Leveysmodulaatiolla

Leveysmodulaatiolla, often abbreviated as PWM, is a technique for digitally controlling an analog circuit through the use of a processor generating a square wave signal. This square wave is used to simulate an analog signal by switching the voltage between on and off. The width of the pulse, or how long the signal is on versus off, determines the analog output value. For example, a longer pulse width corresponds to a higher analog value, while a shorter pulse width corresponds to a lower analog value.

The primary advantage of PWM is its efficiency. Since the signal is either fully on or fully off, there is minimal power dissipated as heat in the switching components. This makes it ideal for applications where power consumption is a concern, such as battery-powered devices. PWM is widely used in motor control, where it allows for precise speed regulation. It is also employed in dimming LED lights, controlling servo motors, and in various audio amplifiers. The effectiveness of PWM depends on the frequency of the switching signal and the duty cycle, which is the ratio of the pulse width to the total period of the signal. A higher switching frequency generally results in a smoother output and reduced audible noise, but requires faster switching components.