phase modulation: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical
Quick answer
What does “phase modulation” mean?
A method of transmitting information by varying the phase of a carrier wave in proportion to the signal.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A method of transmitting information by varying the phase of a carrier wave in proportion to the signal.
A type of modulation where the phase of a high-frequency periodic waveform (carrier) is changed in direct relation to the amplitude of an input signal, used in telecommunications, radio, and signal processing. Informally, it can refer to any process of gradual, controlled change through distinct stages.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or definitional differences. Spelling conventions follow standard UK/US patterns (e.g., 'modulation' vs. 'modulation' - same spelling).
Connotations
Purely technical in both dialects. The term carries no regional connotative variation.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general language, but standard and equally common in technical/engineering fields in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “phase modulation” in a Sentence
Phase modulation of [carrier/signal]to transmit [data/information] via phase modulationThe [receiver/system] uses phase modulation.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “phase modulation” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The system was designed to phase-modulate the signal before transmission.
- Older transmitters cannot efficiently phase-modulate at such high bandwidths.
American English
- The engineer decided to phase-modulate the carrier for better noise immunity.
- This chip can phase-modulate and demodulate simultaneously.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form. 'Using phase modulation' is used instead.]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form. 'Via phase modulation' is used instead.]
adjective
British English
- The phase-modulation technique proved superior for the digital channel.
- We observed a phase-modulation effect in the experimental setup.
American English
- The new standard uses a phase-modulation scheme.
- Look for the phase-modulation indicator on the oscilloscope.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the context of telecommunications companies, tech hardware specifications, and R&D investment reports.
Academic
Core term in electrical engineering, physics, and telecommunications courses and research papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation outside of relevant professions or hobbies (e.g., amateur radio).
Technical
The primary domain. Precise definition and mathematical models are discussed in technical manuals, engineering designs, and scientific literature.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “phase modulation”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “phase modulation”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “phase modulation”
- Confusing PM with FM (Frequency Modulation) or AM (Amplitude Modulation).
- Using 'phase modulation' to describe non-technical, personal 'phases' or stages.
- Misspelling as 'face modulation'.
- Incorrectly using it as a verb phrase (e.g., 'to phase modulate' is the verb form).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are related but distinct. FM (Frequency Modulation) varies the wave's frequency, while PM (Phase Modulation) varies its instantaneous phase. In practice, they are mathematically linked and often grouped as 'angle modulation'.
PM is widely used in digital communications, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, satellite transmission (like GPS), and some digital radio standards (e.g., DAB). A specific form, Phase-Shift Keying (PSK), is fundamental to modems.
It is highly unusual and not recommended. The separate words 'phase' (a stage) and 'modulation' (adjustment) have broader meanings, but the compound term is firmly technical.
Its primary advantage is high noise immunity. PM signals are less susceptible to amplitude-based noise (like static) than AM signals, making them more reliable for data transmission in noisy environments.
A method of transmitting information by varying the phase of a carrier wave in proportion to the signal.
Phase modulation is usually technical in register.
Phase modulation: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfeɪz ˌmɒd.jʊˈleɪ.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfeɪz ˌmɑː.dʒəˈleɪ.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific compound term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a runner (carrier wave) changing their stride timing (phase) based on instructions shouted from the sidelines (the signal).
Conceptual Metaphor
INFORMATION IS A SHAPE-CHANGER OF WAVES. Communication is imposing a pattern (the message) onto a steady rhythm (the carrier).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary variable altered in Phase Modulation (PM)?