analog signal
Quick Summary
In frequency-division multiplexing (FDM), 12 separate voice signals, each of 4-kilohertz bandwidth, are modulated onto carrier waves in the 60–108-kilohertz range. These modulated signals are combined to form a single complex group signal. Groups are further combined to form a hierarchy of increasing bandwidth and voice-carrying capacity.
An analog signal represents information using continuously variable physical quantities, such as electrical potential or voltage. This is in contrast to digital signals, which use discrete values (like 0s and 1s).1
In electronics, analog circuits modify these continuously varying signals. For instance, a microphone converts sound into an electrical signal, which an analog circuit might amplify or filter. Analog computers, which were common before digital computers, used these variable physical quantities to model and solve problems.23
Analog modulation is used in telecommunications to transmit analog signals, like voice or audio, by varying a carrier wave's amplitude or frequency. While many modern systems digitize signals, analog transmission is still used.45
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
- telemetryMultiplexing and sampling.
…system in a continuous (analog) or discrete (digital) way. The latter systems are relatively more complex because it is necessary to convert analog signals to digital form, a process known as encoding, for a purely digital arrangement.
Read More…system in a continuous (analog) or discrete (digital) way. The latter systems are relatively more complex because it is necessary to convert analog signals to digital form, a process known as encoding, for a purely digital arrangement.
Read More
telecommunicationFrequency-division multiplexing…information signal may be either analog or digital, the combined FDM signal is inherently an analog waveform. Therefore, an FDM signal must be transmitted over an analog channel. Examples of FDM are found in some of the old long-distance telephone transmission systems, including the American N- and L-carrier coaxial cable…
Read More…information signal may be either analog or digital, the combined FDM signal is inherently an analog waveform. Therefore, an FDM signal must be transmitted over an analog channel. Examples of FDM are found in some of the old long-distance telephone transmission systems, including the American N- and L-carrier coaxial cable…
Read More