Frequency Shift Keying (FSK)

FSK (Frequency Shift Keying)

Definition

Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) is a digital modulation technique where digital information is transmitted through discrete frequency changes of a carrier signal while maintaining constant amplitude.

Detailed Explanation

Working Principle

  • Binary 1: Higher frequency (f1)
  • Binary 0: Lower frequency (f0)
  • Amplitude remains constant
  • Phase continuity maintained at bit transitions

Types of FSK

  1. Binary FSK (BFSK)

    • Uses two frequencies
    • Simplest form of FSK
    • Common in low-speed applications
  2. Multiple FSK (MFSK)

    • Uses multiple frequencies
    • Higher data rate
    • More complex implementation

Applications

  • Amateur radio
  • Emergency broadcasts
  • Low-frequency radio navigation
  • Digital telephony

Advantages & Limitations

Advantages:

  • Better noise immunity than ASK
  • Less susceptible to amplitude distortion
  • Simple demodulation

Limitations:

  • Requires more bandwidth than ASK
  • More complex than ASK
  • Sensitive to frequency distortion

Notes

References