Modulation and Demodulation Techniques
1. Definition and Purpose of Modulation
Definition and Purpose of Modulation
Modulation is the systematic variation of a carrier signal's properties—such as amplitude, frequency, or phase—in accordance with an information-bearing signal. This process enables the efficient transmission of data over communication channels by translating baseband signals to higher frequencies suitable for propagation.
Mathematical Foundation
A carrier wave is typically represented as:
where Ac is the amplitude, fc the frequency, and ϕc the phase of the carrier. When modulated by a message signal m(t), the carrier's parameters are altered proportionally. For amplitude modulation (AM), the modulated signal becomes:
where ka is the amplitude sensitivity of the modulator.
Key Objectives of Modulation
- Frequency Translation: Shifts baseband signals (e.g., audio 20Hz-20kHz) to radio frequencies (e.g., 535-1605kHz for AM broadcast) for effective radiation via antennas, since antenna size scales inversely with frequency.
- Multiplexing: Enables simultaneous transmission of multiple signals through frequency-division multiplexing (FDM), where each signal occupies a distinct frequency band.
- Noise Immunity: Certain modulation schemes (e.g., FM) trade bandwidth for improved signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) through capture effect and threshold extension.
- Power Efficiency: Techniques like single-sideband modulation (SSB) conserve transmitter power by eliminating redundant carrier and sideband components.
Practical Implementation Considerations
In RF systems, modulation depth must be carefully controlled—exceeding 100% in AM causes envelope distortion, while excessive frequency deviation in FM violates spectral masks. Modern software-defined radios implement modulation digitally using I/Q mixers:
where I(t) and Q(t) are the in-phase and quadrature components of the baseband signal. This approach enables seamless switching between modulation types (ASK, FSK, PSK, QAM) through DSP algorithms.
Historical Context
Reginald Fessenden's 1906 amplitude-modulated radio demonstration marked the first intentional use of modulation for voice transmission. Edwin Armstrong's 1933 FM patent later solved AM's susceptibility to static interference, though FM's wider bandwidth delayed widespread adoption until VHF spectrum became available.

Key Parameters in Modulation: Carrier Signal, Message Signal, and Bandwidth
Carrier Signal
The carrier signal is a high-frequency sinusoidal wave that serves as the backbone for transporting the message signal. Mathematically, it is expressed as:
where Ac is the amplitude, fc is the frequency, and ϕc is the phase of the carrier. The choice of fc is critical—higher frequencies enable longer transmission distances but require more complex circuitry. In radio communications, for instance, carrier frequencies range from kHz (AM radio) to GHz (5G networks).
Message Signal
The message signal, or baseband signal, contains the information to be transmitted. It can be analog (e.g., voice, music) or digital (e.g., binary data). For analog signals, the message m(t) typically has a bandwidth B much smaller than fc:
where Am and fm are the amplitude and maximum frequency of the message. Digital messages are often represented as pulse trains, with their bandwidth determined by the symbol rate Rs.
Bandwidth Considerations
Bandwidth (B) defines the range of frequencies occupied by the modulated signal. For amplitude modulation (AM), the bandwidth is twice the message bandwidth:
Frequency modulation (FM) and phase modulation (PM) exhibit more complex bandwidth behavior, described by Carson's rule:
where Δf is the maximum frequency deviation. In digital modulation (e.g., QPSK, QAM), bandwidth efficiency is measured in bits/sec/Hz, with Nyquist's criterion setting the theoretical limit:
Practical Trade-offs
Higher bandwidth allows faster data rates but increases susceptibility to noise and interference. For example, 5G networks use millimeter waves (30–300 GHz) to achieve multi-Gbps speeds but face challenges like atmospheric absorption. Conversely, narrowband systems (e.g., LoRa) prioritize range and power efficiency at the cost of data rate.
Modulation Index
The modulation index (β) quantifies the extent of modulation. For AM:
For FM, it’s the ratio of frequency deviation to message frequency:
A β > 1 (overmodulation) in AM causes distortion, while in FM, it increases bandwidth but improves noise immunity.

Types of Modulation: Analog vs. Digital
Analog Modulation
Analog modulation techniques encode information by continuously varying the amplitude, frequency, or phase of a carrier signal. The three primary types are:
- Amplitude Modulation (AM): The carrier's amplitude varies proportionally with the message signal. The modulated signal is given by:
$$ s(t) = A_c[1 + k_a m(t)]\cos(2\pi f_c t) $$where \( A_c \) is the carrier amplitude, \( k_a \) is the amplitude sensitivity, and \( m(t) \) is the message signal.
- Frequency Modulation (FM): The carrier's frequency varies with the message signal. The instantaneous frequency is:
$$ f_i(t) = f_c + k_f m(t) $$where \( k_f \) is the frequency sensitivity. The resulting FM signal is:$$ s(t) = A_c \cos\left(2\pi f_c t + 2\pi k_f \int_0^t m(\tau) d\tau\right) $$
- Phase Modulation (PM): The carrier's phase varies with the message signal:
$$ s(t) = A_c \cos(2\pi f_c t + k_p m(t)) $$where \( k_p \) is the phase sensitivity.
Analog modulation is susceptible to noise and interference, as any perturbation in the signal's amplitude or phase directly corrupts the information. However, it remains fundamental in legacy systems like AM/FM radio broadcasting.
Digital Modulation
Digital modulation encodes discrete symbols (bits) by altering the carrier's parameters. Key advantages include noise immunity, error correction, and higher spectral efficiency. The main techniques are:
- Amplitude-Shift Keying (ASK): The carrier's amplitude switches between discrete levels representing bits. For binary ASK:
$$ s(t) = \begin{cases} A_c \cos(2\pi f_c t) & \text{for bit 1} \\ 0 & \text{for bit 0} \end{cases} $$
- Frequency-Shift Keying (FSK): The carrier's frequency shifts between discrete values. Binary FSK uses:
$$ s(t) = A_c \cos(2\pi f_i t), \quad f_i = \begin{cases} f_1 & \text{for bit 1} \\ f_0 & \text{for bit 0} \end{cases} $$
- Phase-Shift Keying (PSK): The carrier's phase changes to represent symbols. For Binary PSK (BPSK):
$$ s(t) = A_c \cos(2\pi f_c t + \phi_i), \quad \phi_i = \begin{cases} 0 & \text{for bit 1} \\ \pi & \text{for bit 0} \end{cases} $$Higher-order PSK (e.g., QPSK, 8-PSK) encodes multiple bits per symbol by using more phase states.
- Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM): Combines ASK and PSK to modulate both amplitude and phase. A 16-QAM signal can be expressed as:
$$ s(t) = I(t)\cos(2\pi f_c t) - Q(t)\sin(2\pi f_c t) $$where \( I(t) \) and \( Q(t) \) are in-phase and quadrature components, each taking values from a 4-level set.
Comparison and Applications
Analog modulation is simpler to implement but lacks robustness in noisy environments. Digital modulation, while computationally intensive, enables:
- Error detection/correction: Techniques like forward error correction (FEC) can recover corrupted bits.
- Higher data rates: QAM-256 achieves 8 bits/symbol, compared to 1 bit/symbol in BPSK.
- Spectral efficiency: OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) combines multiple digital subcarriers to maximize bandwidth usage.
Modern systems predominantly use digital modulation, including:
- Wireless communications: 4G/LTE (QPSK, 16-QAM, 64-QAM), 5G (256-QAM).
- Satellite systems: DVB-S2 (QPSK, 8-PSK, 16-APSK).
- Optical networks: DP-QPSK (Dual-Polarization QPSK) in fiber-optic communications.

2. Amplitude Modulation (AM): Principles and Applications
Amplitude Modulation (AM): Principles and Applications
Amplitude Modulation (AM) is a linear modulation technique where the amplitude of a high-frequency carrier signal is varied in proportion to the instantaneous amplitude of the modulating signal. The carrier signal, typically a sinusoidal wave, remains unchanged in frequency and phase, while its envelope mirrors the information-bearing signal.
Mathematical Representation
The standard form of an AM signal is derived from the superposition of the carrier and modulating signals. Let the carrier signal be:
where Ac is the carrier amplitude and fc is the carrier frequency. The modulating signal, often a baseband message, is represented as:
where Am is the message amplitude and fm is its frequency. The modulated signal s(t) is then:
Here, ka is the amplitude sensitivity of the modulator, constrained such that |ka m(t)| ≤ 1 to avoid overmodulation. The modulation index μ is defined as:
For undistorted demodulation, μ ≤ 1. Overmodulation (μ > 1) introduces envelope distortion and requires synchronous detection for recovery.
Frequency Domain Analysis
Fourier transformation of the AM signal reveals its spectral composition. The modulated signal in the frequency domain is:
where M(f) is the Fourier transform of m(t). This results in a carrier component at ±fc and two sidebands (upper and lower) spaced fm from the carrier. The bandwidth B of the AM signal is twice the highest frequency component of m(t):
Power Distribution
The total power PT of an AM signal is distributed between the carrier and sidebands. For a sinusoidal m(t), it is given by:
where Pc = A_c^2 / 2 is the carrier power. The sidebands carry the information, yet the carrier consumes most of the power, making AM inefficient for power-critical applications.
Demodulation Techniques
Envelope detection is the simplest AM demodulation method, employing a diode, capacitor, and resistor to trace the signal envelope. For a modulated signal s(t), the output of an ideal envelope detector is:
Synchronous detection, using a local oscillator phase-locked to the carrier, offers better performance in noisy environments but requires carrier recovery circuitry.
Applications
- Broadcast Radio: AM remains widely used in medium- and short-wave radio transmissions due to its simplicity and compatibility with inexpensive receivers.
- Aeronautical Communication: AM’s resilience to Doppler shifts makes it suitable for air traffic control systems.
- Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM): Modern digital communication systems use AM principles in conjunction with phase modulation for higher spectral efficiency.
Despite its inefficiency, AM’s robustness and historical infrastructure ensure its continued use in specific applications where cost and simplicity outweigh the need for spectral or power efficiency.
This section provides a rigorous, mathematically grounded explanation of AM principles, spectral characteristics, power considerations, demodulation methods, and real-world applications—tailored for advanced readers. The content flows logically from theory to practical implications without redundant explanations.
Frequency Modulation (FM): Theory and Practical Use Cases
Fundamentals of Frequency Modulation
Frequency modulation (FM) encodes information in a carrier wave by varying its instantaneous frequency in proportion to the modulating signal. Unlike amplitude modulation (AM), where the carrier's amplitude changes, FM maintains a constant envelope, making it more resilient to noise and interference. The instantaneous frequency f(t) of an FM signal is given by:
where fc is the carrier frequency, Δf is the frequency deviation (maximum shift from fc), and m(t) is the normalized modulating signal (|m(t)| ≤ 1). The resulting FM waveform is:
Here, the phase term 2πΔf∫m(τ)dτ represents the integral of the modulating signal, emphasizing FM's inherent phase-modulation relationship.
Modulation Index and Bandwidth
The modulation index β quantifies the extent of frequency deviation relative to the modulating signal's bandwidth B:
For sinusoidal modulation (m(t) = cos(2πfmt)), Carson's rule approximates the FM bandwidth BW:
Narrowband FM (β ≪ 1) resembles AM with a slightly wider bandwidth, while wideband FM (β > 1) exhibits significant spectral spreading, enabling superior noise immunity at the cost of bandwidth.
Demodulation Techniques
FM demodulators extract the original signal by converting frequency variations back to amplitude variations. Common methods include:
- Phase-Locked Loop (PLL): A feedback system that locks onto the FM signal's phase, producing a voltage proportional to the frequency deviation.
- Foster-Seeley Discriminator: Uses a tuned circuit to convert frequency shifts into amplitude changes, followed by envelope detection.
- Quadrature Detector: Multiplies the FM signal with a phase-shifted version of itself, yielding a baseband output.
Practical Applications
FM's noise resilience and constant-power特性 make it ideal for:
- Broadcast Radio (88–108 MHz): Delivers high-fidelity audio with minimal static, leveraging wideband FM (Δf = 75 kHz, B = 15 kHz).
- Two-Way Radio (e.g., FRS/GMRS): Uses narrowband FM (Δf = 2.5–5 kHz) for efficient spectrum use in walkie-talkies.
- Telemetry and Biomedical Sensors: FM subcarriers transmit data in ECG monitors and spacecraft telemetry, resisting channel interference.
Historical Context
Edwin Armstrong patented FM in 1933, demonstrating its superiority over AM in a 1935 experiment by broadcasting a violin performance through heavy noise—a milestone in radio history. FM's adoption was delayed by RCA's AM monopoly but became dominant post-WWII due to its audio clarity.
Mathematical Derivation: SNR Advantage
FM's signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) improvement over AM arises from its wider bandwidth. For a sinusoidal carrier with power Pc and noise spectral density N0, the output SNR is:
Contrast this with AM's SNR (Pc/(2N0B)), showing FM's 3β2 advantage at the expense of cubic bandwidth scaling.

2.3 Phase Modulation (PM): Concepts and Comparative Analysis
Fundamental Principles of Phase Modulation
Phase modulation (PM) is an angle modulation technique where the phase of the carrier signal is varied in proportion to the instantaneous amplitude of the modulating signal. The general form of a PM signal is given by:
where:
- \( A_c \) is the carrier amplitude,
- \( f_c \) is the carrier frequency,
- \( k_p \) is the phase sensitivity (rad/V),
- \( m(t) \) is the modulating signal.
Unlike frequency modulation (FM), where the frequency deviation is proportional to the modulating signal, PM directly alters the phase. The instantaneous phase deviation \( \phi(t) \) is:
Mathematical Derivation of PM Spectrum
For a sinusoidal modulating signal \( m(t) = A_m \cos(2\pi f_m t) \), the PM signal becomes:
where \( \beta = k_p A_m \) is the modulation index, representing the peak phase deviation in radians. Expanding this using Bessel functions yields the frequency spectrum:
where \( J_n(\beta) \) are Bessel functions of the first kind. This indicates that PM generates an infinite number of sidebands, similar to FM, but with phase-dependent amplitude scaling.
Comparison with Frequency Modulation (FM)
While PM and FM are both angle modulation techniques, they differ in key aspects:
- Modulation Index: In FM, \( \beta = \frac{\Delta f}{f_m} \), where \( \Delta f \) is the frequency deviation. In PM, \( \beta \) is independent of \( f_m \).
- Frequency Response: FM exhibits a high-pass noise characteristic, whereas PM has a flat noise spectrum.
- Demodulation: FM demodulators (e.g., discriminators) are more common, while PM requires phase-locked loops (PLLs) or coherent detection.
Practical Applications of Phase Modulation
PM is widely used in:
- Digital Communications: Phase-shift keying (PSK) variants (BPSK, QPSK) are fundamental in wireless and satellite systems.
- Radar Systems: PM improves resolution in pulse-compression radar.
- Optical Communications: Differential phase modulation enhances fiber-optic data transmission.
Phase Noise and Stability Considerations
Phase noise, a critical limitation in PM systems, arises from oscillator instabilities and is quantified as:
where \( S_\phi(f) \) is the power spectral density of phase fluctuations. Low-noise oscillators and PLL-based stabilization are essential for high-performance PM systems.

3. Amplitude Shift Keying (ASK): Basics and Performance Metrics
Amplitude Shift Keying (ASK): Basics and Performance Metrics
Fundamental Principles of ASK
Amplitude Shift Keying (ASK) is a digital modulation scheme where the amplitude of a carrier signal is varied in discrete steps to represent binary data. The simplest form, Binary ASK (BASK), uses two amplitude levels: zero (for binary 0) and a fixed non-zero value (for binary 1). The modulated signal can be expressed as:
where Ac is the carrier amplitude, fc is the carrier frequency, and m(t) is the binary message signal (0 or 1). The power spectral density (PSD) of BASK reveals a main lobe bandwidth of 2Rb, where Rb is the bit rate.
Modulation and Demodulation Techniques
ASK modulation is typically implemented using a double-sideband suppressed-carrier (DSB-SC) approach. A balanced mixer multiplies the carrier with the binary signal, suppressing the carrier component. Demodulation can be coherent (synchronous detection) or non-coherent (envelope detection):
- Coherent detection requires phase synchronization with the carrier. The received signal is multiplied by a local oscillator and low-pass filtered:
- Non-coherent detection uses an envelope detector (diode + RC circuit), sacrificing noise performance for simplicity.
Performance Metrics
1. Bit Error Rate (BER)
The probability of bit error in ASK under additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) is derived from the Q-function. For coherent detection:
where Eb is the energy per bit and N0 is the noise power spectral density. For non-coherent detection, BER degrades to:
2. Bandwidth Efficiency
ASK’s spectral efficiency is limited by its wide main lobe (twice the bit rate). For BASK:
3. Power Efficiency
ASK is less power-efficient than FSK or PSK due to its susceptibility to amplitude noise. The required Eb/N0 for a BER of 10−6 is ~13.5 dB (coherent) and ~16.5 dB (non-coherent).
Practical Considerations
ASK is used in low-cost RF applications like RFID tags (ISO 14443) and optical communications (e.g., IR remote controls). Its simplicity in transmitter design is offset by poor noise immunity, making it unsuitable for high-reliability systems. Modern variants like On-Off Keying (OOK) improve power efficiency by fully suppressing the carrier for 0 bits.

Frequency Shift Keying (FSK): Implementation and Advantages
Fundamentals of FSK
Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) is a digital modulation scheme where the frequency of the carrier signal is varied in discrete steps to represent binary data. A binary 1 is transmitted as one frequency (f₁), while a binary 0 is transmitted as another frequency (f₂). The modulated signal can be expressed as:
where A is the amplitude of the carrier signal, and f₁ and f₂ are the two distinct frequencies separated by the frequency deviation Δf = |f₂ − f₁|.
Implementation of FSK
FSK can be generated using either a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) or by switching between two independent oscillators. The most common implementation involves:
- Direct Modulation: A VCO is driven by the binary input signal, where a high voltage level shifts the oscillator to f₁ and a low level shifts it to f₂.
- Switched Oscillator Method: Two separate oscillators are used, and a digital switch selects the appropriate frequency based on the input bit.
The spectral efficiency of FSK depends on the modulation index h, defined as:
where Rb is the bit rate. For coherent detection, the minimum frequency separation to maintain orthogonality is Δf = Rb/2, resulting in h = 1.
Demodulation Techniques
FSK demodulation can be performed using:
- Coherent Detection: Requires phase synchronization with the transmitted carrier, using correlators or matched filters to distinguish between f₁ and f₂.
- Non-Coherent Detection: Uses envelope detectors or frequency discriminators, making it simpler but less noise-resistant.
A common non-coherent method is the quadrature receiver, which employs two bandpass filters centered at f₁ and f₂, followed by envelope detectors and a comparator.
Advantages of FSK
FSK offers several benefits in digital communication systems:
- Noise Immunity: Performs well in low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) environments compared to amplitude-based modulation.
- Simple Implementation: Requires minimal hardware, especially in non-coherent systems.
- Constant Envelope: The amplitude remains unchanged, making it resilient to nonlinear distortions in power amplifiers.
Applications of FSK
FSK is widely used in:
- Telemetry Systems: Due to its robustness in noisy channels.
- Wireless Sensor Networks: Low-power FSK variants (e.g., GFSK) are common in Bluetooth and Zigbee.
- RFID and NFC: Used for short-range data transmission.
The modulation scheme is also prevalent in legacy systems such as analog telephone line modems (e.g., Bell 103/202 standards).

Phase Shift Keying (PSK): Variants and Applications
Fundamentals of Phase Shift Keying
Phase Shift Keying (PSK) modulates the phase of a carrier signal to represent digital data. The transmitted signal for a binary PSK (BPSK) system is given by:
where ϕi takes discrete values (e.g., 0° and 180° for BPSK). The phase transitions encode the bitstream, with demodulation achieved using coherent detection. The error probability in an additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel is:
Key PSK Variants
Binary PSK (BPSK)
Uses two phases (0° and 180°), offering robustness at the cost of spectral efficiency. BPSK is prevalent in deep-space communications and RFID systems due to its noise immunity.
Quadrature PSK (QPSK)
Doubles spectral efficiency by encoding two bits per symbol using four phases (45°, 135°, 225°, 315°). The modulated signal is:
QPSK is widely used in satellite communications and 4G/5G networks.
Differential PSK (DPSK)
Encodes information in phase differences rather than absolute phases, eliminating the need for coherent reference signals at the receiver. DPSK trades a ~3 dB SNR penalty for reduced complexity.
Higher-Order PSK Schemes
M-PSK generalizes the concept to M phases, with 8-PSK and 16-PSK common in high-throughput systems. The constellation points for M-PSK lie on a circle, with angular spacing of 2π/M. The symbol error rate is approximated by:
where γs is the symbol SNR. Higher-order PSK is sensitive to phase noise and nonlinearities, requiring careful system design.
Applications and Trade-offs
- Satellite Communications: QPSK dominates due to its balance between efficiency and power requirements.
- Optical Networks: Differential QPSK (DQPSK) mitigates laser phase noise in coherent fiber-optic systems.
- Wi-Fi Standards: 802.11ac/ax employ 256-QAM alongside PSK for adaptive modulation.
Practical implementations often combine PSK with forward error correction (e.g., LDPC codes) and pulse shaping (e.g., raised cosine filters) to minimize inter-symbol interference.

3.4 Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM): Combining Amplitude and Phase
Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) is a modulation scheme that encodes data by varying both the amplitude and phase of a carrier signal. It achieves higher spectral efficiency than pure amplitude or phase modulation alone, making it widely used in modern digital communication systems such as Wi-Fi, cable modems, and 5G networks.
Mathematical Representation of QAM
A QAM signal can be expressed as:
where:
- I(t) is the in-phase component (amplitude modulation on the cosine carrier),
- Q(t) is the quadrature component (amplitude modulation on the sine carrier),
- fc is the carrier frequency.
The modulated signal can also be represented in polar form:
where:
- A(t) = √(I(t)² + Q(t)²) is the envelope amplitude,
- ϕ(t) = arctan(Q(t)/I(t)) is the phase shift.
Constellation Diagrams
QAM signals are often visualized using a constellation diagram, where each point represents a unique combination of amplitude and phase. For example:
In this 4-QAM (QPSK) example, four symbols are represented by distinct phase shifts (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°). Higher-order QAM schemes, such as 16-QAM or 64-QAM, encode more bits per symbol by increasing the number of amplitude and phase combinations.
Modulation and Demodulation Process
Modulation
The QAM modulator follows these steps:
- Split the input bitstream into in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) components.
- Map each component to a discrete amplitude level (e.g., ±1, ±3 in 16-QAM).
- Multiply I(t) by a cosine carrier and Q(t) by a sine carrier.
- Sum the two modulated signals to produce the final QAM waveform.
Demodulation
The QAM demodulator reverses the process:
- Multiply the received signal by cosine and sine carriers (coherent detection).
- Apply low-pass filters to extract I(t) and Q(t).
- Quantize the filtered signals to recover the transmitted symbols.
- Reconstruct the original bitstream from the decoded symbols.
Performance and Trade-offs
QAM offers superior spectral efficiency compared to single-dimensional modulation schemes. However, higher-order QAM (e.g., 256-QAM) is more susceptible to noise and requires a higher signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The bit error rate (BER) for M-QAM in an AWGN channel is approximated by:
where Q(x) is the Q-function, Eb/N0 is the energy per bit to noise power spectral density ratio, and M is the number of symbols.
Applications
QAM is extensively used in:
- Digital television (DVB-C, ATSC 3.0) – 64-QAM and 256-QAM for high-definition broadcasts.
- Cable modems (DOCSIS) – 16-QAM to 1024-QAM for high-speed data transmission.
- 5G and Wi-Fi (802.11ac/ax) – 256-QAM and 1024-QAM for increased throughput.
Adaptive modulation techniques dynamically adjust the QAM order based on channel conditions, optimizing data rate and reliability.

4. Principles of Demodulation: Extracting the Original Signal
Principles of Demodulation: Extracting the Original Signal
Fundamental Demodulation Process
Demodulation reverses the modulation process, recovering the baseband signal m(t) from the modulated carrier s(t). For amplitude modulation (AM), this involves rectification and envelope detection:
where Ac is the carrier amplitude, ka the amplitude sensitivity, and fc the carrier frequency. The demodulator must eliminate the carrier component while preserving the envelope containing m(t).
Synchronous Detection
Coherent demodulation requires a local oscillator synchronized with the carrier. The received signal mixes with a phase-locked replica:
Low-pass filtering removes the 2fc component, leaving the baseband signal. This method achieves superior noise immunity but requires precise carrier recovery circuits.
Envelope Detection
Non-coherent AM demodulation uses a diode rectifier and RC network. The diode removes negative halves, while the RC circuit tracks the envelope:
where B is the signal bandwidth. Practical implementations often use precision envelope detectors with operational amplifiers to minimize distortion.
Phase-Locked Loops in FM Demodulation
For frequency modulation, a phase-locked loop (PLL) tracks instantaneous frequency deviations. The VCO control voltage becomes proportional to the message signal:
where kf is the modulator sensitivity and kv the VCO gain. Modern implementations use digital PLLs with software-defined radios.
Quadrature Demodulation for Digital Signals
IQ demodulators separate in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) components for complex modulation schemes:
This technique enables demodulation of QAM, OFDM, and other advanced formats used in 5G and WiFi systems.
Practical Considerations
- Phase noise in local oscillators degrades error performance in coherent systems
- Nonlinearities in envelope detectors introduce harmonic distortion
- Carrier recovery circuits add complexity but improve SNR by 3 dB over non-coherent methods

Demodulation Methods for Analog Signals: Envelope Detection and Synchronous Detection
Envelope Detection
Envelope detection is a simple yet effective method for demodulating amplitude-modulated (AM) signals. It operates by extracting the envelope of the modulated signal, which corresponds to the original baseband message. The process can be mathematically described as follows:
where Ac is the carrier amplitude, m(t) is the message signal, and ωc is the carrier frequency. A practical envelope detector consists of:
- A diode for half-wave rectification
- A low-pass filter (typically an RC circuit) to remove the carrier frequency
- A capacitor to smooth the output waveform
The time constant τ = RC must be carefully chosen: too small causes ripple, while too large distorts rapid signal changes. For a carrier frequency fc and maximum message frequency fm, the optimal range is:
Envelope detectors are widely used in AM radio receivers due to their simplicity and low cost. However, they are susceptible to noise and perform poorly with suppressed-carrier AM signals.
Synchronous Detection
Synchronous detection (or coherent demodulation) offers superior performance by mixing the received signal with a phase-locked local oscillator. The mathematical foundation is:
Using trigonometric identities, this expands to:
Low-pass filtering removes the 2ωc component, leaving:
The critical requirement is phase synchronization (φ ≈ 0). Even small phase errors cause:
- Signal attenuation proportional to cos(φ)
- Distortion in quadrature-amplitude modulated signals
Modern implementations use phase-locked loops (PLLs) or Costas loops for carrier recovery. Synchronous detection provides:
- 3-6 dB better noise performance than envelope detection
- Ability to demodulate suppressed-carrier signals (DSB-SC, SSB)
- Lower distortion for wideband signals
In practice, synchronous detectors are used in high-fidelity receivers, digital communication systems, and instrumentation applications where signal integrity is critical.
Performance Comparison
The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) advantage of synchronous detection becomes apparent when analyzing both methods in noisy channels. For a given input SNRi:
| Method | Output SNR | Noise Bandwidth |
|---|---|---|
| Envelope Detection | $$ \text{SNR}_o \approx \frac{\text{SNR}_i^2}{1 + 2\text{SNR}_i} $$ | 2B (B = message bandwidth) |
| Synchronous Detection | $$ \text{SNR}_o = \text{SNR}_i $$ | B |
This shows synchronous detection maintains linear SNR scaling, while envelope detection exhibits threshold effects at low SNR. The narrower noise bandwidth also provides inherent filtering advantages.

4.3 Demodulation Methods for Digital Signals: Coherent and Non-Coherent Detection
Coherent Detection
Coherent detection requires precise synchronization between the transmitter and receiver, both in frequency and phase. The receiver uses a local oscillator (LO) that matches the carrier signal's phase and frequency. For a received signal r(t) modulated via Binary Phase-Shift Keying (BPSK), the demodulated signal is obtained by multiplying r(t) with the LO and integrating over the symbol period T:
Low-pass filtering removes the high-frequency component, leaving the baseband signal proportional to cos(ϕ(t)). For BPSK, where ϕ(t) ∈ {0, π}, the decision rule is:
Coherent detection maximizes signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) but is sensitive to phase errors. A phase-locked loop (PLL) is often used to maintain synchronization.
Non-Coherent Detection
Non-coherent detection does not require phase synchronization, making it simpler but less noise-resistant. It is commonly used in Differential Phase-Shift Keying (DPSK) and Frequency-Shift Keying (FSK). For DPSK, the demodulator compares the phase difference between consecutive symbols:
The decision is based on:
For FSK, envelope detection or frequency discriminators extract the transmitted frequency directly without phase alignment. Non-coherent methods trade SNR performance for reduced complexity.
Performance Comparison
The bit error rate (BER) for coherent BPSK in additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) is:
For non-coherent DPSK, the BER is approximately:
Coherent detection provides a 3 dB SNR advantage over non-coherent methods but requires precise carrier recovery. The choice depends on system constraints, such as power efficiency, complexity, and channel conditions.
Practical Implementations
- Costas Loop: A widely used coherent detector for BPSK/QPSK that recovers carrier phase without a pilot signal.
- Delay-and-Multiply Demodulator: A non-coherent DPSK demodulator that exploits phase differences between symbols.
- Limiter-Discriminator: Used in FSK systems to convert frequency deviations into baseband signals.
Modern software-defined radios (SDRs) often implement these algorithms digitally, using adaptive filtering and synchronization techniques to optimize performance.

5. Spread Spectrum Techniques: DSSS and FHSS
5.1 Spread Spectrum Techniques: DSSS and FHSS
Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS)
Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) modulates the data signal by multiplying it with a high-rate pseudorandom noise (PN) code, spreading the signal's bandwidth. The PN code, typically a binary sequence with a chip rate much higher than the data rate, ensures that the transmitted signal occupies a wider bandwidth than necessary. The mathematical representation of the DSSS signal s(t) is:
where d(t) is the data signal, c(t) is the PN code, f_c is the carrier frequency, and ϕ is the phase offset. The processing gain G_p, a key metric in DSSS, quantifies the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) improvement and is given by:
Here, R_c is the chip rate, and R_d is the data rate. Practical applications of DSSS include Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11b), GPS, and military communications, where resistance to interference and jamming is critical.
Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS)
Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) achieves bandwidth spreading by rapidly switching the carrier frequency across a predefined set of channels in a pseudorandom sequence synchronized between transmitter and receiver. The hopping pattern is determined by a PN code, and the dwell time (time spent on each frequency) is typically much shorter than the data symbol duration. The transmitted signal can be expressed as:
where f_i(t) represents the time-varying carrier frequency. FHSS systems are classified into:
- Slow Hopping: Multiple data bits transmitted per frequency hop.
- Fast Hopping: Multiple hops occur within a single data bit period.
FHSS is widely used in Bluetooth, military radios, and legacy Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11) due to its robustness against narrowband interference and multipath fading.
Comparison of DSSS and FHSS
The choice between DSSS and FHSS depends on the application requirements:
- DSSS: Higher processing gain, better multipath resistance, but vulnerable to narrowband interference.
- FHSS: Superior resistance to narrowband interference and eavesdropping, but lower spectral efficiency.
A key trade-off is complexity: DSSS requires precise synchronization of the PN code, while FHSS demands accurate frequency synthesizer agility.
Practical Implementation Considerations
In real-world systems, synchronization and channel estimation are critical. For DSSS, a matched filter or correlator recovers the original signal by cross-correlating the received signal with the known PN code. In FHSS, frequency synthesizers must switch rapidly with minimal phase discontinuity. Modern implementations often use software-defined radio (SDR) platforms for flexibility.
Both techniques are foundational to cognitive radio and 5G systems, where dynamic spectrum access and interference mitigation are paramount.

5.2 Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM): Principles and Modern Applications
Fundamental Principles of OFDM
Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) is a multi-carrier modulation technique that divides a high-rate data stream into multiple parallel lower-rate substreams, each modulated onto a separate subcarrier. The key innovation in OFDM is the orthogonality of subcarriers, which ensures minimal inter-carrier interference (ICI) despite overlapping spectra. Mathematically, the orthogonality condition is expressed as:
where T is the symbol duration and fn, fm are the frequencies of the subcarriers. This orthogonality is achieved by spacing subcarriers at intervals of Δf = 1/T, ensuring that the peak of one subcarrier coincides with the nulls of others.
Mathematical Foundation
The transmitted OFDM signal s(t) can be represented as:
where Xk is the complex symbol modulating the k-th subcarrier, N is the number of subcarriers, and fk = f0 + kΔf. The discrete equivalent, implemented using the Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT), is:
This transformation allows efficient digital implementation, reducing computational complexity from O(N²) to O(N log N).
Cyclic Prefix and Robustness to Multipath
OFDM mitigates intersymbol interference (ISI) caused by multipath propagation through the insertion of a cyclic prefix (CP). The CP is a copy of the last portion of the OFDM symbol prepended to the beginning, ensuring that the linear convolution with the channel impulse response becomes circular. The required CP length TCP must exceed the maximum delay spread τmax of the channel:
This preserves orthogonality and simplifies equalization to a per-subcarrier scaling operation in the frequency domain.
Modern Applications
OFDM is the foundation of numerous contemporary wireless and wired communication systems due to its spectral efficiency and robustness to frequency-selective fading:
- 4G/LTE and 5G NR: OFDM (with CP-OFDM) is used in the downlink, while DFT-s-OFDM (a single-carrier variant) is employed in the uplink to reduce peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR).
- Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11a/g/n/ac/ax): OFDM enables high data rates in multipath-rich indoor environments.
- Digital Subscriber Line (DSL): OFDM mitigates interference in copper wire channels.
- Digital Broadcasting (DVB-T, DAB): OFDM provides resilience to multipath in terrestrial TV and radio.
Challenges and Mitigations
Despite its advantages, OFDM faces several challenges:
- High Peak-to-Average Power Ratio (PAPR): The superposition of subcarriers can lead to high signal peaks, requiring linear power amplifiers. Techniques like clipping, companding, and selective mapping (SLM) are used to reduce PAPR.
- Sensitivity to Carrier Frequency Offset (CFO): Small frequency mismatches between transmitter and receiver disrupt orthogonality. Pilot-based estimation and compensation algorithms are essential.
- Phase Noise: Local oscillator imperfections introduce inter-carrier interference (ICI). Advanced phase-tracking loops and robust modulation schemes (e.g., QPSK over 64-QAM) are employed in high-phase-noise scenarios.
Future Directions
Emerging variants like Filter Bank Multi-Carrier (FBMC) and Generalized Frequency Division Multiplexing (GFDM) aim to address OFDM’s limitations, particularly in 5G and beyond. These techniques offer improved spectral confinement and reduced out-of-band emissions, critical for dynamic spectrum sharing and ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC).

5.3 Error Correction and Noise Immunity in Modulation Schemes
Fundamentals of Noise in Communication Systems
Noise in communication systems arises from thermal agitation, shot noise, and external interference. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is a critical metric, defined as:
where Ps is the signal power and Pn is the noise power. In digital modulation, SNR directly impacts the bit error rate (BER), which quantifies the probability of incorrect bit detection.
Error Correction Techniques
Error correction codes (ECCs) enhance noise immunity by introducing redundancy. Two primary categories exist:
- Forward Error Correction (FEC): Adds redundant bits to correct errors without retransmission. Common FEC codes include Hamming, Reed-Solomon, and Low-Density Parity-Check (LDPC).
- Automatic Repeat Request (ARQ): Detects errors and requests retransmission. Hybrid ARQ combines FEC and ARQ for efficiency.
Modulation Schemes and Noise Immunity
Different modulation schemes exhibit varying noise resilience:
- Frequency-Shift Keying (FSK): Resistant to amplitude noise due to constant envelope.
- Phase-Shift Keying (PSK): Higher spectral efficiency but sensitive to phase noise.
- Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM): Combines amplitude and phase modulation, offering high data rates but requiring high SNR.
Mathematical Analysis of BER for BPSK
The BER for Binary Phase-Shift Keying (BPSK) in an additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel is derived from the Q-function:
where Eb is the energy per bit and N0 is the noise spectral density. The Q-function represents the tail probability of the Gaussian distribution.
Practical Applications and Trade-offs
In satellite communications, LDPC codes are favored for their near-Shannon-limit performance. For wireless systems like 5G, polar codes are adopted due to their scalability and low latency. Trade-offs between bandwidth, power, and complexity must be carefully balanced in real-world implementations.
Advanced Techniques: Spread Spectrum and OFDM
Spread Spectrum: Techniques like Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) and Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) improve noise immunity by spreading the signal over a wider bandwidth.
Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing (OFDM): Divides the channel into orthogonal subcarriers, reducing inter-symbol interference (ISI) and improving robustness against frequency-selective fading.
where Xk is the modulated symbol on the k-th subcarrier and Δf is the subcarrier spacing.

6. Key Textbooks and Research Papers
6.1 Key Textbooks and Research Papers
- PDF Fundamentals of Digital Communication - Cambridge University Press ... — 2.5.4 Linear modulation as a building block 54 2.6 Orthogonal and biorthogonal modulation 55 2.7 Differential modulation 57 2.8 Further reading 60 2.9 Problems 60 2.9.1 Signals and systems 60 2.9.2 Complex baseband representation 62 2.9.3 Random processes 64 2.9.4 Modulation 66 3 Demodulation 74 3.1 Gaussian basics 75 3.2 Hypothesis testing ...
- PDF Digital Modulation UNIT 6 DIGITAL MODULATION AND and Demodulation ... — modulation (PAM) and pulse time modulation (PTM) techniques with the schemes of their implementation. The pulse time modulation can be in the form of pulse width (duration) modulation (PWM) or pulse position (on time axis) modulation (PPM). The analog modulations of a carrier sine wave with a digital signal are called shift keying techniques.
- Modulation and Coding Techniques in Wireless Communications — MODULATION AND CODING TECHNIQUES IN WIRELESS ... Wiley also publishes its books in a variety of electronic formats. Some content that appears in print may not be available in electronic books. ... 10.6.1 Key PHY Features of the IEEE 802.16e 398 10.6.2 IEEE 802.16m 400 References 428
- 6 Amplitude Shift Keying Modulation, Demodulation, and Performance ... — 6 AMPLITUDE SHIFT KEYING MODULATION, DEMODULATION, AND PERFORMANCE 6.1 INTRODUCTION. This chapter discusses communication waveforms involving various forms of amplitude shift keying (ASK). As used here ASK is a general term that applies to the modulation of a carrier signal with discrete amplitudes that uniquely identify a symbol of binary data or bits.
- PDF Channels, modulation, and demodulation — Channels, modulation, and demodulation 6.1 Introduction Digital modulation (or channel encoding) is the process of converting an input sequence of bits into a waveform suitable for transmission over a communication channel. Demodulation (channel decoding) is the corresponding process at the receiver of converting the received waveform into a
- 6 - Channels, modulation, and demodulation - Cambridge University Press ... — Demodulation (channel decoding) is the corresponding process at the receiver of converting the received waveform into a (perhaps noisy) replica of the input bit sequence. Chapter 1 discussed the reasons for using a bit sequence as the interface between an arbitrary source and an arbitrary channel, and Chapters 2 and 3 discussed how to encode ...
- PDF Wireless Communications Principles and Practice — Demodulation of AM Signals AM demodulation techniques may be broadly divided into two categories: coherent and noncoherent demodulation. Coherent demodulation requires knowledge of the transmitted carrier frequency and phase at the receiver, whereas noncoherent detection requires no phase information.
- PDF DigitalModulation Techniques - Springer — 364 Digital Modulation Techniques known as amplitude-shift keying (ASK), frequency-shift keying (FSK), and phase-shift keying (PSK). These digital modulation techniques can be char acterized by their transmitted symbols, which have a discrete set of values M and occur at regularly spaced intervals T. The choice of digital modu
- PDF Unit-6: Digital Modulation Techniques 6.1 Concept of Multiplexing ... — DEMODULATION- Detection or demodulation is the process of recovering original message signal from the modulated waveform. There are 2 types of detection technique. 1) Coherent Detection 2) Non- coherent Detection oherent A demodulator- The demodulation of binary ASK waveform can be achieved with the help of coherent detector.
- PDF Chapter 6 Introduction to Modulation - Springer — inset of the dotted block. As shown in the figure, modulation is performed at the transmit side, and demodulation is performed at the receive side. This is the final stage of any radio communication system. The preceding two stages have been discussed elaborately in my previous book in this series [1, 2].
6.2 Online Resources and Tutorials
- PDF Fundamentals of Digital Communication - Cambridge University Press ... — 2.5.4 Linear modulation as a building block 54 2.6 Orthogonal and biorthogonal modulation 55 2.7 Differential modulation 57 2.8 Further reading 60 2.9 Problems 60 2.9.1 Signals and systems 60 2.9.2 Complex baseband representation 62 2.9.3 Random processes 64 2.9.4 Modulation 66 3 Demodulation 74 3.1 Gaussian basics 75 3.2 Hypothesis testing ...
- PDF PHYS 3250 Introduction to space communications 3 - York University — 6. Modulation and multiplexing techniques 6.1 Introduction to analogue and digital modulation 6.2 Analogue modulation 6.3 Frequency division multiplexing 6.4 Digital baseband signal 6.5 Digital modulation 6.6 Time division multiplexing 6
- PDF Digital Modulation UNIT 6 DIGITAL MODULATION AND and Demodulation ... — modulation (PAM) and pulse time modulation (PTM) techniques with the schemes of their implementation. The pulse time modulation can be in the form of pulse width (duration) modulation (PWM) or pulse position (on time axis) modulation (PPM). The analog modulations of a carrier sine wave with a digital signal are called shift keying techniques.
- Digital Modulation in Communication Systems Online Course Tutorial — 6. 2.1 - Amplitude Modulation , AM, Amplitude Demodulation, AM Applications ... 9. 2.2.2- FM Demodulation , Slope Detector , FM Pros and Cons; 10. 2.3- Phase Modulation, PM , FM vs PM , PM Demodulation; Digital Modulation. 11. Bit Rate , Baud Rate , Binary & M-ary Data, Nyquest Formula , Channel Capacity ... This tutorial will introduce you ...
- Modulation in Communication System for RF Engineers RAHRF152 — 6. 2.1 - Amplitude Modulation , AM, Amplitude Demodulation, AM Applications ... , FM, Spectrum, FM Specs, High Index; 9. 2.2.2- FM Demodulation , Slope Detector , FM Pros and Cons; 10. 2.3- Phase Modulation, PM , FM vs PM , PM Demodulation; Digital Modulation. 11. Bit Rate , Baud Rate , Binary & M-ary Data, Nyquest Formula , Channel Capacity ...
- Chapter 6 - Channels, Modulation and Demodulation, PPT, ADC ... - EduRev — The Chapter 6 - Channels, Modulation and Demodulation, PPT, ADC, Semester, Engineering is an invaluable resource that delves deep into the core of the Computer Science Engineering (CSE) exam. These study notes are curated by experts and cover all the essential topics and concepts, making your preparation more efficient and effective.
- PDF Channels, modulation, and demodulation - MIT OpenCourseWare — CHANNELS, MODULATION, AND DEMODULATION of binary PAM where the basic pulse shape p(t) is a sinc function. Comparing (6.1) with (6.3), we see that PAM is a special case of digital modulation in which the underlying set of functions φ 1(t),φ 2(t),... , is replaced by functions that are T-spaced time shifts of a basic function p(t).
- PDF Unit-6: Digital Modulation Techniques 6.1 Concept of Multiplexing ... — DEMODULATION- Detection or demodulation is the process of recovering original message signal from the modulated waveform. There are 2 types of detection technique. 1) Coherent Detection 2) Non- coherent Detection oherent A demodulator- The demodulation of binary ASK waveform can be achieved with the help of coherent detector.
- ECE 359-Experiment 2 (DSB-SC Modulation/Demodulation) — Adjust the demodulator oscillator amplitude (i.e. use a factor of 2) to make the demodulator output v(t) equal in amplitude to the input m(t). Look at the Fourier transforms of m(t), s(t), v(t). Use the scope block to see the time characteristics of the signals. III. Nonlinear Modulator/Demodulator Figure 4.3 of text. (You need to design the ...
- Digital Modulation Techniques - SpringerLink — 6.2.2 ASK Modulator. As discussed in the previous section, the digital information is the controller of the amplitude of the fixed frequency sinusoid. When logic 1 is to be transmitted, output of the modulator is sine wave with amplitude A c (1+m), similarly logic 0 is transmitted in terms of a sinusoid (i.e. single tone or monotone signal) of amplitude A c (1−m).
6.3 Industry Standards and Case Studies
- Single-sideband Suppressed-carrier Modulation and Demodulation ... — Academic Journal of Science and Technology 6(3):147-156; July 2023; 6(3):147-156 ... modulation and demodulation techniques. The article discusses the principles, fundamental methods, and circuits ...
- PDF Digital Modulation UNIT 6 DIGITAL MODULATION AND and Demodulation ... — modulation (PAM) and pulse time modulation (PTM) techniques with the schemes of their implementation. The pulse time modulation can be in the form of pulse width (duration) modulation (PWM) or pulse position (on time axis) modulation (PPM). The analog modulations of a carrier sine wave with a digital signal are called shift keying techniques.
- Chapter 6 - Channels, Modulation and Demodulation, PPT, ADC ... - EduRev — Full syllabus notes, lecture and questions for Chapter 6 - Channels, Modulation and Demodulation, PPT, ADC, Semester ... is a sinc function. Comparing (6.1) with (6.3), we see that PAM is a special case of digital modulation in which the underlying set of functions φ1(t),φ2(t),... , is replaced by functions that are T-spaced time shifts of a ...
- PDF Channels, modulation, and demodulation - MIT OpenCourseWare — CHANNELS, MODULATION, AND DEMODULATION of binary PAM where the basic pulse shape p(t) is a sinc function. Comparing (6.1) with (6.3), we see that PAM is a special case of digital modulation in which the underlying set of functions φ 1(t),φ 2(t),... , is replaced by functions that are T-spaced time shifts of a basic function p(t).
- PDF Chapter 6 Introduction to Modulation - Springer — Introduction to Modulation Topics † Background † Modulation by Analog Signal † AM and FM Bandwidth at a Glance † Modulation by Digital Signal † ASK, FSK and PSK Bandwidth at a Glance 6.1 Background Modulation is a technique that changes the characteristics of the carrier frequency in accordance to the input signal.
- Chapter 6 Channels, modulation, and - Academia.edu — CHANNELS, MODULATION, AND DEMODULATION of binary PAM where the basic pulse shape p(t) is a sinc function. Comparing (6.1) with (6.3), we see that PAM is a special case of digital modulation in which the underlying set of functions φ1 (t), φ2 (t), . . . , is replaced by functions that are T spaced time shifts of a basic function p(t).
- PDF Unit-6: Digital Modulation Techniques 6.1 Concept of Multiplexing ... — DEMODULATION- Detection or demodulation is the process of recovering original message signal from the modulated waveform. There are 2 types of detection technique. 1) Coherent Detection 2) Non- coherent Detection oherent A demodulator- The demodulation of binary ASK waveform can be achieved with the help of coherent detector.
- Modulation Methods, Cable Modems, and FTTH | SpringerLink — Amplitude Shift Keying (ASK) In Amplitude Shift Keying (ASK), the amplitude of the signal changes. This is also referred to as Amplitude Modulation (AM). The receiver recognizes these modulation changes as voltage changes, as shown in Fig. 6.3.The smaller amplitude is represented by zero and the larger amplitude is represented by one.Each cycle is represented by one bit, with the maximum bits ...
- PDF Digital Modulation in Communications Systems - An Introduction — Amplitude modulation (AM) changes only the magnitude of the signal. Phase modulation (PM) changes only the phase of the signal. Amplitude and phase modulation can be used together. Frequency modulation (FM) looks similar to phase modulation, though frequency is the controlled parameter, rather than relative phase. 8 Phase Mag 0 deg Phase Mag 0 deg
- Digital Modulation Techniques - SpringerLink — 6.2.2 ASK Modulator. As discussed in the previous section, the digital information is the controller of the amplitude of the fixed frequency sinusoid. When logic 1 is to be transmitted, output of the modulator is sine wave with amplitude A c (1+m), similarly logic 0 is transmitted in terms of a sinusoid (i.e. single tone or monotone signal) of amplitude A c (1−m).







