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digital signal modulation
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Diagram comparing three digital signal modulation methods. It shows a binary digital signal and carrier wave, then illustrates amplitude-shift keying (ASK), frequency-shift keying (FSK), and phase-shift keying (PSK) by how each alters the analog wave to encode binary data.
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digital signal modulation

Also known as: digital modulation
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Diagram comparing three digital signal modulation methods. It shows a binary digital signal and carrier wave, then illustrates amplitude-shift keying (ASK), frequency-shift keying (FSK), and phase-shift keying (PSK) by how each alters the analog wave to encode binary data.
digital signal modulation A digital signal, representing the binary digits 0 and 1 by a series of on and off amplitudes, is impressed onto an analog carrier wave of constant amplitude and frequency. In amplitude-shift keying (ASK), the modulated wave represents the series of bits by shifting abruptly between high and low amplitude. In frequency-shift keying (FSK), the bit stream is represented by shifts between two frequencies. In phase-shift keying (PSK), amplitude and frequency remain constant, and the bit stream is represented by shifts in the phase of the modulated signal.

Digital signal modulation is the process of encoding digital data onto an analog carrier wave. This is done by altering specific characteristics of the carrier wave, such as its amplitude, frequency, or phase, to represent binary information (0s and 1s).123

This technique is essential for transmitting digital data, like computer information, over communication channels that are designed for analog signals. For example, amplitude-shift keying (ASK) changes the amplitude of the carrier wave to represent binary digits, while frequency-shift keying (FSK) alters the frequency. More advanced methods, like quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM), combine changes in both amplitude and phase to transmit more data efficiently. Modems are devices that perform this modulation and demodulation process, enabling digital communication over existing analog infrastructure like telephone lines.1234

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4 Britannica Sources
  1. telecommunication - Amplitude-shift keying
  2. telecommunication - Advanced methods
  3. telecommunication - Frequency-shift keying
  4. modem

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