What is the main purpose of modulation?

The main purpose of modulation is to modify the carrier frequency in rhythm to the audio frequency. Modulation involves varying certain properties of a carrier wave—such as its amplitude, frequency, or phase—in accordance with the information signal that you want to transmit. This process allows the information, which may be audio, video, or data, to be effectively transmitted over media such as radio waves or other communication channels.

By modifying the carrier signal, modulation helps to make the transmission more robust and suitable for the communication medium. This technique is crucial in broadcasting and telecommunications, as it allows multiple signals to occupy the same frequency band without interfering with one another. For instance, in amplitude modulation (AM) or frequency modulation (FM), the original audio signal is combined with a carrier frequency, making it possible to send the audio across distances without degradation.

The importance of this function means that it underpins much of electronic communication, enabling the efficient and clear transmission of various types of information.