In wireless telecommunication, it is always hard for a signal to reach its receiving end without weakening along the way. This necessitates modulation, which involves combining the original signal with a stronger signal that can travel a far distance.
The combined signal is then transmitted together and separated at the receiving end to retrieve the original signal.
In this article, we will explore 1G Modulation Techniques. We will begin by introducing analog modulation which is the type of modulation used first generation network.
TL;DR:
In Case you are in Rush, here is a quick summary of this article on 1G modulation techniques:
Frequency modulation is the modulation technique used in 1G to enhance the transmission of audio signals from the sender to the receiver.
1G utilized frequency modulation techniques alongside multiplexing technologies like FDMA, TDMA, and CDMA to enable the faster voice transmission achieved in the 1G era.
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Let’s Move on!
What is Modulation?
Modulation is a process that enables the transmission of information (message or data) over a carrier signal. The data(Message signal) is Joined with a stronger signal (often referred to as Carrier signal), transmitted to the receiving end and then separated (demodulated).
To grasp this concept, picture a carrier signal as a highway, and the message signal as the vehicles traveling on it. Modulation serves as the mechanism to integrate the message signal into the carrier signal, thereby enabling the transmission of information from the sender to the receiver.
The image below demonstrates phase modulation.
There are two different forms of modulation: Analog Modulation and digital Modulation. 1G uses analog modulation. More on this in the next section.
Analog vs. Digital Modulation
Before delving into 1G Modulation Technique, it’s essential to differentiate between analog and digital modulation.
Analog modulation is the modulation of continuous signals often referred to as Analogue signal, while digital modulation deals with discrete signals often referred to as Digital signal. In 1 first generation network, analog modulation takes center stage, acting as the foundation for the transmission of voice signals across early mobile networks.
What is Analog Modulation?
Analog modulation, as the name suggests, involves the modulation of continuous signals. These signals can be represented by various waveforms, such as sine waves, square waves, or triangular waves.
The key principle behind analog modulation is to alter a parameter of the carrier signal, such as its amplitude, frequency, or phase, in accordance with the message signal. This synchronization allows the message signal to ride on the carrier signal, facilitating efficient transmission.
There are three primary types of analog modulation techniques:
- Amplitude Modulation (AM): In AM, the amplitude of the carrier signal is varied proportionally to the amplitude of the message signal. It finds applications in broadcasting and voice transmission.
- Frequency Modulation (FM): FM modulates the frequency of the carrier signal based on the variations in the message signal. It is commonly used in FM radio broadcasting and offers superior noise resistance.
- Phase Modulation (PM): PM modulates the phase of the carrier signal according to the changes in the message signal. It is widely utilized in digital communication systems, such as satellite communication.
1G Modulation Technique
The modulation technique employed in 1G for transmitting voice signals is Frequency Modulation (FM).
As previously introduced, Frequency Modulation entails altering the frequency of the carrier signal in correspondence with fluctuations in the amplitude of the modulating (voice) signal. This modulated signal is subsequently transmitted to the receiving end, where the carrier signal is separated from the message signal (demodulated) to restore the original voice.
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve uncovered the fundamental aspects of 1G modulation techniques, with a specific focus on analog modulation.
We started from the basics of modulation and then extended it to the intricate workings of various modulation techniques.
1G’s reliance on analog modulation paved the way for the evolution of subsequent mobile network generations, shaping the way we communicate today.
As technology continues to progress, understanding the foundations of modulation techniques remains paramount in the ever-changing landscape of wireless communication.
I am a passionate Networking Associate specializing in Telecommunications.
With a degree in Electronic engineering, I possess a strong understanding of electronic systems and the intricacies of telecommunications networks. I gained practical experience and valuable insights working for a prominent telecommunications company.
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