Types of Modulation (Classification of Modulation)

Here we will discuss what is modulation and different types of modulation. 
So let's first see the definition of modulation and it's classification -

Definition of Modulation

Modulation is a process by which some characteristic (amplitude/frequency or phase) of a high frequency carrier wave is varied in accordance with the instantaneous value of the message signal (modulating signal).

Now we will see the classification of modulation-

Types of Modulation

Types of Modulation

Modulation can be classified broadly into two types -
*Continuous wave modulation
*Pulse modulation

Continuous Wave Modulation 

In this type of modulation the carrier wave is continuous. Continuous wave modulation is a technique of modulation where some parameter (amplitude, frequency or phase) of a sinusoidal carrier is varied in accordance with the instantaneous value of the modulating signal.

Pulse Modulation

In the pulse modulation the carrier wave is in the form of pulses. In Pulse modulation some parameter (amplitude, width or position) of the pulsed carrier wave is varied as per the instantaneous value of the modulating signal.

The continuous wave modulation can again be classified into two types-
*Amplitude Modulation (AM)
*Angle Modulation

Amplitude Modulation

Message Signal and the Carrier Wave

Amplitude Modulated Wave (AM Signal)

In amplitude modulation the amplitude of the carrier wave is varied according to the instantaneous value of the modulating (message) signal. Therefore the information is present in the amplitude variations of the carrier wave.

Angle Modulation 
It may be defined as the process in which the total phase angle of a carrier wave is varied in accordance with the instantaneous value of the modulating signal.

The Angle modulation is again of two types-
*Frequency Modulation (FM)
*Phase Modulation (PM)

Frequency Modulation

Frequency Modulation (FM)

In frequency modulation, the frequency of the carrier wave is varied in accordance with the instantaneous value of the modulating signal.

Phase modulation

Phase Modulation (PM)

In Phase modulation, the phase of the carrier wave is varied according to the instantaneous value of the modulating signal (message signal).

Now let's discuss the pulse modulation

Pulse Modulation
In Pulse modulation some parameter (amplitude, width or position) of the pulsed carrier wave is varied as per the instantaneous value of the modulating signal.

Pulse modulation is of 3 types
*Pulse Amplitude Modulation (PAM)
*Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)/Pulse Duration Modulation (PDM)
*Pulse Position Modulation (PPM)

Pulse Amplitude Modulation

Pulse Amplitude Modulation (PAM)

In pulse amplitude modulation, the amplitude of the pulsed carrier wave is varied according to the modulating signal value.

Pulse Width Modulation

Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)/Pulse Duration Modulation (PDM)

In this type of modulation, the width of the pulsed carrier is varied as per the value of the modulating signal

Pulse Position Modulation

Pulse Position Modulation (PPM)

In Pulse position modulation, the position of the pulsed carrier is varied as per the value of the modulating signal.

Amplitude Modulation Vs Frequency Modulation | AM Vs FM | Advantages and Disadvantages of AM and FM

What is Amplitude Modulation (AM)

Definition:-

Amplitude Modulation, is a system, where the maximum amplitude of the carrier wave varies, according to the instantaneous value (amplitude) of the modulating (message or baseband) signal.

What is Frequency Modulation (FM) 

In case of Frequency Modulation (FM) the frequency of the carrier wave varies according to the instantaneous value of the modulating (message) signal.

Comparison of AM and FM (AM vs FM)

Why FM is better than AM

Following reasons make the Frequency Modulation (FM) better than Amplitude Modulation (AM)

1.FM broadcasts operate in upper VHF (Very High Frequency) and UHF (Ultra High Frequency) ranges, while MF (Medium Frequency) and HF (High Frequency) ranges are used by AM broadcasts. This is a big advantage for FM, since in VHF and UHF frequency ranges there is less noise interference.

AM vs FM Video (Comparison of AM and FM) Video

 

2.FM receivers are more immune to noise in comparison to AM receivers. since FM receivers may be fitted with amplitude limiters. These amplitude limiters can remove the amplitude variations caused by the noise.

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3.In FM, it is possible to further reduce noise by increasing frequency deviation. This is not possible in case of AM, since in AM, we can not exceed 100℅ modulation without Severe distortions.

4.Standard Frequency allocations provide a guard band between commercial FM stations. This leads to less interference between adjacent channels in FM in comparison to AM.

5.In case of FM, all the transmitted power is useful but in AM, most of the power is present in carrier, that does not contain any information.