The term "carrier frequency" is commonly used in the field of signal processing and telecommunications. Its spelling is based on the phonetic transcription of its pronunciation in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). According to the IPA, the word "carrier" is spelled /ˈkærijər/, with the stress on the second syllable and the "r" sound at the end. The word "frequency" is spelled /ˈfrikwənsi/, with the stress on the first syllable and the "kw" sound at the beginning. Together, these two words form "carrier frequency," which refers to the basic frequency of a signal that is modulated with a message signal.
Carrier frequency refers to the frequency at which a signal is modulated or transmitted in a communication system. It is a constant frequency that is modulated with the information-bearing signal to create a carrier wave, which can then be transmitted over a medium such as a wired or wireless channel.
In telecommunications and radio frequency systems, the carrier frequency is typically a high-frequency sinusoidal waveform. This carrier wave is modulated with the input signal to represent the information being transmitted, for instance, voice or data. Modulation techniques such as amplitude modulation (AM), frequency modulation (FM), or phase modulation (PM) are employed to impose the information onto the carrier wave.
The carrier frequency serves as a reference point for the receiver to demodulate the signal and extract the original information. It provides a stable and well-defined frequency that ensures accurate transmission and reception of the modulated signal. Moreover, the carrier frequency plays a crucial role in determining the bandwidth and capacity of a communication system.
In wireless communication systems, carrier frequency also refers to the specific frequency allocated to a particular wireless service or network. Each carrier frequency represents a distinct channel within the available frequency spectrum, allowing multiple simultaneous transmissions without interference.
Overall, carrier frequency is an essential component of any communication system as it enables the reliable transmission, reception, and demodulation of information-carrying signals.
The term "carrier frequency" has its etymology rooted in the field of telecommunications and radio technology.
The word "carrier" refers to a signal or wave that is used to transmit information. It carries the information from one point to another. In this context, it refers to the central frequency of a modulated wave that carries the information being transmitted.
The term "frequency" refers to the number of cycles or oscillations of a wave that occur in a given period of time. It is derived from the Latin word "frequentia", meaning "crowd" or "abundance", which was later adapted in scientific and technological contexts to describe the rate at which a vibration or wave occurs.
So, the phrase "carrier frequency" is a combination of the word "carrier", which denotes the signal carrying the information, and "frequency", which represents the rate or number of cycles occurring in a wave.