Amplitude Shift Keying (ASK)

ASK (Amplitude Shift Keying)

Definition

Amplitude Shift Keying (ASK) is a digital modulation technique where digital data is represented by variations in the amplitude of a carrier signal while maintaining constant frequency and phase.

Detailed Explanation

ASK is one of the simplest forms of digital modulation:

Working Principle

  • Binary 1: Carrier wave transmitted at fixed amplitude
  • Binary 0: No carrier wave or lower amplitude
  • Carrier frequency remains constant

Characteristics

  1. Modulation

    • Simple to implement
    • Bandwidth efficient
    • Sensitive to noise
  2. Applications

    • Short-distance fiber optic links
    • Low-speed communication
    • RFID systems

Advantages & Limitations

Advantages:

  • Simple implementation
  • Low cost
  • Bandwidth efficient

Limitations:

  • Highly susceptible to noise
  • Poor power efficiency
  • Limited range

Notes

References