There are three properties of radio waves that can be changed to transmit information, Amplitude, Frequency and Phase. A mode describes the way that electromagnetic waves are changed, or modulated by the information that is impressed on them. The data used to modulate the waves can be either analog, i.e., audio, or binary on-off, i.e. Morse Code. When speaking of analog modes in amateur radio, the information used to modulate the wave is usually either audio or voice.
| Mode | Description | Resources |
|---|---|---|
| AM | Amplitude Modulation (AM) Modulating by changing the amplitude of the transmitted signal with some form of information like audio. |
electronics-notes 🔗 Amplitude Modulation AM |
| SAM | Synchronous Amplitude Modulation (SAM) Isn't really a "mode" but a demodulation technique for AM signals that offers better performance than ordinary AM signal detector circuits at the cost of additional complexity. |
Amateur Radio Wiki 🔗 Radio Modes: Everything You Need To Know |
| DSB | Double Sideband Modulation (DSB) This is an AM modulation scheme where both sidebands are transmitted and the carrier wave is suppressed. |
Amateur Radio Wiki 🔗 Radio Modes: Everything You Need To Know |
| SSB | Single Sideband Modulation (SSB) A very common HF voice mode. The power is concentrated in either the upper (USB)or lower (LSB) sideband. The carrier and the "other" sideband is suppressed. |
electronics-notes 🔗 Amateur Radio Single Sideband SSB |
| FM | Frequency Modulation (FM) The frequency of the carrier wave is varied by the modulating data signal. |
electronics-notes 🔗 What is Frequency Modulation, FM |
| PM | Phase Modulation (PM) The phase of the wave is modulated, which also changes the frequency. There are many types of PM techniques. |
electronics-notesbr> 🔗 What is PM, Phase Modulation |
References:
• Amateur Radio Wiki 🔗 Radio Modes: Everything You Need To Know
Note: PARC does not sell or endorse any products mentioned in these pages.
Information is provided for education and instructional purposes only.