What is the difference between baseband and broadband? Are there really any differences? Though, a layman need not exactly have to learn the differences between the signals, but the students willing to work in electronics and telecommunication industry and those who have to specifically deal with signalling must have a clear and in-depth understanding of the differences.
Signals are differentiated depending on whether the transmission uses single channel or data is divided into multiple channels. Signals can be either Baseband or Broadband.
Baseband
Baseband is the simpler of these two technologies as single signal is transmitted over the cable at a time. The transmission itself either takes the form of a light or electrical pulse. Baseband signalling is related with digital technologies but it can be used in analog technologies also. In order to transmit a single data signal, the digital signal in baseband uses whole bandwidth of network media. Bi-directional communication is possible with baseband and computer data can be sent and received using a single wire. However, both the processes cannot occur at the same time.
It is also possible to transfer multiple signals using single cable even in baseband transmission. The process is referred to as Multiplexing. Time Division Multiplexing (TDM), the technology that baseband generally uses divide a channel into different time slots. The TDM does not alter the way baseband communication works but it changes the way data is positioned in the cable.
Broadband
Unlike baseband, broadband uses analog signals that are in the form of electromagnetic or optical waves over multiple transmission frequencies. In case to send and receive the signals transmission has to be split into two channels. Two cables can be used one for sending and another for receiving the transmission.
It is possible to create multiple channels in broadband system by a technique known as Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM). It allows broadband media to incorporate traffic that will travel on a single media but in different direction at the same time.
Pursuing the career of signal processing
While these are some basics that an engineer has to learn during the university tenure, those professional willing to pursue a career related to signal and transmission will require added know-how. Many of the engineers coming in this field are from electrical, electronics, computer or telecommunication background. Broadband or baseband signal processing is complex; most of the companies therefore look for students who either have specialised degree or experience in relevant field.
The engineers think on the designs that may improve the quality of signal processing. They implement their ideas and uncover the flaws. They work on the defects of the design and try to rectify them for an even better performance. The engineers work at multiple levels starting from development of concepts to implementation of details.
Technology evolves rapidly and changes in this field are frequent. The engineers need to attend the training courses from time to time to update their knowledge base. Some of the companies arrange on-the- job trainings and if your company do not do so, there are number of training courses organised by private institutions and you may learn it from there.
The future prospect
Most of the engineers have a question whether there is any job of signal processing for the fresher. Well…it is for sure that because of the complex nature of the job, companies prefer applicants with prior experience in signal designing, processing and other such related field. However, now advanced degrees often let a fresher to get placed as signal processing engineer once they have completed their studies. Engineers can specialise in a particular sector and look for jobs in that area. You may consult different recruitment websites for suitable baseband engineer jobsor broadband engineer jobs.
