Tuner

A tuner is a device or tool that targets a specific frequency or pitch within a wider range of signals. Tuners appear in communications equipment, musical instruments, automotive systems, and consumer electronics, and they may operate in analog or digital form.

In radio and television technology, a tuner selects one channel from a spectrum of frequencies by adjusting a resonant circuit and a local oscillator to convert the chosen signal to a form suitable for demodulation. Modern television and radio tuners are often integrated into digital devices and support multiple broadcast standards. They may include front-end filters, mixers, demodulators, and, for digital systems, error correction and conditional access.

In music, a tuner is a device that aids performers in aligning their pitch to a standard reference. A tuner detects the frequency of an input note and indicates whether it is sharp or flat. Common formats include clip-on tuners, pedal tuners, rack-mounted units, and smartphone apps, which rely on spectral analysis or vibration-based sensing to determine pitch.

In automotive and mechanical contexts, tuning refers to modifying an engine’s control parameters to alter performance, efficiency, or emissions. Techniques range from electronic control unit (ECU) remapping to aftermarket chips and piggyback controllers. Tuning is subject to legal and warranty considerations and varies by jurisdiction and vehicle type.

Historically, tuners used mechanical variable capacitors and discrete circuits. Modern tuners often rely on digital signal processing and integrated circuits, enabling compact, multi-standard, high-precision devices across several domains.