Advantages and disadvantages of amplitude modulation
Amplitude modulation is a technique used to transmit and receive information from one place to another, most common signal transmit using amplitude modulation is the radio wave.
The variations of the amplitude are used to create a modulated signal, which is by the super imposing high frequency with the main signal.
Advantages of amplitude modulation
- Amplitude modulation is easier to implement.
- Demodulation can be done using a few components and circuits.
- The receiver used for AM is very cheap.
- Amplitude modulation transmitters are less complex.
- Amplitude modulation waves can travel a longer distance.
- Amplitude modulation has low bandwidth
- AM signals are reflected by the earth from the ionosphere layer.
- Required carrier frequency is low.
- They required a simple transmitter and receiver
- It is very simple with process reliability
- Amplitude modulation receivers are simple, detection is easy.
Explanation for advantages of amplitude modulation
Easier to implement
The amplitude modulators are easy to implement, this is because the circuit network required very few components.
Travel long-distance
The amplitude modulated waves travel the longest distances, this is how they are been used in radio wave applications.
Reflected by ionosphere
The ionosphere is very important in the amplitude modulation technique, this is because the transmitted signals reflected at the ionosphere to reach the receiver stations.
Carrier frequency is low
The carrier signal used at the amplitude modulation is low frequency, so the generation and demodulation are quite simple with this signal.
Disadvantages of amplitude modulation
- When it comes to power usage it is not efficient.
- It requires a very high bandwidth, and that is equivalent to that of the highest audio frequency.
- Noise interference is highly noticeable
- Amplitude modulation detectors are sensitive to noise hence an amplitude modulation signal proves to high level of noise.
- Reproduction is not high fidelity
- Amplitude modulation receivers find it difficult to distinguish between signals and noise.
- The quality of the audio signal is very poor
- Amplitude signal is weak, receiver requires complex arrangement.
- Only the power in the sidebands is used.
Explanation for disadvantages of amplitude modulation
Low efficiency
The amplitude modulation technique had low efficiency, this is because the loss of signal is enormous.
Highest noise interference
The amplitude modulation had high noticeable noise interferences, it is a common problem for AM waves.
