FM Full Form – Frequency Modulation

FM Full Form: FM stands for frequency modulation, a method of encoding the audio signal on a carrier frequency. Stations operating with FM, including full power, low power, translator, and booster stations, function within the 88 – 108 MHz band.

In this article, you will learn about FM full form, what is frequency modulation, its history, applications, and limitations of FM.

What is the full form of FM?

The full form of FM is Frequency Modulation. Frequency Modulation is a method of transmitting radio signals. It’s a technique where the frequency of the carrier wave is modulated, or changed, to carry the audio signal. FM radio is known for its high-quality sound and resistance to certain types of interference, making it a popular choice for music and voice broadcasting.

Types of Modulation

1. Analog Modulation.

• Amplitude Modulation
• Frequency Modulation
• Angle/Phase Modulation

2. Digital Modulation.

• FSK
• PSK
• ASK
• QAM

Frequency modulation is a part of Analog Modulation.

Frequency Modulation

History Of FM (Frequency Modulation)

It was first proposed by Edwin H. Armstrong an American inventor in 1922 who received patent for the technology in 1933.

After developing and testing the technology, Armstrong demonstrated the first FM radio transmission in 1935, which was received over a distance of 110 miles. In the following years, FM radio began to gain popularity, particularly for broadcasting music and high-fidelity audio.

Today, FM remains an important technology for radio broadcasting, particularly for music and high-quality audio. It has also been extended to digital formats such as HD Radio and Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB), which offer improved sound quality and additional features such as text and data transmission.

Applications of FM (Frequency Modulation)

Frequency modulation (FM) has a wide range of applications in various fields. Here are some of the common applications of FM

• Radio Broadcasting: FM is widely used for radio broadcasting, particularly for music and high-fidelity audio. FM offers high-quality sound with minimal noise and interference, making it a preferred choice for music broadcasting.
• Television Broadcasting: FM technology is also used for television broadcasting to transmit audio signals. In television broadcasting, FM is used to transmit the audio portion of the program over a separate carrier frequency.
• Wireless Communication: FM is used for wireless communication in many applications, including two-way radios, cell phones, and wireless networks. FM allows for more efficient use of bandwidth and provides better quality and reliability than other modulation techniques.
• Radar Systems: FM technology is used in radar systems for its ability to detect small changes in the frequency of the reflected signal. FM radar is used in applications such as weather radar, air traffic control, and military radar systems.
• Navigation Systems: FM technology is used in navigation systems such as GPS for transmitting time and position information. FM is also used in other navigation systems such as VOR (VHF omnidirectional range) and ILS (instrument landing system).
• Medical Applications: FM is used in medical applications such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which uses FM to encode spatial information in the image.
• Industrial Applications: FM is used in industrial applications such as process control systems and remote sensing devices.

Why is Music Broadcasted over FM?

FM (Frequency Modulation) has a better signal to noise ratio , hence in Radio Transmission it has a good advantage over other modulation. A better signal to noise ratio means that it will reject radio frequency interferences much better than an equal power Amplitude Modulation(AM). This is the main reason why music is broadcasted over FM.

Limitations Of FM (Frequency Modulation)

While frequency modulation (FM) has many advantages over other modulation techniques, it also has some limitations. Here are some of the limitations of FM

• Bandwidth: FM requires a larger bandwidth than other modulation techniques, which can be a limitation in certain applications where the available bandwidth is limited.
• Complexity: FM requires more complex circuitry compared to other modulation techniques, which can make it more difficult to implement and maintain.
• Sensitivity to noise: FM is more sensitive to noise and interference than other modulation techniques, which can lead to degraded signal quality.
• Non-linear distortion: FM can suffer from non-linear distortion, which can cause signal degradation and intermodulation distortion.
• Limited range: FM has a limited range compared to other modulation techniques, which can be a limitation in certain applications.
• Power consumption: FM requires more power compared to other modulation techniques, which can be a limitation in applications where power consumption is critical.
• Limited data capacity: FM has a limited data capacity compared to other modulation techniques, which can be a limitation in applications that require high data rates.

People Also Read:

• Frequency Modulation(FM)
• Difference Between Frequency Modulation and Phase Modulation

Conclusion – FM Full Form

Frequency Modulation has played a very vital role in Communication engineering and still finds itself a valuable place . The advantages and conveniences that further lead to an easier and high standard lifestyle make FM an inseperable part of human life.

FAQs on FM Full Form

What is FM full form?

Full form of FM is Frequency Modulation.

What is frequency modulation (FM)?

FM is a modulation technique that involves varying the frequency of a carrier signal in proportion to the amplitude of a modulating signal.

What are the advantages of FM?

FM provides better sound quality and less noise and interference than other modulation techniques. It also allows for efficient use of bandwidth and provides reliable transmission with minimal distortion.

What are the disadvantages of FM?

FM requires a larger bandwidth than other modulation techniques, is more complex, more sensitive to noise and interference, and has limited data capacity.

What is the difference between FM and AM?

FM varies the frequency of a carrier signal while AM varies the amplitude of a carrier signal. FM provides better sound quality and less noise and interference than AM.

What is the use of FM in radio and television broadcasting?

FM is widely used for transmitting audio in radio and television broadcasting due to its ability to provide high-quality sound and less noise and interference.

What is the use of FM in wireless communication?

FM is used in wireless communication systems such as cell phones and two-way radios for efficient use of bandwidth and reliable transmission with minimal distortion.

What is FM radio and how does it work?

FM radio is a type of radio broadcasting that uses frequency modulation to transmit audio signals. FM radio works by modulating the frequency of the carrier signal in proportion to the amplitude of the audio signal.

What is the frequency range of FM?

The frequency range of FM is typically between 87.5 and 108.0 MHz for radio broadcasting, and between 30 MHz and 1 GHz for other applications such as wireless communication and radar systems.