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Amplitude Modulation vs Frequency Modulation

The amplitude modulation vs frequency modulation has many differences. Modulation is the process of alteration of any property of the signal carrier wave.

Modulation is a requirement for changing the adjust the nature of a signal as per the necessities. Modulation converts data from the carrier signal wave to a modified signal. Demodulation is reconfiguring the modulate form of the signal into the carrier one to derive the original data. Modulation is often employed for electromagnetic waves that help in communications and data transfer. It is a basic concept in the communications department and data transfer. This article covers amplitude modulation vs frequency modulation as an essential part of modulation and its types. It also contains amplitude modulation vs frequency modulation questions.

Modulation Types

The modulation is of six various types:

  • Amplitude modulation (AM): The amplitude of the data signal alters.
  • Frequency modulation (FM): The frequency of the wave alters.
  • Phase modulation (PM): The phase shift alters.
  • Polarisation modulation: In an optical signal, the angle of rotation alters.
  • Pulse modulation: The pulse of the wave shifts.
  • Quadrate amplitude modulation (QAM) 

Amplitude Modulation

  • Amplitude modulation is seen in making up radio waves. 
  • It is denoted by AM.
  • It contradicts the scenario where the signal’s frequency or phase is up for a change.
  • Amplitude is the maximum height or distance that a wave reaches.
  • It alters the strength of the signal wave.
  • The amplitude modulation does not change the nature of the carrier waves. Rather, it adds a modulated wave with altered amplitudes from the carrier wave.
  • Amplitude modulation is one of the requirements for communications, where the data has to be converted into electronic signal waves and vice versa.

Frequency Modulation

  • Frequency modulation is denoted by FM.
  • It involves the altering of the frequency of the carrier wave.
  • It is an important aspect of communications and broadcasting.
  • On changing the frequency dimensions of the carrier wave, the data-carrying signals are changed into modulated signals.

Amplitude Modulation vs Frequency Modulation

The amplitude is altered in AM waves, while the frequency is altered in FM signals. The alterations are for the better use of signal waves in our commercial lives. 

Let’s see other points of difference between amplitude modulation vs frequency modulation.

Amplitude Modulation

Frequency Modulation

In amplitude modulation, the signal’s amplitude is either maximised or minimised for the conversion of the data-carrier signal into modulated waves.

In frequency modulation, the signal’s amplitude is either heightened or lowered for the conversion of the data-carrier signal into modulated waves.

In an amplitude modulated wave, the frequency and phase of the signal wave remain unaltered.

In a frequency modulated wave, the amplitude and phase of the signal wave remain unchanged.

Amplitude modulation is denoted as AM.

Frequency modulation is denoted as FM.

This technique was first introduced in the middle of the 1870s.

It was first introduced in the year 1930.

They are susceptible to noise.

They are not susceptible to noise.

The bandwidth of the amplitude modulated waves is lower.

The bandwidth of the frequency-modulated signals is higher.

The sound quality is poorer in amplitude modulated signal waves.

The sound quality is better in frequency modulated signal waves.

Though the sound quality is poorer, the amplitude modulated waves travel longer distances than frequency modulated signals.

Though the sound quality is better, frequency modulated signals travel shorter distances than amplitude modulated waves.

It is more susceptible to any electrical interference.

It is less affected by any electrical interference.

AM has a long range of modulated waves.

FM has a short range of modulated signals.

The frequency range of an AM modulated wave ranges from 540 to 1600 Hertz.

The frequency range of an FM modulated signal ranges from 88 to 108 Hertz.

Amplitude Modulation and Frequency Modulation Similarities 

Though the amplitude modulated waves and frequency-modulated waves differ in a lot of ways, they also have some common lines between them. The similarities of the AM and FM signals are given below.

  • Both AM and FM have one of their properties modified.
  • In both AM and FM, the signal travels as radio waves.
  • These both are artificially tuned signals.
  • They have varied susceptibility to electronic interferences, yet both are affected noticeably by such interferences.
  • The carrier waves of both AM and FM have their frequencies.

Conclusion 

The modulated waves use the carrier waves that contain the data to convert it into modulated signals, through which the signals modify according to our needs. The modulated waves are of many types, but the three are the major ones. They are amplitude, frequency, and phase modulation.

This article covers amplitude modulation vs frequency modulation. Amplitude modulation involves adjusting the amplitude of the signal, and frequency modulation involves adjusting the frequency of the signal.

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