diff --git a/zk/Frequency_modulation.md b/zk/Frequency_modulation.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..95fa881 --- /dev/null +++ b/zk/Frequency_modulation.md @@ -0,0 +1,36 @@ +--- +tags: [radio, ham-study] +--- + +# Radio signal modulation + +A radio signal comprises two parts: + +- the message (information) +- the frequency for transmission of the information (the carrier) + +The process of adding information (an audio signal) to a carrier is called +**modulation**. + +## Amplitude modulation (AM) + +The message is combined with a carrier on a set frequency. + +When the message is added to the carrier wave, the amplitude of the wave form +varies depending on the volume of the audio signal. + +## Frequency modulation (FM) + +Again the audio signal is combined with a carrier on a set frequency however the +amplitude of the resulting signal remains constant. The freequency changes +relative to the volume of the audio signal. When the volume of the audio signal +is louder, the waves are closer together. In other words, the frequency of the +waves per second increases. + +## Continuous wave modulation (CW - Morse code) + +A continous wave has a constant amplitude and frequency. To send information you +simply switch this wave on and of. When it is on, the radio wave is transmitted. +When it is off, nothing is transmitted. + +This is the basis for communication using Morse code over radio waves. diff --git a/zk/Single_sideband_modulation.md b/zk/Single_sideband_modulation.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..0960035 --- /dev/null +++ b/zk/Single_sideband_modulation.md @@ -0,0 +1,47 @@ +--- +tags: [radio, ham-study] +--- + +# Single Sideband Modulation + +With [AM-modulated transmission](./Frequency_modulation.md), "sidebands" are +created just below and just above the carrier frequency known as the upper and +lower sidebands (USB and LSB, respectively). + +AM radio stations typically transmit on both sidebands. That is to say, they use +the full available bandwidth. However the two sidebands are copies of each +other. + +This is not technically necessary, however. It is possible to transmit by just +using a single sideband. This is more efficient and means you are focusing your +power to transmit a single frequency. + +The formula for the generation of the full audio signal is: + +$$ +\text{USB: } f_c + f_m \\ +\text{LSB: } f_c - f_m \\ +\text{Carrier: } f_c +$$ + +![Standard AM transmission](../img/standard-am-transmission.png) + +The standard process of transmitting AM: + +- Audio signal multiplies with carrier in accordance with formulae +- Two sidebands are created (USB, LSB) +- All three components are transmitted + +![Single sideband transmission](../img/single-sideband-transmission.png) + +With SSB: + +- Audio signal multiplies with carrier in accordance with formulae +- Two sidebands are created (USB, LSB) +- A filter removes the carrier and one sideband +- Only one sideband (USB or LSB) is transmitted + +> Crucially, this is possible because the carrier wave frequency is not needed +> for transmission and receiving. It is only needed in order to get the audio +> signal (_f_m_) up to the transmitter frequency ready to transmit. But it it is +> kept in during normal AM transmission.