Difference Between AM and FM Radio

By: | Updated: Jul-25, 2024
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Radio is a common device that was used for communication in older eras. However, now the radio signal is still used for some communication purposes. There are 2 types of radio signal. FM and AM radio.

Here we will discuss the differences between AM radio and FM radio.

AM Radio FM Radio
Use single signal Use multi frequencies signals
More noise Less noise

Difference Between AM and FM Radio

What is AM Radio?

AM radio transmits its signal using amplitude modulation (AM) while FM radio uses frequency modulation (FM).

The AM and FM signals are completely different in the way they are produced, however, both frequencies can be used to broadcast music.

The AM signal uses a single tone that is increased in amplitude. The FM signal on the other hand produces a frequency shift or variation of the frequency in accordance with the volume level of the radio.

In order to produce an AM signal, a single oscillator is used and a mixer is then added. The output of this mixer is then mixed with an amplifier.

In contrast, an FM signal is produced by multiple oscillators that are arranged in frequency bands which are then added together to produce a frequency shift or variation of the frequency.

An intermediate mixer is used in between each oscillator to achieve this effect.

In order to make it easier for you to understand what AM and FM radios do differently, it may be useful for you to consider some key differences between these two types of radios.

What is FM Radio?

FM radio transmits its signal using frequency modulation (FM). This means that the radio uses a combination of frequency waves and sound waves to transmit its signal. The difference between AM and FM radios is that they use different waveforms to create their signals.

With FM radios, there are more frequencies available for use than with AM radios.

This means that there are more channels available for use in an FM system than in an AM system. But, unlike AM radios, FM radios can use more than one channel at a time. In fact, if you have a high-end stereo system with 5 or 6 speakers.

How are They Related?

There are a lot of similarities between AM and FM radio. The only difference between the two is that AM radio uses amplitude modulation while FM radio uses frequency modulation.

But one thing that does make a difference is the way these radios transmit their signal.

AM radio transmits its signal using amplitude modulation (AM). This means that the radio uses a combination of sound waves and radio waves to transmit its signal.

AM vs FM Radio

The difference between AM and FM radio is that the radio uses sound waves instead of radio waves to transmit its signal. When an AM radio transmits its signal, it creates a loud static noise which will make your ear bleed.

The amplitude of this static noise will depend on the distance between the transmitter and receiver, but usually it is in the range of -30dBm to -50dBm (units of power). AM radio can only transmit at one frequency at a time, so there are no frequencies available for FM radio.

Difference Between AM and FM Radio Difference Between AM and FM Radio – Differences Between AM and FM Radio Comparison Table AM Radio Frequencies (KHz) Frequency Modulation FM Radio Frequencies (KHz) Frequency Modulation 0 2 7 1 5.

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