superheaterodyne

superheaterodyne

A radio technician adjusts the superheaterodyne to improve reception.

Definition

Noun: superheaterodyne is a type of radio receiver that uses a superheterodyne circuit, which mixes an incoming radio frequency signal with a locally generated signal to produce a fixed intermediate frequency (IF) for easier amplification and processing.

Usage Examples
  • (A radio receiver that converts signals to an intermediate frequency.)
  • (Historical radio receivers using this technology.)
  • (The circuit enhanced the ability to isolate specific stations.)
Advanced Usage
  • "superheaterodyne principle": the underlying concept of frequency mixing in radio reception.
    • The superheaterodyne principle is fundamental to modern radio communications. (The technique of converting signals to a fixed intermediate frequency.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Superheterodyne (adj/n): the standard spelling of the term; a receiver that uses frequency mixing.
    • A superheterodyne radio is more sensitive than a simple crystal set. (A receiver with frequency conversion.)
  • Heterodyne (adj): relating to the production of a beat frequency by mixing two signals.
    • Heterodyne detection is used in radar systems. (Mixing signals to extract information.)
Synonyms
  • Frequency converter: a device that changes the frequency of a signal.
  • IF receiver: a receiver that processes signals at an intermediate frequency.
Phrasal Verbs (Not typically applicable to this technical noun)

No common phrasal verbs are associated with superheaterodyne.

Related Idioms
  • "Tune in": to adjust a receiver to a specific frequency, often used metaphorically.
    • He tuned in the superheaterodyne to the BBC broadcast. (Adjusted the receiver to pick up the station.)
Note on Spelling

The word superheaterodyne appears to be a variant or misspelling of the more common superheterodyne (from "supersonic heterodyne"). The definition provided (from English-Vietnamese) matches the standard superheterodyne concept. The correct technical term is superheterodyne.