Difference Between AM And FM

Amplitude modulation and frequency modulation are used to transmit data using the method of
modifying a carrier signal. The main difference between both modulations is that in frequency
modulation, the frequency of the carrier wave is modified as per the transmit data, while
in amplitude modulation, the carrier wave is modified according to the data.
For instance, if several different sets of data are required to be transmitted using the same
medium, then each set off is sent using different frequency waves. This is the process of how
radio broadcasts are done.

Amplitude Modulation
Amplitude modulation is a modulation technique where the amplitude of a carrier varies
depending on the information signal. AM radio broadcast signals use lower carrier frequencies,
this helps them to travel long distances. Sometimes AM signals can be able to bounce off the
ionosphere. The distance traveled by the AM is much larger than the FM.
Frequency Modulation
In this module, the frequency of the carrier wave is modified according to the signal that carries
information. The radio signals have large bandwidth than AM radio signals, which helps to offer
much better sound quality. Frequency modulation also enables to transmit stereo signals.

Difference Between AM and FM

Amplitude Modulation (AM) Frequency Modulation (FM)

The first successful audio transmission was carried Developed in 1930 by Edwin Armstrong, in the
 out in the mid-1870s United States

The radio wave is called a carrier wave and the The radio wave is called a carrier wave, but the
frequency and phase remain the same amplitude and phase remain the same

Has poor sound quality, but can transmit longer

Has higher bandwidth with better sound quality
distance

The frequency range of AM radio varies from 535 to The frequency range of FM is 88 to 108 MHz in the
1705 kHz higher spectrum

More susceptible to noise Less susceptible to noise

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

What is the need for modulation and demodulation?

There is a need for modulation and demodulation so that the information can be transmitted from
one place to another. Modulation is used for sending the information over long distances as low-
frequency signals cannot be used in covering large areas.  Demodulation helps in receiving the
information sent through modulation. Demodulation takes place at the receiving end.

What are the various techniques used in analog modulation?

Following are the three techniques that are used in analog modulation:

 Amplitude modulation (AM)

 Frequency modulation (FM)
 Phase modulation (PM)

What are digital modulation and its types?

Digital modulation is defined as the modulation technique which uses discrete signals for
modulating a carrier wave. It is used so that signals can be transmitted over an analog channel
with a high frequency. Following are the four types of digital modulation:

 PSK which stands for Phase Shift Keying

 ASK which stand for Amplitude Shift Keying
 FSK which stands for Frequency Shift Keying
 QAM which stands for Quadrature Amplitude Modulation

Differentiate between a detector and a demodulator.

A detector is defined as the device that recovers information of interest which is contained in a
modulated wave.
The demodulator is defined as the device which is an updated form of a detector that is used for
extracting the original information from a modulated carrier wave.

What are the advantages of using an RF amplifier

Following are the advantages of using an RF amplifier:

 The sensitivity of the RF amplifier is better.

 The signal-to-noise ratio of RF amplifiers is better than other amplifiers.
 The rejection rate when compared to other amplifiers, RF has better selectivity.