Frequency Spectrum

Lesson Outcome
• To obtain fundamental ideas on frequency, wavelength, phase and
amplitude of a wave

• To obtain preliminary knowledge on Electromagnetic Radiation and

Spectrum

• To understand the idea on Bandwidth and its necessity in Sig Comm

 What is frequency?
• Frequency describes the number of waves that pass a fixed place in a
given amount of time
 What is Wavelength?
• Wavelength can be defined as the distance between two successive
crests or troughs of a wave
 What is Amplitude?
• The maximum extent of a vibration or oscillation, measured from the
position of equilibrium.
 What is Phase?
• Phase is the same frequency, same cycle, same wavelength, but are 2
or more wave forms not exactly aligned together
 What is Noise?
• Noise is some signal which has no pattern and no constant frequency
or amplitude.
 What is Electro Magnetic Radiation?
• EM radiation is created when an atomic particle, such as an electron,
is accelerated by an electric field, causing it to move.
 What is Electro Magnetic Spectrum?

“The electromagnetic spectrum is the entire range

of electromagnetic radiation according to the
wavelength or frequencies.”
 Relationship between frequency and wavelength

• Frequency is defined as the number of oscillations of a wave per unit

time being measured in hertz(Hz). Frequency is denoted by “f”

• Wavelength is defined as the distance between two most near points

in phase with each other. Wavelength is denoted by “λ”

• Velocity, V = fλ
 Relationship between frequency and wavelength

•  If velocity is constant then the relationship is inverse.

•F ∝

• Inverse relationship between wave size and frequency: as

wavelengths get smaller, frequencies get higher.
 Frequency Bands and their Uses
Band Name Frequency Wavelength Applications

Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) 30 Hz to 300 Hz 10,000 to 1,000 KM Power line frequencies

Voice Frequency (VF) 300 Hz to 3 KHz 1,000 to 100 KM Telephone Communications

Very Low Frequency (VLF) 3 KHz to 30 KHz 100 to 10 KM Marine Communications

Low Frequency (LF) 30 KHz to 300 KHz 10 to 1 KM Marine Communications
Medium Frequency (MF) 300 KHz to 3 MHz 1000 to 100 m AM Broadcasting

High Frequency (HF) 3 MHz to 30 MHz 100 to 10 m Long distance aircraft/ship Communications

Very High Frequency(VHF) 30 MHz to 300 MHz 10 to 1 m FM Broadcasting

Ultra High Frequency (UHF) 300 MHz to 3 GHz 100 to 10 cm Cellular Telephone

Super High Frequency (SHF) 3 GHz to 30 GHz 10 to 1 cm Satellite Communications, Microwave links

Extremely High Frequency (EHF) 30 GHz to 300 GHz 10 to 1 mm Wireless local loop

Infrared 300 GHz to 400 THz 1 mm to 770 nm Consumer Electronics

Visible Light 400 THz to 900 THz 770 nm to 330 nm Optical Communications
Frequency Spectrum
 What is Bandwidth?
• Frequency band - is a specific range of frequencies in the radio
frequency (RF) spectrum, which is divided among ranges from very
low frequencies (VLF) to extremely high frequencies (EHF).

• Bandwidth (BW) is the difference between max and min of any

defined or undefined band.

• For example you have a band from 700MHz to 800MHz, BW =

100MHz
Larger Bandwidth means more data flow
 QUIZ
• WHY DO A SIGNALLER NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FREQUENCY
SPECTRUM?

• WHAT IS NECESSITY OF USING HIGHER FREQUENCY SPECTRUM IN

SIGNAL COMMUNICATION?

• WHY HIGHER BANDWIDTH IS PREFERRED FOR COMMUNICATION?

Q&A
THANK YOU!