In radio communication, what does 'QAM' stand for?

The term 'QAM' in radio communication stands for Quadrature Amplitude Modulation. This modulation technique combines two amplitude-modulated signals into a single channel, effectively utilizing the available bandwidth more efficiently.

In QAM, two signals, each carrying different information, are modulated and transmitted simultaneously. This is done through the use of two carriers that are phase-orthogonal and have the same frequency. By manipulating both the amplitude and the phase of these signals, QAM can convey more bits per symbol, allowing for higher data rates. This is essential in modern communication systems, particularly in digital signaling and broadband technologies, where maximizing data throughput and bandwidth efficiency is crucial.

Understanding QAM is vital in many applications, including Wi-Fi networks, digital television broadcasts, and cellular communication, where the ability to transmit multiple bits of information at once significantly enhances performance and capacity.