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Ch. No. 3

The document discusses electromagnetic waves, their properties, and their role in wireless communication, highlighting concepts such as wave generation, propagation, and the electromagnetic spectrum. It also covers radio frequency (RF) waves, their characteristics, and challenges, along with microwave communication, including its advantages and limitations. Key techniques like spread spectrum and historical contributions, such as Hedy Lamarr's invention, are also mentioned.

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Shreeharsh Bhalerao
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6 views2 pages

Ch. No. 3

The document discusses electromagnetic waves, their properties, and their role in wireless communication, highlighting concepts such as wave generation, propagation, and the electromagnetic spectrum. It also covers radio frequency (RF) waves, their characteristics, and challenges, along with microwave communication, including its advantages and limitations. Key techniques like spread spectrum and historical contributions, such as Hedy Lamarr's invention, are also mentioned.

Uploaded by

Shreeharsh Bhalerao
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Short Notes: Electromagnetic Waves and Wireless Communication

1. Electromagnetic Wave Generation:

o Moving electrons create electromagnetic waves, which can propagate through


space, including a vacuum.

o Predicted by James Clerk Maxwell (1865) and observed by Heinrich Hertz


(1887).

2. Wave Properties:

o Frequency (f): Number of oscillations per second (measured in Hz).

o Wavelength (λ): Distance between consecutive wave peaks (measured in


meters).

o Relationship: λf = c, where c is the speed of light (~3 × 10⁸ m/sec).

3. Wave Propagation:

o Electromagnetic waves travel at the speed of light in a vacuum but slow down in
copper or fiber.

o Wireless communication relies on transmitting these waves using antennas.

4. Electromagnetic Spectrum:

o Includes radio, microwave, infrared, visible light, and higher frequencies.

o ITU Bands: LF (Low Frequency), MF (Medium Frequency), HF (High Frequency),


and others up to THF (Tremendously High Frequency).

5. Information Transmission (Shannon's Theory):


o Data capacity depends on power and bandwidth.
o Fiber optics offer high bandwidth, enabling faster data transmission.
6. Spread Spectrum Techniques:
o Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS): Rapidly switches between
frequencies, providing interference resistance. Used in Bluetooth and military
communication.
o Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS): Spreads data over a wide
frequency band, enabling multiple signals to share the band (e.g., CDMA in 3G
and GPS).
o Ultra Wideband (UWB): Sends rapid pulses across a broad frequency range,
supporting high-speed, short-range communication (up to 1 Gbps).
7. Historical Note:
o Hedy Lamarr co-invented frequency hopping to aid Allied forces during WWII,
though the technology was initially ignored by the U.S. Navy.
Short Notes: Radio Frequency (RF) Waves
1. Properties of RF Waves:
o Easy to generate, travel long distances, and penetrate buildings.
o Omnidirectional – travel in all directions, eliminating the need for precise
alignment.
2. Interference Example:
o In the 1970s, Ohio Highway Patrol radios unintentionally interfered with Cadillac
antilock brakes due to improper shielding.
3. Frequency Dependence:
o Low frequencies: Pass through obstacles well but lose power rapidly (1/r² rule).
o High frequencies: Travel in straight lines, bounce off obstacles, and are affected
by rain and interference.
4. Propagation in Different Bands:
o VLF, LF, MF (e.g., AM Radio): Follow the ground, allowing long-distance travel
but limited range in higher frequencies.
o HF, VHF (e.g., Military, Amateur Radio): Signals bounce off the ionosphere,
enabling long-range communication.
5. Signal Attenuation:
o Guided media (fiber, coax, twisted pair): Signal drops at a constant rate per
unit distance.
o Radio waves: Signal strength decreases by a fraction with each distance
doubling (e.g., 6 dB per doubling in free space).
6. Regulation:
o Due to potential interference, governments strictly control radio transmitters.

Short Notes: Microwave Communication


1. Properties of Microwaves (Above 100 MHz):
o Travel in straight lines and can be narrowly focused using parabolic antennas.
o High signal-to-noise ratio but requires precise antenna alignment.
o Allows multiple transmitters and receivers to operate without interference.
2. Usage & History:
o Used extensively for long-distance telephone transmission before fiber optics.
o MCI (Microwave Communications, Inc.) built its network using microwave
towers.
3. Challenges & Limitations:
o Earth curvature: Requires repeaters every 80 km for 100-meter towers.
o Multipath fading: Signals may cancel out due to atmospheric refraction,
requiring spare channels.
o Rain absorption: Above 4 GHz, water absorption affects signals, leading to
outages.
4. Advantages Over Fiber:
o No need for right of way (can bypass telephone systems).
o Cost-effective: Cheaper than laying fiber, especially in urban or mountainous
areas.
o Faster deployment compared to wired infrastructure.

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