Receivers

A receiver is an electronic device that detects and processes signals transmitted over a communication channel and converts them into a usable form, such as sound, images, or digital data. Receivers are paired with a corresponding transmitter and are designed to operate within specific frequency bands or protocols. They differ from transmitters, which generate and radiate signals.

Common types include radio receivers that demodulate voice or data from radio waves; television receivers that decode broadcast signals; audio/video receivers used in home entertainment to manage and amplify multiple sources; satellite and cable receivers; infrared and radio frequency wireless receivers; and specialized receivers for radar, navigation, or scientific instruments. Many devices integrate a receiver function with other systems (e.g., smartphones).

A typical receiver comprises an antenna, a front-end tuner or RF section to select a channel, a demodulator or detector to recover the baseband signal, and a processor or decoder to convert it into usable output. Intermediate frequency stages, filters, amplifiers, a local oscillator, and sometimes an analog-to-digital converter are used. Modern receivers may incorporate digital signal processing and software-defined radio architectures.

Performance is described by sensitivity, selectivity, dynamic range, and noise figures. Receivers operate according to standards and protocols that define modulation, data formats, and interfaces, such as AM/FM, DVB, ATSC, DVB-S2, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and various RF and infrared standards.

Receivers play a central role in communications, broadcasting, and consumer electronics, enabling the reception and interpretation of transmitted information across diverse applications.