Demodulation Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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demodulation

[หŒdemษ™หˆdส’uหleษชt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

signal processing

Demodulation is the process of extracting the original information-bearing signal from a modulated carrier wave. In telecommunications, it is a crucial step in the reception of radio signals, where the modulated signal is transmitted over the air and needs to be converted back to its original form for interpretation. This process is essential for enabling devices like radios and televisions to process and reproduce audio and visual information. Various techniques are employed depending on the type of modulation used, such as amplitude modulation (AM) or frequency modulation (FM).

Synonyms

decoding, reception, signal extraction.

Examples of usage

  • The demodulation of the received signal allowed for clearer audio playback.
  • In digital communication, demodulation is vital for decoding the transmitted data.
  • Engineers focused on improving the efficiency of the demodulation process.
  • Without proper demodulation, the quality of the received signal would degrade significantly.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Technology

  • Demodulation is crucial in communication systems, enabling devices like radios and TVs to interpret transmitted information.
  • Different types of demodulation techniques, such as amplitude and frequency demodulation, serve specific applications in wireless communication.

Science

  • In physics, demodulation helps retrieve data encoded in various forms, playing a vital role in technologies like radar and sonar.
  • This process can also affect the quality and clarity of received signals, making it critical for effective communication.

History

  • The concept emerged in the early 20th century, coinciding with the growth of radio technology, which changed how information was shared over distances.
  • Early demodulation methods were primarily analog, evolving with advancements in digital technology and leading to today's sophisticated communication systems.

Pop Culture

  • Demodulation has influenced the development of home entertainment, enabling radio and television as popular communication forms that shaped modern media consumption.
  • 'Demodulation' is often referenced in discussions about signal processing and technology in science fiction films and literature.

Origin of 'demodulation'

Main points about word origin

  • The word has roots in the Greek word 'modulatio,' which means 'to measure or regulate,' highlighting its role in signal processing.
  • It combines 'de-' meaning 'reverse' and 'modulation,' which indicates the original signal's alteration, showing its function of reversing a process.

The term 'demodulation' stems from the prefix 'de-' meaning 'reverse' or 'remove', and 'modulation', which derives from the Latin 'modulatio', meaning 'a measure or manner of dealing with a signal'. Modulation itself refers to the technique used to encode information onto a carrier signal for transmission over distances. Demodulation became relevant with the advent of radio communication in the early 20th century as engineers sought methods to effectively retrieve the original transmitted data. The processes related to modulation and demodulation evolved as technology advanced, particularly with the introduction of digital signals and modern telecommunications systems.