PULSE WIDTH MODULATION Meaning and
Definition
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Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) is a technique used in engineering and electronics to control the amount of power or voltage provided to a device or system. It is a modulation technique that alters the width of a series of evenly spaced pulses of constant amplitude while maintaining a constant frequency.
In PWM, a square wave signal is generated with a fixed frequency, typically in the audio or radio frequency range. The width of the pulses within this waveform is modulated according to the desired power or voltage level. By varying the width of the pulses over time, the average power delivered to the load can be controlled.
PWM is commonly used in applications such as motor control, power supply regulation, and dimming of lights. By adjusting the duty cycle of the pulses, which represents the ratio of the pulse width to the total period, the average power or voltage supplied to the load can be changed without altering the frequency. This allows for efficient control over the power consumption or output of a device.
One of the key advantages of PWM is its ability to provide fine control over output levels by rapidly switching between on and off states. Additionally, PWM has good noise immunity and is less affected by variations in the supply voltage. It is a widely used technique in various industries due to its versatility and efficiency in power management and control applications.
