Science and Technology –Telecommunication

Centuries of attempts and sincere devotion to solving long-distance communication disruptions have resulted in the inception of wireless communication. Guglielmo Marconi pioneered radio communications – an endeavor that brought him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1909. During those days copper wire was used to transmit telegrams or voice. But with advanced science and technology, people faced its limitations which initiated the use of optics in the late 1990s.

Types of Communication Systems

Telecommunications surround many different types of devices. But there are three fundamental channels for effective communication: telephones, radios, and computers. All the channels use electric signals or electromagnetic waves to establish connectivity over long distances for the sake of sharing information. Modern-day e-mail is nothing but device-stored infographic messages formatted by science and technology – telecommunication.

Introduction of Telephone

The first telephone services in the market were launched by the Bell Telephone Co. in 1878 in London. This invention by Alexander Bell gained much popularity as it could eliminate the previous electrophonic effect which had little practical application. Gradually this handy device came out as a revolution owing to its simplicity, affordability, and seamless communication that allowed private as well as conference conversations. 

How does it operate?

The electromagnetic sound waves generated from the voice of a speaker pass into this analog device. This gets converted into electric signals. Then they are distributed over several communication channels where they get reconverted into sound waves again. Thus, the receiver can hear the voice of the caller.

World of Radios and Television

Background 

In 1884, Serbian scientist Nikola Tesla introduced an induction coil that could transmit radio waves. Unfortunately before patenting, his lab got destroyed in a fire and now the world recognizes Marconi as the pioneer in wireless telegraphy.

Working Principle

Broadcasting in radio station takes place following any two of the following principles:

• Amplitude Modulation (AM): The strength or amplitude of the radio waves is changed to create sounds. KiloHertz specifies the signal strength when the radio is turned on.
• Frequency Modulation (FM): FM radios work modulating the frequency or speed of electromagnetic waves. MegaHertz is the unit that indicates the number of waves per second.

Both traditional AM and FM radios are analog devices. The term ‘analog‘ categorizes all the telecom devices that facilitate the transmission of information from one point to another using analog signals. Electrical signals and light signals are two types of analog signals.

However, now there is provision for digital radios that ensure effective and clear communication. These devices use digital signals to share information. They must not be confused with internet radios that work on data streams taken from an internet connection. 

Advantages of Digital Radio over Analog Radio

• Digital radios offer comparatively better sound clarity.
• They display additional information like the name of song artists, the title of the podcast, weather forecast, etc.
• Visual assistance makes tuning a lot easier.
• More radio broadcast companies serve over the digital platform.

New Era of Television

As soon as the Second World War ended, various types of communication systems developed to reconnect the globe across all frontiers. Electronic and digital methods of displaying images in motion became popular. Powered by private and governmental bodies or funded by advertising agencies, television captured the market like a wildfire. Channels came up with new ideas to broadcast data over the air by VHF and UHF radio signals. The microwave signals are transmitted from stations. They are either reflected by satellites or transmitted by wires to produce cable TV. Technical developments in the field of science and technology – telecommunication supported the distribution of infographic data along with sound across the corners of the world. Further advancements introduced a video recording feature that could capture live matches and events. These desirable features have made TV the most popular type of telecommunication device.

Types of Television

Terrestrial Television: They came with antennas that helped to receive signals reflected from the transmitter stationed on earth.

Electronic Television: This version of television was introduced by American inventor Philo Farnsworth on September 7, 1927. The device is operated by scanning images with an electronic camera. The images were converted into code which later on was converted into radio waves. TVs received the signals and displayed them using a cathode ray tube.

Cable Television: This invention marked a major landmark in the realm of science and technology – telecommunication. They function on analog signals or radio frequency signals and transmit information through coaxial cables. 

Digital Television: Signals have nothing to do with transmission as the picture gets converted into binary bits of 0s and 1s. These devices produce more accurate copies of the source (better picture quality).

Smart Television: Constitute TV sets with an active internet connection enabling a lot more options besides surfing channels unlike traditional cable or digital sets.

Satellite Television: This telecommunication system uses satellites to relay programmed information to TV sets installed in various locations.

3D Television: 3D TV was, although innovative still proved to be disapproved of by the mass. Limitation of 3D infrastructure at home resulted in little viewership. Thus, channels also went reluctant to adopt the model.

Conclusion

Telecommunication has exerted a major impact on social dynamics. It is not just a simple transmission of signals over long haul distances for the sake of sharing information but also ensures a great deal of success in modern businesses. Science and technology – telecommunication has turned the world into a small place. Ultimately, the features come with both positive and negative influences. In such a situation everything that may be adopted depends on the viewer’s discretion.