The main difference between AM and FM is the type of signal they use to carry information.AM uses a carrier signal in the form of electromagnetic waves with different amplitudes, while FM uses a carrier signal in the form of electromagnetic waves with different frequencies.
This results in a different sound quality in each case. AM tends to sound louder and “louder” while FM sounds crisper and clearer.
What is Amplification Modulation (AM)?
AM (amplitude modulation) is a type of signal modulation used in radio and television to transmit information in the form of audio or video.
In AM, an audio or video signal is superimposed on a carrier signal in the form of electromagnetic waves that vary in amplitude (i.e. height or intensity) depending on the information being transmitted.
The frequency of an AM carrier signal is typically 535 to 1705 kHz for radio and 54 to 806 megahertz (MHz) for television.
The AM signal is more sensitive to interference and noise than other signals, so it often has lower sound quality than other forms of signal modulation such as FM (frequency modulation).
However, AM is easier to transmit and receive with simple, inexpensive equipment, so it continues to be used extensively on radio and television.
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What is Frequency Modulation (FM)?
FM (frequency modulation) is a type of signal modulation used in radio and television to transmit information in the form of audio or video.
In FM, an audio or video signal is superimposed on a carrier signal in the form of electromagnetic waves whose frequency changes (i.e. changes in speed or speed) depending on the information being transmitted.
The frequency of an FM carrier signal is typically 87.5 to 108 megahertz (MHz) for radio and 54 to 806 MHz for television.
An FM signal is less sensitive to interference and noise than an AM signal, so it usually has better sound quality.
This makes FM the preferred option for streaming music and other high-quality audio content.
However, an FM signal is more difficult to transmit and receive than an AM signal and requires more complex and expensive equipment.
Difference Between AM And FM in Tabular Form
|
Amplification Modulation (AM) |
Frequency Modulation (FM) |
| AM signals usually have a longer range, but their signal fidelity is very poor, as their bandwidth usually does not exceed 10 kHz. They are very sensitive to noise, so they are easily disturbed. | The FM signal has a wider bandwidth, so 20kHz audio signals can be reproduced with excellent fidelity. They are unaffected by noise because their frequency is modulated. |
| Amplitude modulation was first used to create radio. The first stations began operating on AM. | FM came to radio in the 1930s and some older stations were reluctant to switch to this system, youth music radio adopted it due to the better broadcast quality. |
| AM signals have low frequencies, so their wavelength is longer. This allows them to reach great distances. These waves are also reflected by the ionosphere, especially at night, so their coverage increases at this time. | FM channels are much wider, so you can send a dual signal i.e. a stereo signal and even a data channel to display the station name or text on the dial. This service is known as RDS, which stands for Radio Data System. |
| AM stations are convenient in mountainous areas and valleys. | FM signals don’t travel very far as they have a very short duration because they are high frequency, i.e. they propagate in a straight line and don’t bounce. |
| AM stations use much more electricity and require bigger towers. | FM stations are best for flat areas where there are not many obstacles to radio waves. |
| AM is costly than FM. | FM is cheaper than AM. |
| It has poor sound quality, but can transmit longer distance | It has higher bandwidth with better sound quality |
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