Single sideband (SSB) refers to a modulation technique where only one of the sidebands (upper or lower) is transmitted with the carrier signal, while the other sideband and the carrier are suppressed. This results in more bandwidth-efficient transmission compared to double-sideband (DSB) modulation, which transmits both sidebands with the carrier. SSB modulation is widely used in radio communication systems, especially in long-distance communications such as amateur radio, maritime communications and military applications.
By transmitting only one sideband, SSB conserves spectrum space and allows more efficient use of available radio frequencies.
Single sideband (SSB) modulation differs from double sideband (DSB) modulation mainly in bandwidth efficiency and spectral utilization. SSB transmits only one of the sidebands (upper or lower) with the carrier, resulting in a transmission bandwidth that is half that of DSB modulation.
This makes SSB more suitable for applications where bandwidth conservation is critical, such as in radio communications over long distances or in environments with limited frequency allocations. DSB, on the other hand, transmits both the upper and lower sidebands with the carrier, doubling the required bandwidth compared to SSB. Although less spectrum efficient, DSB is simpler in terms of modulation and demodulation processes.
Single sideband (SSB) is primarily used by amateur radio operators, maritime communications, and military organizations.
Amateur radio operators favor SSB modulation because it allows long-distance communication using relatively low power and antenna configurations. SSB’s efficiency in using radio spectrum also makes it popular in maritime and military communications, where reliable long-range communication is crucial.
By focusing transmission on a single sideband, SSB enables clear and efficient communication over long distances, often with reduced interference compared to other modulation techniques.
Single sideband reception refers to the process of receiving and demodulating a single sideband (SSB) signal transmitted over radio frequencies. SSB reception involves recovery of the original message signal from the received SSB signal, which contains only one of the sidebands (upper or lower) and the carrier.
Demodulating SSB signals requires specialized receivers that can filter out the unwanted carrier and sideband, leaving behind the desired audio or data signal. SSB reception is essential in applications where efficient use of the radio spectrum and clear communication over long distances is required, such as in amateur radio, maritime communications and military operations.
Single sideband channels generally refer to specific radio frequency allocations or bands where single sideband (SSB) modulation is used for communication purposes.
These channels are designated for SSB transmission due to its efficiency in spectrum usage and its ability to facilitate long-distance communication with relatively low power and equipment requirements. Single sideband channels are used by various radio communications services, including amateur radio operators, maritime radio services, and military communications networks.
They are regulated and allocated by national and international authorities to ensure efficient use of the available radio spectrum and to avoid interference between different communication systems operating in the same frequency bands
