Analog And Digital Communication

Analog Communication 

Analog communication is the transmission of information using continuous signals that vary in amplitude, frequency, or phase. Unlike digital communication, which uses discrete binary signals (0s and 1s), analog signals represent data in a form that closely mimics the original sound, light, or other input.

Analog communication is made from two words, analog and communication. Analog refers to a continuous time-varying signal. Communication refers to exchanging information between two or more sources. Analog communication means communication with the help of analog signals.  Analog communication is communication from the sender to the receiver in the form of an analog signal. The analog signal is a continuous time time-varying signal. The example of an analog signal is sound waves. The signals that continuously vary with time are examples of an analog signal, such as audio and video signals.  In this tutorial, we will discuss analog communication, modulation, types of modulation, demodulators, noise, transmitters, receivers, and other components of the communication system.   

More examples of analog communication

  • Landline telephone calls, 
  • Analog TV broadcasts, 
  • Cassette tapes, 
  • FM radio

Digital Communication  

Digital communication refers to the exchange of information in a digital format. It involves the transmission, reception, and processing of digital data between electronic devices using various transmission media such as cables, fiber optics, and wireless systems. Unlike analog communication, which uses continuous signals, digital communication transmits data as a series of discrete signals, typically represented as binary code (0s and 1s).  In today's world, digital communication is the backbone of all modern technologies, including the internet, mobile networks, television, satellite systems, and much more. This form of communication offers numerous advantages, such as higher efficiency, better noise immunity, ease of encryption, and the ability to integrate with computer systems and software.

The traditional definition of digital communication refers to the exchange of information and knowledge through any medium encoded in a format readable by an electronic device. However, over time, this concept has evolved, driven by technological developments and the spread of the Internet.  Today, digital communication takes place in more complex environments, as users can interact through different channels and channels in real time and virtually at the same time. Consequently, today's digital communication is not linear, but multi-level and multi-channel. Social media is probably the best-known example of digital communication, but corporate blogs and videos are also digital means of communication.

More examples of digital communication

  • Sending an Email
  • Text messaging (SMS, WhatsApp), 
  • Video calls (Zoom, Skype), 
  • Web browsing 
  • Streaming services (Netflix, YouTube)

Modulation: 

Modulation is a process of converting a baseband message signal into a continuous waveform called a modulated signal.   It is a method used to encode a message signal (frequency) onto a carrier wave. The message is usually an audio signal, such as speech or music, whose information is represented by varying characteristics of the carrier, such as amplitude, frequency, phase, duration, etc.  It is required in any information system, including telecommunication, to transfer information from one place to another. 
 Example of modulation
  • Your computer sends digital data (0s and 1s). 
  • The modem converts (modulates) this digital data into analog signals so it can be sent over traditional telephone lines or coaxial cables.

Types of Modulation

  1. Digital Modulation
  2. Analog Modulation
  3. Digital Baseband Modulation
  4. Pulse Amplitude Modulation (PAM)
  5. Pulse Code Modulation (PCM)
  6. Delta Modulation (DM)

Types of Modulation

Demodulation: 

Demodulation is the process of undoing Modulation. It is brought into use to retain the original information from a modulated signal.  Frequency demodulation focuses on extracting the information contained in a modulated signal. It focuses on information such as audio or video by exploiting the frequency-selective nature of the demodulator.  The same principle underpins both AM and FM receivers. Frequency demodulation is an essential process in telecommunication engineering. It involves converting a signal from one frequency to another frequency.

Example of demodulation
  • At the receiving end, another modem demodulates the analog signal back into digital data, so the receiving computer can understand it.
State the Necessity of Modulation. 
We live in a digitally advanced era where the need for wires is no longer a necessity to be connected to everyone. Messages, information, and signals are sent from one part of the world to another within minutes. The modulation process plays a major role in the fast transmission of signals. 



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