{"id":888,"date":"2023-11-01T17:20:21","date_gmt":"2023-11-02T00:20:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.autodesk.com\/products\/eagle\/blog\/?p=888"},"modified":"2025-08-07T08:12:29","modified_gmt":"2025-08-07T15:12:29","slug":"wireless-basics-radio-waves-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.autodesk.com\/products\/fusion-360\/blog\/wireless-basics-radio-waves-work\/","title":{"rendered":"Wireless Basics: How Radio Waves Work (2023 Update)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em>An extensive guide to how radio waves work, including frequency modulation, antennas, transmitters, and receivers.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can you count how many devices you use every day thanks to radio waves? It can be a bit overwhelming to think about just how impacted our lives are by this technology. From smartphones to laptops, GPS to baby monitors, and more, we\u2019ve come to harness this form of electromagnetic energy to create some amazing things. But while we use these devices each and every day, do we truly understand how radio waves work?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hopefully, this article will help you understand the foundations of <\/span>how radio waves work<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and dispel some mysteries along the way. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"simpletoc-title\">Table of Contents<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"simpletoc-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#what-is-a-radio-wave\">What is a radio wave?<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#radio-waves-are-everywhere\">Radio waves are everywhere<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#understanding-the-electromagnetic-spectrum\">Understanding the electromagnetic spectrum<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#frequency-vs-wavelength\">Frequency vs. wavelength<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#can-signals-share-the-same-space\">Can signals share the same space?<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#what-is-a-transmitter\">What is a transmitter?<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#methods-of-modulation\">Methods of modulation<\/a>\n\n\n<ul><li>\n<a href=\"#pulse-modulation\">Pulse modulation<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#amplitude-modulation\">Amplitude modulation<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#frequency-modulation\">Frequency modulation<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<li><a href=\"#how-do-waves-travel-from-transmitter-to-receiver\">How do waves travel from transmitter to receiver?<\/a>\n\n\n<ul><li>\n\n<ul><li>\n<a href=\"#1-line-of-sight-space-wave\">1. Line of sight (space wave)<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#2-ground-wave-surface-wave\">2. Ground wave (surface wave)<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#3-ionospher-sky-wave\">3. Ionospher (sky wave)<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<li><a href=\"#its-all-about-antennas\">It\u2019s all about antennas<\/a>\n\n\n<ul><li>\n\n<ul><li>\n<a href=\"#direction\">Direction<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#gain\">Gain<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<li><a href=\"#understanding-bandwidth\">Understanding bandwidth<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#time-to-phone-home\">Time to phone home<\/a>\n<\/li><\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-is-a-radio-wave\">What is a radio wave?<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>Radio waves are electromagnetic waves with the longest wavelengths and lowest frequencies in the electromagnetic spectrum. They travel at the speed of light and are used for communication technologies like radio, TV, and cell phones. Naturally produced by lightning and astronomical objects, they can travel long distances by bending around obstacles.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"radio-waves-are-everywhere\">Radio waves are everywhere<\/h2>\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before even diving into any of the science surrounding radio waves, we have to give this subject some justice by showing just how much radio waves have affected our everyday lives. Let\u2019s start with an average day, and perhaps you wake up to the not-so-soothing sound of an alarm clock thanks to your smartphone. You can thank radio waves for the early morning jolt.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As you sit down for your morning breakfast, maybe you turn on the radio or television to listen to what\u2019s happening out in the world. How are these bits of audio and video information getting to you? With radio waves yet again. As you get ready to leave for work, maybe you like to check the traffic and plan the most efficient route, so you use the GPS on your car\u2019s dashboard. More radio waves.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During your morning commute, you might like to tune into your favorite morning talk show. The radio station that you plug into is one of many specific radio wave frequencies being transmitted at all hours of the day. When you get to work, maybe you\u2019ll plop down in front of a computer and connect to the World Wide Web<\/span>, wirelessly. You load up your Google docs, websites,<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and email, all using radio waves to connect wirelessly to the internet through WiFi.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You see, radio waves are used in many more things than the square boxes that we use to play music and listen to talk shows. Modern wireless communication builds off of simple design inside the conventional radio, allowing us to connect humanity all around the world with information, video, audio, data, and a whole lot more. But for how widespread they are in their use today, how radio waves work, and what is a radio wave? Let\u2019s explore.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<?php\nfunction autodesk_fusion_cta_horizontal() {\n    ob_start();\n    ?>\n    <style>\n        .cta-section-horizontal {\n            background: #ddd; \/* Much lighter grey background *\/\n            padding: 12px; \/* Adjusted padding *\/\n            border-radius: 8px;\n            box-shadow: 0 3px 5px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);\n            color: #333; \/* Darker text color for better readability *\/\n            display: flex;\n            align-items: center;\n            justify-content: space-between;\n            max-width: 650px; \/* Width adjusted for a more compact look *\/\n            margin: 20px auto;\n            position: relative;\n            flex-wrap: nowrap; \/* Prevent wrapping *\/\n        }\n\n        .cta-section-horizontal img {\n            width: 60px; \/* Slightly larger logo *\/\n            height: auto; \/* Maintain aspect ratio *\/\n            margin-right: 12px; \/* Adjusted spacing *\/\n            background-color: #ddd; \/* Match the background color *\/\n            padding: 6px; \/* Adjusted padding *\/\n            border-radius: 8px; \/* Slightly rounding to match container *\/\n            box-shadow: 0 0 0 4px #ddd; \/* Blend with background *\/\n        }\n\n        .cta-text {\n            flex: 1;\n            margin-right: 12px; \/* Adjusted spacing *\/\n        }\n\n        .cta-title {\n            font-size: 18px; \/* Slightly larger title font size *\/\n            font-weight: bold; \/* Bold title *\/\n            color: #f9a825; \/* Orange color *\/\n            margin-bottom: 4px; \/* Reduced margin *\/\n        }\n\n        .cta-info {\n            display: none; \/* Hide description *\/\n        }\n\n        .cta-buttons {\n            display: flex;\n            gap: 8px; \/* Adjusted button spacing *\/\n            align-items: center;\n        }\n\n        .cta-button {\n            padding: 8px 12px; \/* Button padding *\/\n            font-size: 12px; \/* Smaller font size for buttons *\/\n            font-weight: bold;\n            text-transform: uppercase;\n            border-radius: 4px; \/* Slightly rounded corners *\/\n            border: 2px solid transparent;\n            cursor: pointer;\n            transition: all 0.3s ease;\n            display: inline-flex; \/* Use inline-flex to ensure proper alignment *\/\n            align-items: center; \/* Center align text vertically *\/\n            justify-content: center; \/* Center align text horizontally *\/\n            text-decoration: none !important; \/* Ensure no underlines with !important *\/\n            color: inherit; \/* Use the button's text color *\/\n        }\n\n        .cta-button.white-button {\n            background-color: #fff;\n            color: #333;\n            border: 2px solid #ddd;\n        }\n\n        .cta-button.white-button:hover {\n            background-color: #333;\n            color: #fff;\n            border: 2px solid #f9a825;\n        }\n\n        .cta-button.black-button {\n            background-color: #f9a825;\n            color: #fff;\n            border: 2px solid #f9a825;\n        }\n\n        .cta-button.black-button:hover {\n            background-color: #fff;\n            color: #f9a825;\n            border: 2px solid #fff;\n        }\n    <\/style>\n\n    <div class=\"cta-section-horizontal\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/autodesk.com\/products\/fusion-360\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/autodesk-fusion-product-icon-400.png\" alt=\"Autodesk Fusion Logo\">\n        <div class=\"cta-text\">\n            <h1 class=\"cta-title\">Elevate your design and manufacturing processes with Autodesk Fusion<\/h1>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"cta-buttons\">\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.autodesk.com\/products\/fusion-360\/trial-intake-flow\" class=\"cta-button white-button\">Get a 30-Day Free Trial<\/a>\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.autodesk.com\/products\/fusion-360\/extensions\" class=\"cta-button black-button\">See Plans and Pricing<\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <?php\n    return ob_get_clean();\n}\nadd_shortcode('autodesk_fusion_cta_horizontal', 'autodesk_fusion_cta_horizontal');\n?>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"understanding-the-electromagnetic-spectrum\">Understanding the <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">electromagnetic spectrum<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<p>To truly understand how<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> radio waves work, it&#8217;s important to know that they are but one type of wave in what\u2019s called the electromagnetic spectrum. The <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">electromagnetic spectrum<\/span> consists of a variety of waves that all serve a specific function, like infrared, x-ray, gamma rays, and radio. All of these waves manage to defy physical barriers, hurtling through the vacuum of space at the speed of light.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-893\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.autodesk.com\/products\/fusion-360\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/eagle\/2017\/04\/Electromagnetic-spectrum.jpg\" alt=\"electromagnetic-spectrum\" class=\"wp-image-893\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>The electromagnetic spectrum is more than ROYGBIV, with low frequency and low wavelength on the left.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"frequency-vs-wavelength\">Frequency vs. wavelength<\/h2>\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The organization of this spectrum is categorized by two measurements, frequency, and wavelength. Here\u2019s how they breakdown:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Frequency<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is basically how many electromagnetic waves will pass through a given point every second. You can measure this by counting the crests of each wave (the highest point in the wave), which provides a value in Hertz.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wavelength<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This is the actual distance that you can measure between two of the highest points in a wave or the period. Wavelengths can be shorter than the size of an atom for some waves, and longer than the diameter of our entire planet!<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter wp-image-894 size-medium\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.autodesk.com\/products\/fusion-360\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/eagle\/2017\/04\/waves_large-300x206.gif\" alt=\"waves-large\" class=\"wp-image-894\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>All the waves in the electromagnetic spectrum are measured by both their frequency and wavelength.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"can-signals-share-the-same-space\">Can signals share the same space?<\/h2>\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On this electromagnetic spectrum, radio waves have both the longest wavelengths and the lowest frequencies, which makes them slow and steady, the long-distance runners of the bunch. However, when we\u2019re being bombarded from all directions with FM and AM radio waves, cell phone signals, WiFi signals, and more, can all of these signals share the same space? They do this by sharing specific bands in the radio wave spectrum, and these include:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><figure class=\"wp-block-table MuiTableContainer-root\"><table class=\" MuiTable-root DhigTable--verticalAlignment--top\"><tbody><tr class=\" MuiTableRow-root\"><td class=\" MuiTableCell-root\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><b>Name<\/b><\/span><\/td><td class=\" MuiTableCell-root\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><b>Abbreviation<\/b><\/span><\/td><td class=\" MuiTableCell-root\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><b>Frequency<\/b><\/span><\/td><td class=\" MuiTableCell-root\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><b>Wavelength<\/b><\/span><\/td><\/tr><tr class=\" MuiTableRow-root\"><td class=\" MuiTableCell-root\"><b>Extremely low-frequency<\/b><\/td><td class=\" MuiTableCell-root\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ELF<\/span><\/td><td class=\" MuiTableCell-root\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3&ndash;30 Hz<\/span><\/td><td class=\" MuiTableCell-root\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&ndash;10<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> km<\/span><\/td><\/tr><tr class=\" MuiTableRow-root\"><td class=\" MuiTableCell-root\"><b>Super low-frequency<\/b><\/td><td class=\" MuiTableCell-root\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SLEF<\/span><\/td><td class=\" MuiTableCell-root\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">30&ndash;300 Hz<\/span><\/td><td class=\" MuiTableCell-root\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&ndash;10<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> km<\/span><\/td><\/tr><tr class=\" MuiTableRow-root\"><td class=\" MuiTableCell-root\"><b>Ultra low-frequency<\/b><\/td><td class=\" MuiTableCell-root\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ULF<\/span><\/td><td class=\" MuiTableCell-root\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">300&ndash;3000 Hz<\/span><\/td><td class=\" MuiTableCell-root\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&ndash;100 km<\/span><\/td><\/tr><tr class=\" MuiTableRow-root\"><td class=\" MuiTableCell-root\"><b>Very low-frequency<\/b><\/td><td class=\" MuiTableCell-root\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">VLF<\/span><\/td><td class=\" MuiTableCell-root\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3&ndash;30 kHz<\/span><\/td><td class=\" MuiTableCell-root\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">100&ndash;10 km<\/span><\/td><\/tr><tr class=\" MuiTableRow-root\"><td class=\" MuiTableCell-root\"><b>Low-frequency<\/b><\/td><td class=\" MuiTableCell-root\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LF<\/span><\/td><td class=\" MuiTableCell-root\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">30&ndash;300 kHz<\/span><\/td><td class=\" MuiTableCell-root\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10&ndash;1 km<\/span><\/td><\/tr><tr class=\" MuiTableRow-root\"><td class=\" MuiTableCell-root\"><b>Medium frequency<\/b><\/td><td class=\" MuiTableCell-root\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MF<\/span><\/td><td class=\" MuiTableCell-root\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">300 kHz &ndash; 3 MHz<\/span><\/td><td class=\" MuiTableCell-root\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1 km &ndash; 100 m<\/span><\/td><\/tr><tr class=\" MuiTableRow-root\"><td class=\" MuiTableCell-root\"><b>High-frequency<\/b><\/td><td class=\" MuiTableCell-root\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">HAF<\/span><\/td><td class=\" MuiTableCell-root\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3&ndash;30 MHz<\/span><\/td><td class=\" MuiTableCell-root\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">100&ndash;10 m<\/span><\/td><\/tr><tr class=\" MuiTableRow-root\"><td class=\" MuiTableCell-root\"><b>Very high-frequency<\/b><\/td><td class=\" MuiTableCell-root\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">VHF<\/span><\/td><td class=\" MuiTableCell-root\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">30&ndash;300 MHz<\/span><\/td><td class=\" MuiTableCell-root\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10&ndash;1 m<\/span><\/td><\/tr><tr class=\" MuiTableRow-root\"><td class=\" MuiTableCell-root\"><b>Ultra high-frequency<\/b><\/td><td class=\" MuiTableCell-root\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UHF<\/span><\/td><td class=\" MuiTableCell-root\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">300 MHz &ndash; 3 GHz<\/span><\/td><td class=\" MuiTableCell-root\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1 m &ndash; 10 cm<\/span><\/td><\/tr><tr class=\" MuiTableRow-root\"><td class=\" MuiTableCell-root\"><b>Super high-frequency<\/b><\/td><td class=\" MuiTableCell-root\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SHF<\/span><\/td><td class=\" MuiTableCell-root\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3&ndash;30 GHz<\/span><\/td><td class=\" MuiTableCell-root\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10&ndash;1 cm<\/span><\/td><\/tr><tr class=\" MuiTableRow-root\"><td class=\" MuiTableCell-root\"><b>Extremely high-frequency<\/b><\/td><td class=\" MuiTableCell-root\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">EHF<\/span><\/td><td class=\" MuiTableCell-root\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">30&ndash;300 GHz<\/span><\/td><td class=\" MuiTableCell-root\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1 cm &ndash; 1 mm<\/span><\/td><\/tr><tr class=\" MuiTableRow-root\"><td class=\" MuiTableCell-root\"><b>Tremendously high-frequency<\/b><\/td><td class=\" MuiTableCell-root\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">THF<\/span><\/td><td class=\" MuiTableCell-root\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">300 GHz &ndash; 3 THz<\/span><\/td><td class=\" MuiTableCell-root\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1 mm &ndash; 0.1 mm<\/span><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The ultra-high frequency (UHF) band has a frequency between 300 megahertz (MHz) and 3 gigahertz (GHz). You\u2019ll find the UHF band used for specific technologies like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.autodesk.com\/products\/fusion-360\/blog\/wifi-vs-bluetooth-wireless-electronics-basics\/\">WiFi, Bluetooth<\/a>, GPS, walkie-talkies, and more. On the flip side, you\u2019ll find very low frequency (VLF) in the 3 &#8211; 30 hertz range and this band is reserved exclusively for government radio stations, secure military communications, and submarines. The United States publishes an annual <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ntia.doc.gov\/files\/ntia\/publications\/january_2016_spectrum_wall_chart.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Radio Spectrum Frequency Allocation chart<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that shows how all of these radio services are allocated per frequency.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-is-a-transmitter\">What is a transmitter?<\/h2>\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now you might be wondering, how exactly do those radio waves in their particular frequencies get from place to place? The magic of being able to talk with someone on your smartphone halfway around the world boils down to some very simple principles. Every radio, whether it\u2019s a traditional AM\/FM radio or a radio found in a smartphone, uses the same basic method of transmitting information with the help of both a <\/span>transmitter <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and a <\/span>receiver<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A transmitter, as its name implies, transmits information through the air in the form of a sine wave. This wave goes flying through the air, eventually being caught by a receiver, which decodes the information within the sine wave to extract the stuff we want, like music, a human voice, or some other bit of data. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-895\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.autodesk.com\/products\/fusion-360\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/eagle\/2017\/04\/introduction-to-rf-wireless-part-1-28-638.jpg\" alt=\"sine-wave\" class=\"wp-image-895\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>All of the information we can decode from a radio wave is transmitted as a sine wave.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What\u2019s interesting is that a sine wave alone doesn\u2019t contain any of the data that we need, it\u2019s basically an empty signal. This is why we need to take this sine wave and modulate it, which is the process of adding another layer of useful information. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"methods-of-modulation\">Methods of modulation<\/h2>\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are three methods of modulation, including:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Pulse modulation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Amplititude modulation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Frequency modulation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Let&#8217;s dive into each:<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pulse-modulation\">Pulse modulation<\/h3>\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this method, you are turning a sine wave on and off, which will send bits of a signal in separate chunks. Ever heard of Morse Code to send distress signals? It uses pulse modulation.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"amplitude-modulation\">Amplitude modulation<\/h3>\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This method is used in both AM radio stations and those old analog TV signals. Here, a sine wave is overlaid with another wave of information, like a person\u2019s voice. Embedding another layer of information in this wave will create a fluctuation in the amplitude of the original sine wave, which can create static.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-896\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.autodesk.com\/products\/fusion-360\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/eagle\/2017\/04\/Amplitude-Modulation.jpg\" alt=\"amplitude-modulation\" class=\"wp-image-896\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>When you combine a sine wave and modulated wave signal together, it modulates the original signal. (<a href=\"http:\/\/www.electronicshub.org\/modulation-and-different-types-of-modulation\/\">Image source<\/a>)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"frequency-modulation\">Frequency modulation<\/h3>\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This method is used by FM radio stations and virtually every other wireless technology out there. Unlike amplitude modulation, which creates some significant fluctuations in a sine wave, frequency modulation changes a sine wave very little, which has the added benefit of resulting in less static. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-897\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.autodesk.com\/products\/fusion-360\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/eagle\/2017\/04\/Frquency-Modulation.jpg\" alt=\"Frquency-Modulation\" class=\"wp-image-897\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Modulating a sine wave with a frequency signal results in less modulation than an amplitude modulation. (<a href=\"http:\/\/www.electronicshub.org\/modulation-and-different-types-of-modulation\/\">Image source<\/a>)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once all of those modulated sine waves are sent via a transmitter and received by a receiver, the wave of information that we embedded gets extracted, allowing us to do with it as we please, like play it as audio through a speaker, or view it as video on a television screen. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-do-waves-travel-from-transmitter-to-receiver\">How do waves travel<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from transmitter to receiver<\/span>?<\/h2>\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In our explanations above about modulation, transmitters, and receivers, you might think that sending a radio wave is a simple process of travel from point A to point B, but this isn\u2019t always the case. Waves don\u2019t always fly through the thin air straight from a transmitter to a receiver, and how they travel ultimately depends on what kind of wave frequency you want to send and when. There are three ways this journey can happen, including:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-line-of-sight-space-wave\">1. Line of sight (space wave)<\/h4>\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With this method of travel, radio waves are sent as a simple beam of light from point A to point B. This method was commonly used in old-fashioned telephone networks that had to transmit calls over a long distance between two massive communication towers. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-ground-wave-surface-wave\">2. Ground wave (surface wave)<\/h4>\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can also send radio waves along the curvature of the earth\u2019s surface in the form of a ground wave. You\u2019ll find AM radio waves traveling in this manner for short to medium distances, which is why you can still hear radio signals even when there isn\u2019t a transmitter and receiver in your line of sight. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-ionospher-sky-wave\">3. Ionospher (sky wave)<\/h4>\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Last, you can also send radio waves straight up into the sky, which ends up bouncing off of the earth\u2019s ionosphere, which is an electrically charged part of the atmosphere. When you do this, the radio waves will hit the ionosphere, bounce back down to earth, and bounce back up again. This is the process of mirroring a wave, bouncing it back and forth to its final destination. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-898\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.autodesk.com\/products\/fusion-360\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/eagle\/2017\/04\/Image277.gif\" alt=\"three-methods-radio-wave-travel\" class=\"wp-image-898\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>We have all three methods of travel a radio wave can take, via ground, space, or sky<\/em>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At this point we\u2019ve gathered several things about radio waves, namely that they travel at very specific frequencies, they communicate with both a transmitter and receiver, and they can travel in a variety of ways across the earth. But with all of the different radio frequencies floating about, how does your smartphone or car radio know which particular frequency to receive, and which ones to ignore? This is where antennas come into play. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"its-all-about-antennas\">It\u2019s all about antennas<\/h2>\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antennas come in a bunch of different shapes and sizes, but they\u2019re all designed for the same purpose &#8211; to pick up a very specific radio wave frequency. You\u2019ll find antennas ranging from the long metal wires sticking out from an FM radio to something rounder like a satellite dish, or even a tightly tuned piece of copper on a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.autodesk.com\/products\/fusion-360\/blog\/18-things-need-to-know-fusion-360-electronics\/\">PCB<\/a>. In a transmitter, antennas are used to send radio waves, and in receivers, they\u2019ll be used to pick up on a radio frequency. Antennas all have distinct features that they\u2019re measured by, including:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"direction\">Direction<\/h4>\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For some antenna types, such as a dipole, the antenna has to be mounted in the proper direction, facing the direction of the radio wave transmission. Some antenna types, like those found in an FM radio, don\u2019t need to be oriented in a specific direction and can capture radio wave signals from any angle.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"gain\">Gain<\/h4>\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The gain of an antenna describes how much it is going to boost a signal. For example, if you turn on an old analog TV, then you\u2019ll still likely get a picture, just a fuzzy one. This is because of the metal case and components in the TV act as an antenna. But plug an actual directional antenna in, and you\u2019ll be able to boost the signal, and gain a better picture. The bigger the gain, measured in decibels (dB), the better the reception you\u2019ll get.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"understanding-bandwidth\">Understanding bandwidth<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>Last, an antenna\u2019s bandwidth is its particular range of useful frequencies. The higher the bandwidth, the more radio waves that it can pick up. This is ideal for televisions as it allows them to get more channels. But for things like your smartphone which only needs a specific radio wave, a full bandwidth isn\u2019t as necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-899\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.autodesk.com\/products\/fusion-360\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/eagle\/2017\/04\/New_Norcia_antenna_node_full_image_2.jpg\" alt=\"new_norcia_antenna\" class=\"wp-image-899\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A giant antenna that sends radio waves flying through space. (<a href=\"http:\/\/m.esa.int\/spaceinimages\/Images\/2006\/10\/New_Norcia_antenna\">Image source<\/a>)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"time-to-phone-home\">Time to phone home<\/h2>\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Radio waves are everywhere! Imagine if you could see them with your very own eyes. You&#8217;d have radio waves all over the place, beaming out of your router, from your phone, and all around you. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Radio waves have indeed shaped our modern lives like nothing else, and without them, we would never get to enjoy such useful inventions as GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth, and more. But radio extends far beyond our physical, earthly existence. Some of the furthest reaches of our known universe have been explored through radio astronomy to discover quasars, molecules, and even other galaxies<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We hope you enjoyed this guide to how radio waves work. Are you r<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">eady to get started with your own wireless electronics project<\/span>? Try <a href=\"https:\/\/www.autodesk.com\/products\/fusion-360\/blog\/autodesk-fusion-360-electronics-highlights\/\">Autodesk Fusion electronics<\/a> today.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>An extensive guide to how radio waves work, including frequency modulation, antennas, transmitters, and receivers.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3911,"featured_media":63543,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[359],"tags":[207,206],"coauthors":[589],"class_list":["post-888","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-electronics-engineering","tag-electronics","tag-pcb","dhig-theme--light"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How Radio Waves Work - Fusion Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"An extensive guide to how radio waves work, including frequency modulation, antennas, transmitters, and receivers.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodesk.com\/products\/fusion-360\/blog\/wireless-basics-radio-waves-work\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How Radio Waves Work - 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