Can phase shift keying delay a wave further?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of phase shift keying (PSK) and its implications on wave behavior, particularly in the context of wave interference and signal transmission. Participants are examining how phase differences affect wave propagation and signal interpretation.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are exploring the relationship between phase shifts and wave delays, questioning whether to add or subtract phase values in their calculations. There is also a discussion about the implications of phase differences in optical versus electrical signals.

Discussion Status

The conversation is active, with participants sharing insights and clarifications regarding the phase shift in wave equations. Some guidance has been offered about the relevance of phase differences in different contexts, particularly in optics and data transmission.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of potential confusion arising from the wording of the source material, as well as the specific conditions under which phase differences may or may not affect outcomes in various applications.

Crystal037
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Homework Statement
Here we have subtracted the phase 4pi from S2 than S1. Why
Relevant Equations
y=a cos (wt)
IMG-20191205-WA0004.jpg

See fig(a), S1Q=7lambda
S2Q=9lambda
I think since source S2 is lagging behind. So, we should add the phase 4pi instead of subtracting it from the cosine function. Wouldn't subtracting the phase further delay the wave more.
 
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I vote for a very poorly worded explanation! Using the Fig 10.9(a) I agree with your statement.

Unfortunately, if you look at their describing equation (S2- S1=2λ, near the top of the page) the equations they give are consistent.

edit: Fortunately in this case it doesn't matter because the sign of the phase difference doesn't matter here. That's the usual case when working with optics. If working with electrical signals (for instance comparing two signals) it may make a difference. /edit:

Just another case of poor copy editing on the part of the book publisher.

Cheers,
Tom

p.s. Good catch Crystal!
 
So am I right that y2=a cos(wt+4pi)
 
Crystal037 said:
So am I right that y2=a cos(wt+4pi)
Yes. See also the edit/insertion to my first response.

Cheers,
Tom
 
Thanks Tom. G but how will it make a difference in electrical signal.
 
One example would be in data transmission using Phase Shift Keying (PSK). This method uses a fixed frequency transmitting data but varies the phase dependent on the data value at that instant.

https://www.google.com/search?hl=en...QIHf5lCWYQ4dUDCAY&uact=5#imgrc=zA9FSK-cMjgV4M

Notice that the phase is shifted by 180° as the data changes between '0' and '1'.

(I hope the image shows, it doesn't appear in my Preview. It's the big image on the right of the link with a Black background.)

image found with:
https://www.google.com/search?&q=phase+shift+keying+waveform

Cheers,
Tom
 

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