Carrier Wave

Definition

A carrier wave is a high-frequency signal that is modulated to carry information in communication systems. It serves as the foundation for transmitting data, voice, or other types of signals over a communication channel.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The carrier wave is a continuous, high-frequency signal that provides the foundation for transmitting information in communication systems.
2. The carrier wave is modulated to encode the information signal, which can be in the form of data, voice, or other types of signals.
3. Modulation techniques, such as amplitude modulation (AM) and frequency modulation (FM), involve varying the amplitude or frequency of the carrier wave, respectively, to represent the information signal.
4. The carrier wave is typically generated by an oscillator circuit and is then combined with the information signal to create the modulated signal for transmission.
5. The frequency of the carrier wave is typically much higher than the frequency of the information signal, allowing it to be easily separated and filtered out at the receiver.

Review Questions

• Explain the role of the carrier wave in a communication system.
  • The carrier wave serves as the foundation for transmitting information in a communication system. It is a high-frequency signal that is modulated to encode the information signal, whether it's data, voice, or another type of signal. The modulation process involves varying the amplitude, frequency, or phase of the carrier wave to represent the information being transmitted. The carrier wave provides the necessary bandwidth and frequency characteristics to effectively convey the information over the communication channel.
• Describe the difference between amplitude modulation (AM) and frequency modulation (FM) in the context of carrier waves.
  • Amplitude modulation (AM) and frequency modulation (FM) are two common techniques used to encode information onto a carrier wave. In AM, the amplitude of the carrier wave is varied in proportion to the information signal, while in FM, the frequency of the carrier wave is varied in proportion to the information signal. The choice between AM and FM depends on factors such as the type of information being transmitted, the desired signal-to-noise ratio, and the specific requirements of the communication system. AM is often used for radio broadcasting, while FM is commonly used for high-fidelity audio transmission.
• Analyze the importance of the carrier wave's frequency in the context of communication systems.
  • The frequency of the carrier wave is a crucial factor in communication systems. The carrier wave is typically generated at a much higher frequency than the information signal, which allows the information signal to be easily separated and filtered out at the receiver. This frequency separation enables the efficient transmission and reception of the modulated signal, as the carrier wave can be readily isolated and removed, leaving only the information signal. The higher frequency of the carrier wave also provides the necessary bandwidth to accommodate the bandwidth requirements of the information signal, ensuring reliable and high-quality communication.

Related terms

Modulation: The process of encoding information onto a carrier wave by varying one or more of its properties, such as amplitude, frequency, or phase.

Amplitude Modulation (AM): A modulation technique where the amplitude of the carrier wave is varied in proportion to the information signal.

Frequency Modulation (FM): A modulation technique where the frequency of the carrier wave is varied in proportion to the information signal.