Understanding Analog and Digital Signals in Space Technology

5.07 Space Technology Worksheet Part One Read the article below, then answer the five connection questions for part 1. ________________________________________ Analog vs. Digital Signals The electromagnetic spectrum can carry communication signals using wave frequencies. An enormous amount of information can be sent this way. For instance, the internet you use for this course utilizes electromagnetic waves to get information from the web to your computer. In general, high-frequency electromagnetic signals travel shorter distances but have a higher data capacity. This physical characteristic of electromagnetic waves limits how far away a receiver can be from the source of data and information being sent. Since electromagnetic waves move outward in all directions, wave transmitters need to be focused to transmit their signals to the right location. Likewise, wave receivers need to maximize their signal reception in order to receive the data from a specific location. Even with maximum reception, wave receivers can still detect unwanted signals that can interfere with their reception. Signal interference is the reason people are asked not to use their mobile devices on planes. Mobile devices can interrupt important communication between air traffic controllers and the pilots of the plane. To avoid signal interference problems, multiple users cannot transmit data signals at the same frequencies, at the same time, and in the same direction. Only one wave transmitter can utilize a specific frequency at one time or place. This prevents the frequency from being used by others in the same location. Think of radio stations; each station uses a different frequency to broadcast from. When you switch the station to listen to a different song, you switch frequencies. There are two important types of signal transmissions to understand: analog and digital. ________________________________________ Analog Wave

Analog waves transmit information ( sound, video, or data ) in a continuous wave whose strength and frequency change depending on the amount of data being submitted. • Travels in a continuous wave • Strength and frequency vary Digital Wave Digital waves transmit information using electrical pulses. The information sent is converted into “ones” and “zeros” which are interpreted as digital information by the wave receiver. The advantages of using digital signals include greater accuracy, noise reduction (unwanted signals) and an increased capacity for sending information. • Travels as an electrical pulse • More accurate, less interference Connection Questions 1. Why would engineers opt to use higher-frequency electromagnetic waves to send information? Typically, electromagnetic signals with high frequencies tend to cover shorter distances while accommodating greater data capacity. 2. What are the limitations of sending information and data using high-frequency electromagnetic signals? It sets a boundary on the distance between the receiver and the source of the transmitted

data and information. 3. What are the differences between analog and digital signals? Analog waves convey information through a continuous wave that alters in strength and frequency based on the data amount, whereas digital waves utilize electrical pulses, converting information into "ones" and "zeros" for transmission. 4. What are the advantages of using digital signals over analog signals? Utilizing digital signals offers benefits such as heightened precision, minimized interference (or reduced unwanted signals), and an expanded capacity for transmitting information. 5. What do radio technicians do to avoid signal transmission problems? To prevent signal interference issues, simultaneous transmission of data signals at identical frequencies, times, and directions is not feasible among multiple users. Part Two

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Watch the video in the lesson on radio telescopes and answer the questions below. Video Link: http://learn.flvs.net/webdav/educator_science3_v17/module05/lesson07/05_07_05.htm 1. Describe how radio telescopes are used to explore space. A colossal parabolic reflector captures radio waves originating from space, focusing and directing them towards the pinnacle of a focusing antenna. 2. How are traditional telescopes different from radio telescopes? In contrast to conventional telescopes, radio telescopes remain operational during both day and night, even in the presence of cloud cover. 3. Why do radio telescopes convert radio waves (analog signals) to electrical (digital) signals for analysis? (Hint: What did the article say about the advantages of digital signals?) Radio telescopes are instruments designed to capture and analyze radio waves emitted by celestial bodies. They serve the purpose of studying natural occurrences in space. Analog radio waves are converted into digital signals within these devices, enabling the distinction of intricate details in celestial phenomena

5.07 Space Technology Worksheet

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