The question of whether amplitude modulation (AM) or frequency modulation (FM) is better depends on the specific application and the desired characteristics of the signal being transmitted. Both AM and FM have their own advantages and disadvantages, and their suitability depends on factors such as bandwidth, noise immunity, and the intended use of the signal.
Here are some considerations for AM and FM:
Bandwidth: AM requires a narrower bandwidth compared to FM. This makes AM more efficient in terms of spectrum utilization. FM, on the other hand, requires a wider bandwidth to accommodate the varying frequency deviations.
Noise immunity: FM is generally more resistant to noise interference than AM. With FM, the information is encoded in the variations of the carrier frequency, making it less susceptible to amplitude variations caused by noise. AM, being amplitude-based, can be affected by noise, resulting in degraded signal quality.
Signal quality: AM is simpler and less complex compared to FM, making it easier to demodulate. However, AM signals are more prone to distortion and interference, which can affect the overall signal quality. FM provides a higher signal-to-noise ratio and better fidelity, resulting in improved signal quality.
Applications: AM is commonly used for broadcasting purposes, especially in AM radio transmissions. It is also used in applications where simplicity and lower bandwidth requirements are acceptable. FM is widely used in FM radio broadcasting, as well as applications that require high-quality audio signals, such as music transmissions.
In summary, the choice between AM and FM depends on the specific requirements of the application. AM is simpler and more bandwidth-efficient, but it is more susceptible to noise and has lower signal quality. FM provides better noise immunity and signal quality but requires a wider bandwidth. Therefore, the "better" option depends on the specific needs and constraints of the situation at hand.