulation schemes developed and they fall into categories such as angle and pulse modulation.
 
working on radar and radios in my shop, we are at least requiered to know a basic understanding of modulation. i'll give you the brief summary of what AETC teaches my field.
AM - Amplitude Modulation
this is when the apmlitude of the signal and it's sidebands are varried by a certain percent. i believe that commerical radio is 80%.
FM - Frequency Modulation
this is when the carrier wave's freq is varried within a certain range. and i think that commerical radio is .05MHz
PM - Pulse Modulation
as far as i know, this isn't used in radio, but only in radar. the pulse's freq is modulated from a lower limit to a higher limit. it is used to determine distance. i'd say more about it, but I'm not sure what parts are classified.

http://telecom.tbi.net/mod1.html
 
Last edited by a moderator:
A good starting point as well: http://answers.com/main/ntquery?s=modulation%20
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Thank you, it was quite interesting!
 

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