Electronics converting sine waves to current

In summary, sine waves are converted to current through the use of antennas and receivers. The receiver picks up photons, which carry energy, from the alternating current in the antenna. This process is based on Maxwell's equations and involves isolating the desired signal from other unwanted signals. The antenna must be a certain length to produce a standing wave, and a rectifier or detector is used to complete the conversion.
  • #1
Amy54
12
0
How are sine waves converted to current??
Im doing avionics in physics at the moment and we are talking about receivers... i now that the resonate oscilates at certain frequency and the antenna picks up the sine waves that are at the frequency... but how are they then turned into current??
thanks! :)
 
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  • #2
They get cosined :rolleyes:


No really, "sine waves" are a mathematical tool, not real waves! What you're thinking about are photons/electromagnetic waves.

It's an outcome of Maxwell's equations, if I remember correctly. An alternating current in an antenna causes electrons to move back and forth. According to Maxwell, if a moving charge decreases in velocity then it has to emit energy (in the form of photons). These photons carry a specific amount of energy and the reciever picks specifically these up.

If I remember correctly, the reciever also picks up all sorts of crap which is where a ****load of techniques (both mathematical and physical) to isolate the one signal.

Another "if I remember correctly", the antenna has to be a certain length or some other to induce a standing wave in the antenna.
 
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  • #3
It's done with a type of recifier (in receivers is called the detector)
 

1. What is the purpose of converting sine waves to current in electronics?

The purpose of converting sine waves to current in electronics is to convert the AC (alternating current) signal into a DC (direct current) signal that can be used to power electronic devices. This conversion allows for a more efficient and stable power supply for electronic circuits.

2. How is a sine wave converted to current in electronics?

A sine wave is converted to current in electronics through a process known as rectification. This involves using a diode or a group of diodes to convert the AC signal into a pulsating DC signal. The pulsating signal is then smoothed out using a capacitor to create a more stable DC current.

3. What is the difference between half-wave and full-wave rectification?

Half-wave rectification only utilizes one half of the AC signal, resulting in a pulsating DC signal with a lower amplitude. Full-wave rectification, on the other hand, utilizes both halves of the AC signal, resulting in a more stable DC signal with a higher amplitude.

4. How does the frequency and amplitude of the sine wave affect the current output?

The frequency of the sine wave affects the number of times the current changes direction per second. A higher frequency results in a higher current output, while a lower frequency results in a lower current output. The amplitude of the sine wave affects the strength of the current. A higher amplitude results in a higher current output, while a lower amplitude results in a lower current output.

5. What are some common applications of converting sine waves to current in electronics?

Converting sine waves to current is used in a variety of electronic devices, including power supplies, audio amplifiers, and motor controllers. It is also used in renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, to convert the AC current from the sun into usable DC current for powering homes and buildings.

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