Single sideband modulation - definition
Single sideband modulation - definition
Single Sideband (SSB) is a technique of amplitude modulation, in which the carrier wave and one of the two symmetrical sidebands resulting from the modulation are eliminated from the modulated signal. In classical amplitude modulation (AM), the signal occupies a bandwidth equal to twice the width of the information signal because it contains both lower and upper sidebands, each carrying the same information. In SSB, only one of the lower or upper sidebands remains, resulting in a significant reduction in occupied bandwidth and an increase in energy efficiency.
By reducing redundant signal components, SSB modulation allows more efficient use of the available frequency spectrum and a reduction in the power required for transmission. This has made the technique widely used in long-range radio communications, including maritime, aeronautical, military and amateur short-wave services. For voice transmission, SSB enables high signal clarity with low noise and interference, which is important in bandwidth-constrained conditions.
Receiving an SSB signal requires a demodulator with the ability to reconstruct the missing carrier wave, which means that the receiving circuitry must be precisely aligned with the frequency of the transmitted signal. This requires greater technical complexity compared to conventional AM reception, but provides significant advantages in terms of quality and bandwidth savings.
The technical implementation of SSB is based on the use of bandpass filters or signal processing methods, which enable the precise extraction of a single sideband. In modern radio communication systems, this process is implemented digitally, allowing greater flexibility and integration with other modulation techniques.
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