Basic Radio Functions

 

A radio extracts useful information from signals flying through the air.

Radio Front-End Functions: The symbols in the diagram above represent the primary functions of most any radio set. The functions may be present in a different order, but can be found in any radio set. Click on the radio function symbols above for more information. Antenna -- gathers signals as they pass by. The antenna converts electro magnetic signal energy to electrical energy. Gain -- or amplification, increases the amplitude of the signals as collected by the antenna. Frequency Conversion -- radio signals are transmitted at far too high a frequency to be directly useful. The carrier frequency of the received signal is converted to a lower, more useful frequency. When the carrier frequency is converted all the way to zero, it's called baseband. Selectivity -- many radio signals are gathered at the antenna. Here we select one signal, rejecting all others that may be present.

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