Fundamentals of Electronics Communication
Information = Data = Intelligence
Communication is the Process of exchanging information.
Electronics Communication:
descending receiving and processing of information by electronic mean.
Amplification is Gain
Av = Vout/Vin > 1
Two main barriers of human communications:
Language
Distance
Milestone in the History of Electronics Communications
AM – GROUND WAVE PROPAGATION
FM – SKYWAVE PROPAGATION
COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
All electronic communications systems have a transmitter, a communications channel or medium,
and a receiver.
Free space (radio), wire, fiber
optic cable, etc.
Information or Recovered
intelligence information
(Audio, Video, and
computer data, etc.) intelligence
NOICE
Attenuation – Reducing of signal strength with respect to distance travel.
TYPES OF ELECTRONICS COMMUNICATIONS. (MODE OF TRANSMISSION)
Simplex – one way communication.
-Remote control
Half duplex – One party transmits at a time.
- Walkie Talkie
Full duplex – Two way simultaneously
ELECTROMAGNETIC SYSTEM
Electromagnetic waves are signals that oscillate, i.e., the amplitudes of the electric and magnetic
fields vary at a specific rate.
The electromagnetic spectrum used in electronic communications.
Spectrum
The spectrum refers to the entire range of electromagnetic waves, which includes different types of
signals like radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays. In
electronic communication, the term "spectrum" usually refers to the radio frequency spectrum,
which is the range of frequencies used for communication (e.g., AM/FM radio, TV, Wi-Fi, and mobile
networks).
Frequency
Frequency is the number of times a wave repeats in one second. It is measured in hertz (Hz). For
example, if a wave oscillates 1,000 times per second, its frequency is 1 kHz (kilohertz). Different
frequency ranges within the spectrum are assigned to different communication technologies (e.g.,
FM radio operates around 88–108 MHz, Wi-Fi uses 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz).
Wavelength
Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive peaks or troughs of a wave. It is measured
in meters (m), but smaller units like millimeters (mm), micrometers (µm), or nanometers (nm)
are used for high-frequency waves.
Wavelength and frequency are inversely related:
The "c" in the formula comes from the Latin word "celeritas", which means "speed" or
"swiftness." That’s why it's used to represent the speed of light in physics.
Bandwidth
Bandwidth is the range of frequencies a signal occupies, or a communication channel can
handle. It is measured in hertz (Hz).
• Higher bandwidth means more data can be transmitted per second.
• Lower bandwidth means slower data transmission.
For example:
• AM radio has a bandwidth of 10 kHz per station.
• FM radio has a bandwidth of 200 kHz per station.
• Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz band) can have bandwidths of 20 MHz, 40 MHz, or more, allowing faster
data transmission.
FREQUENCY AND WAVELENGTH
A given signal is located on the frequency spectrum according to its frequency and wavelength.
Frequency is the number of times a Wavelength the distance between
particular phenomenon occurs in successive crest of a wave,
each period of time. especially points in a sound wave or
electromagnetic wave.
Differences Between Ground Wave, Skywave, and Space Wave Propagation
Type of Frequency
Definition Best Use Cases Examples
Wave Range
Long-distance
Low frequencies AM radio (below 1.6
Ground Travels along the communication over land
(LF & MF) 30 kHz MHz), maritime
Wave Earth's surface. and sea. Works best for AM
– 3 MHz communication.
radio.
Long-distance
Medium to high communication beyond the Shortwave radio,
Bounces off the
frequencies (MF horizon (hundreds to amateur (ham) radio,
Skywave ionosphere and
& HF) 3 MHz – 30 thousands of km). Used for military
returns to Earth.
MHz international radio communication.
broadcasts.
Travels straight
High frequencies Line-of-sight FM radio, TV signals,
through the
Space (VHF, UHF, and communication. Used for mobile phones,
atmosphere or is
Wave above) 30 MHz TV, radar, and satellite satellite
reflected from
and higher signals. communication.
obstacles.
Key Differences
1. Ground Wave – Follows the Earth's surface, works well for low frequencies but loses
strength over long distances.
2. Skywave – Uses the ionosphere to bounce signals back to Earth, allowing long-distance
communication.
3. Space Wave – Travels in a straight line or reflects off obstacles, requiring line-of-sight
between the transmitter and receiver.
