The bandwidth of signals basically refers to the frequency range at which the electronic circuit can operate efficiently and without interruption.

For example, if the amplifier has a bandwidth of 2800 Hz, this means that the amplifier can amplify the signal well (without any distortion between 300Hz to 3100Hz).

In communication systems, the signal transmission channels can be of various types, such as voice, music, image or computer data. Each of these has a specific frequency range called the signal bandwidth.

Bandwidth of Signals

The difference between the upper and lower frequencies of a signal created is known as the bandwidth of the signal. The bandwidth of signal (B) is equal to the change between the higher or upper frequency (fH) and the lower frequency (fL). It is measured in Hertz (Hz), which is the frequency unit.

Regardless of where it is in the frequency range, a band of a certain width can possess a unique maximum quantity of information. The fundamental constraint, which is not depending on the carrier frequency, is unaffected by modifying the band at a high frequency.

There are no channels on all frequencies nor are there channels on any frequency range, yet each channel has its distinct frequency, similar to an ID. There are bandwidths of signals of all kinds in the optical and audio spectrums, as well as far beyond.

The human ear’s hearing bandwidth is 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. Infrasonic noises are those below 20Hz and ultrasound sounds are those beyond 20000 Hz. Ultrasonic sounds are audible to dogs. Blue whales, on the other hand, can make infrasonic sounds. So let us look at some uses of different signals at different bandwidths.

There are different kinds of bandwidths of signals in the optical and audio spectrums, as well as far beyond.

Smaller frequencies are utilised for long-distance communication because they can travel without distortion across vast distances. Larger frequencies convey more data and have more power, but they are ineffective and cannot be transferred over long distances.

The section of the frequency range that contains the majority of the signal energy is known as essential bandwidth. The bandwidth of a device, circuit or component is fractionally divided by its central frequency.

The fractional bandwidth is 50% if the bandwidth is 4 MHz and the centre frequency is 8 MHz.

The average power of the sent signal is known as the transmitted power. The input (message) signal’s channel bandwidth refers to the range of major frequency components available for transmission.

Measurement of Bandwidth of a Signal

In a few technological domains, the measurement of the bandwidth of a signal is a significant concept. It depicts the disparity between upper and lower frequencies in transmission signals, such as radio signals etc., in signal preparation. The assessment of the bandwidth of the signal is performed in Hertz (Hz). Based on the circumstances, the bandwidth of the signal is known as bandpass or base bandwidth.

A system that processes signals can only work over a certain range of frequencies. The system’s reactivity is flat within this frequency range. Outside of this band, the frequency reaction gradually decreases. The cutoff frequency is the point in a system’s frequency response where the energy travelling through it reduces rather than passes through.

The difference between the upper and lower cutoff frequencies is defined as the passband width, while the baseband bandwidth is the highest frequency of the system. The bandwidth of the signal is an important notion in many domains, including electronics, radio, internet technology, information theory, etc.

Applications of Signal Bandwidth

Ultrasound

Sound signals with a frequency of more than 20000 Hz are used in medicine to monitor the health and condition of internal organs, as well as to monitor the development of a foetus during pregnancy.

Radar

Radar is an abbreviation for “Radio Detection And Ranging.” It uses noises with very high frequencies, often in the range of 1 to 3 MHz, in applications like space, defence, engineering and metal research among others.

Conclusion

Thus, bandwidth plays an important role in determining signal quality while reflecting the scope of the appropriate signal performance.The bandwidth of signals also indicates the amount of data that can be transferred over a given period of time. In addition to bandwidth, additional data can be transferred. 

The bandwidth of signals has a different meaning in different contexts, referring to the frequency range at which the signal can work best in the communication system. On the other hand, the Computer system refers to the amount of data transmitted. Bandwidth plays an important role in communication systems, both wired and wireless.