Difference between Modulation and Demodulation (2024)

Trending Categories
Data Structure
Networking
RDBMS
Operating System
Java
MS Excel
iOS
HTML
CSS
Android
Python
C Programming
C++
C#
MongoDB
MySQL
Javascript
PHP
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Mathematics
English
Economics
Psychology
Social Studies
Fashion Studies
Legal Studies

Selected Reading
UPSC IAS Exams Notes
Developer's Best Practices
Questions and Answers
Effective Resume Writing
HR Interview Questions
Computer Glossary
Who is Who

DifferencesDigital Electronics

'; var adpushup = adpushup || {}; adpushup.que = adpushup.que || []; adpushup.que.push(function() { adpushup.triggerAd(ad_id); });

What is Modulation?

The process of superimposing a message signal on a carrier signal so that the message can be transmitted over long distances is calledmodulation. Here, the carrier signal is the signal of high frequency which is used to carry the message signal. The following figure shows the block diagram of modulation.

The modulation of a signal is performed at the transmitting end in the communication system with the help of a modulator circuit (a part of modem). In the modulation, a specific parameter, i.e. amplitude, frequency or phase, of the carrier signal is altered in accordance with the modulating signal or message signal. After modulation, the modulated signal is transmitted over the communication channel by a transmitter.

The common types of modulation that are being extensively used in data communication are − amplitude modulation, frequency modulation, phase modulation, polarization modulation, pulse code modulation, quadrature amplitude modulation, etc.

The modulation process is widely used in transmission of signals using electromagnetic waves, radio waves, optics (in fiber optics), etc.

What is Demodulation?

The process of obtaining the original message from the modulated signal is called demodulation. In simple words, demodulation is the process of separating a message signal from a carrier signal. The process of demodulation is shown in the following block diagram.

The electronic circuit that is used to perform the demodulation process is called demodulator, it is the part of the modem. The process of demodulation is performed at the receiver end of a communication system.

Difference between Modulation and Demodulation

Modulation and demodulation are the basic processes involved in data communication. There are many differences between modulation and demodulation that are highlighted in the following table −

Basis of Difference	Modulation	Demodulation
Definition	The process of superimposing a low energy message signal on a high energy carrier signal is known as “modulation”.	The process of extracting the message signal from a modulated signal is known as “demodulation”.
Operation end	The process of modulation is performed at transmission end of the communication system.	Demodulation is performed at receiving end of the communication system.
Circuit required	The electronic circuit that is required to perform modulation is called modulator.	The electronic circuit required to done demodulation is called demodulator or sometimes, detector.
Process	In modulation, the message signal is added on a carrier wave for transmission.	In demodulation, the message is separated from the carrier signal.
Need	Modulation process is need for mixing of two signal of different parameters together.	Demodulation is needed for recovery of original signal from a mix of two signals.
Purpose	The main purpose of modulation is to transmit the messages to long distances.	The purpose of demodulation is to regain the original message at the receiver end.
Process complexity	The process of modulation is comparatively simple.	The demodulation involves relatively more complex process for the recovery of data.
Signal transformation	In modulation, the parameter of the signal (such as frequency, amplitude, phase, etc.) is transformed from low to high value.	In demodulation, the signal parameter is transformed from high to low value.

Conclusion

Both modulation and demodulation are important processes in data communication. Both modulation and demodulation can be performed by a same device called modem (modulator-demodulator). There are many differences between modulation and demodulation that are listed in the above table. The most significant difference is that in modulation, the message signal is mixed with the carrier signal; while in demodulation, the message signal is separated from the carrier signal.

Kickstart Your Career

Get certified by completing the course

Get Started

Advertisem*nts

';adpushup.triggerAd(ad_id); });