frequency modulation
- Noun:
- A method of encoding information in a carrier wave by varying its instantaneous frequency: "Frequency modulation" is a specific technique in telecommunications and signal processing where the frequency of a carrier wave is changed in proportion to the amplitude of a modulating signal (e.g., an audio signal). This contrasts with amplitude modulation (AM), where the amplitude is varied.
- Noun:
- FM radio broadcasting uses frequency modulation to provide high-fidelity sound.
- The engineer explained that the signal's clarity was due to the use of frequency modulation.
"Narrowband frequency modulation (NBFM)": A type of FM where the modulation index is small, resulting in a narrow bandwidth. Commonly used in two-way radio communications.
- The walkie-talkies use narrowband frequency modulation for clear voice transmission over short distances.
"Wideband frequency modulation (WBFM)": A type of FM with a large modulation index, resulting in a wider bandwidth and higher fidelity. Used in FM radio broadcasting.
- Commercial music stations broadcast using wideband frequency modulation.
FM (abbreviation, noun): The common abbreviation for "frequency modulation."
- I prefer listening to music on FM stations.
Modulate (verb): To vary the properties of a wave. Frequency modulation is one type of modulation.
- The circuit is designed to modulate the carrier signal.
Demodulation (noun): The process of extracting the original information signal from a modulated carrier wave. An FM receiver performs demodulation.
- Demodulation is a crucial step in recovering the audio from the FM signal.
- Angle modulation: A broader category of modulation that includes both frequency modulation (FM) and phase modulation (PM), as both vary the angle of the carrier wave.
Frequency deviation: In FM, this is the maximum difference between the instantaneous frequency of the modulated wave and the carrier frequency. It is a key parameter.
- The allowed frequency deviation determines the signal's bandwidth.
Capture effect: A phenomenon in FM reception where the receiver locks onto the stronger of two signals on the same frequency, suppressing the weaker one.
- The capture effect in FM can sometimes eliminate interference from a distant station.
- modulation of the frequency of the (radio) carrier wave