We need modulation to transfer signals from one medium to another medium. These mediums can be either a physical medium or through any other medium. The two most modulations that are in existence and are used by people are analog modulation and the other one is digital modulation. Many people prefer this digital modulation because of its security and fast features.
Key Takeaways
- Analog modulation alters a continuous wave signal’s amplitude, frequency, or phase to encode information, resulting in a continuous range of values.
- Digital modulation uses discrete signals, such as binary code, to transmit information by altering a carrier wave’s amplitude, frequency, or phase.
- Digital modulation provides better noise immunity and signal quality, making it more suitable for modern communication systems.
Analog vs Digital Modulation
Analog describes any signal or technology that uses continuously variable rather than discrete values to represent data or information. To encrypt information for transmission across a communication channel, a digital signal is modified through the process of digital modulation.
Analog modulation will determine the wave in continuous modulation where the time differing in the variable will be mentioned. It also helps in transmitting low-frequency signals. Also, it supports audio signals that have high-frequency carrier signals. It has three different types, each one having its unique properties. If the values lie between the specified range, they are considered valid.
Digital modulation will provide high security, and this method can pass the information quickly. They have a good capacity to transfer large amounts of data through analog media, and this is the main reason makes it to be in more demand. Depending on the type of combinations we will use for our work, we can choose the type of modulation from the three modulations provided.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Analog Modulation | Digital Modulation |
|---|---|---|
| Value Range | It can represent any value that is between the specified range | It will represent only a set of values within the specified range |
| Signal separation | It is difficult to separate them | It can be easily separated |
| Wave | Sine Wave | Square wave |
| Definition | It is a continuous signal that can be changed over some time | It is a discrete signal carrying the information in binary form |
| Triggering | Single-stage triggering | Sequential triggering |
What is Analog Modulation?
It is the process by which the signals will be transferred in analog baseband. There are three types of analog modulation, and they can be differentiated based on carrier signal property. The best example of analog modulation is amplitude modulation in this modulation. The carrier wave amplitude will be varied with the modulation signal.
The next best example is frequency modulation. In this modulation, the carrier wave frequency will be varied by the modulation signal. When we have a bandpass channel, then this kind of frequency is very important. These frequencies will be transmitted through a bandpass filter which will allow only specific signals to pass so that unwanted frequencies can be avoided. This type of modulation can be seen in FM Radio, short-wave broadcasting, and AM.
Sometimes we can convert analog modulation to digital modulation as well. For that, we need to follow some simple steps. First, we have to take the sample of the signal and once it gets qualified so that we can determine the resolution of the signal. Then we have to set binary values for that so that when we send it to the system so that it can read the digital signal. When doing this, we must keep two important aspects in our mind. One is the sampling rate, and the other is the resolution.
What is Digital Modulation?
It is the process by which the digital information will be encoded to the transmitted signal frequency. In this process, the encoding process will affect the bandwidth of the signal that is transmitted. It uses techniques that can be either linear or non-linear. There are three types of digital modulation available. In this modulation, the digital signals will be transmitted through the analog signal with a higher frequency.
This modulation will enable us to transmit signals that are generated in a digital circuit through a physical medium. They use this because they can handle signals with higher security, and nothing will get damaged in this process. This kind of security is not expected in other modulations. And also, the digital systems that are used here are widely available in the world.
The advantage of using digital modulation is you can operate it with a much lower noise ratio. Here the output level will not be dependent on the optical level. Also, you won’t be able to find any degradation in the system. In this modulation, you will be able to get more specific information about the data, and the access will be faster as well. Therefore, it is in huge demand because of the qualities that are mentioned above.
Main Differences Between Analog and Digital Modulation
- In analog modulation, it can have value any value between the specified range. On the other hand, digital modulation can have only a set of values in the specified range.
- Signal separation is very difficult in analog modulation. On the other hand, signal separation is very easier in digital modulation.
- Analog modulation uses sine waves. On the other hand, digital modulation uses square waves.
- Analog modulation is a continuous signal that can be changed over a period of time. On the other hand, digital modulation is a discrete signal that will carry binary information.
- Analog modulation uses single-stage triggering. On the other hand, digital modulation uses sequential triggering.
Last Updated : 13 July, 2023
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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.
A very insightful and well-written article. Enjoyed every bit of it!
The article was quite thought-provoking and has certainly expanded my understanding of analog and digital modulation.
The article provides an in-depth understanding of analog and digital modulation, and the characteristics of each. Very well-written!
The explanation of how to convert analog modulation to digital modulation was quite enlightening, especially the importance of sampling rate and resolution.
Absolutely, the article’s emphasis on the critical aspects of conversion was noteworthy.
The comparison table was especially helpful in understanding the differences between analog and digital modulation.
Absolutely! Being able to see the differences side by side made it much easier to grasp the concept.
I think digital modulation’s advantages over analog modulation, particularly in terms of security and signal quality, are very compelling.
Agreed, the benefits are substantial and make a strong case for choosing digital modulation.
Indeed, the advantages highlighted could indeed tip the scales in favor of digital modulation.
It is really interesting to see how much modulation can affect information transmission in different mediums. The explanation about analog and digital modulation was very informative.
Yes, I completely agree. The article explains the advantages and disadvantages of each type of modulation very well.
I found the explanation of the types of analog modulation and how they work to be quite intriguing.
I agree, the detailed examples provided really added to the clarity of the information.