The Fundamental Model of Communication in Electrical Engineering
The fundamental model of communication forms the basis for understanding how information is transmitted and processed in communication systems. This model consists of various components that interact with each other to facilitate the flow of information. In electrical engineering, these components are represented using block diagrams, which depict the input signals, systems, and output signals. This article will explore the key elements of the fundamental model of communication and their significance in electrical engineering.
Figure 1. The Fundamental Model of Communication.Definition of a system
Figure 2. A system operates on its input signal
to produce an output 
The fundamental model of communications is portrayed in Figure 1. In this fundamental model, each message-bearing signal, exemplified by, is analog and is a function of time.
The Components of the Fundamental Model
Source: The source represents the origin of the message-bearing signal. In the model, the source produces an analog signal that serves as the input to the communication system. Examples of sources include music, speech, or characters typed on a keyboard. These signals can be functions of time or multiple variables, such as spatial coordinates in the case of images or video signals.
Transmitter: The transmitter is responsible for converting the message signal from the source into a suitable form for transmission. It processes the input signal to produce a signal that can be effectively transmitted through a communication channel. For example, a radio transmitter converts an audio signal into an electromagnetic wave for transmission through an antenna.
Channel: The channel represents the medium through which the transmitted signal propagates. The channel introduces various effects that can corrupt or distort the signal. These effects include noise, attenuation, and distortion. In real-world scenarios, channels are often imperfect, and the communication system must account for these challenges.
Receiver: The receiver is responsible for capturing and processing the signal received from the channel. It aims to recover the original message signal as accurately as possible, despite the effects introduced by the channel. The receiver acts as an inverse system to the transmitter, attempting to undo the modifications made during transmission.
Sink: The sink represents the destination or intended recipient of the message. It receives the processed signal from the receiver and utilizes the information conveyed by the signal for its intended purpose. The sink can be a system that processes the information further or a user who perceives and interprets the message.
Signal Representation and System Design
In electrical engineering, understanding the fundamental model of communication requires knowledge of two key areas: electrical science and signal science.
Electrical Science: This field focuses on the representation and manipulation of signals using electrical principles. Signal processing techniques, modulation schemes, and transmission technologies are studied to ensure efficient and reliable transmission of signals.
Signal Science: Signal science delves into the structure and properties of signals, regardless of their source. It involves analyzing the nature of signals, their information content, and the capabilities they impose on communication systems. Signal science encompasses topics such as signal generation, coding, compression, and decoding.
By combining knowledge from electrical science and signal science, engineers can design effective communication systems that overcome the challenges posed by channels and ensure reliable transmission and reception of information.
Conclusion
The fundamental model of communication provides a framework for understanding the flow of information in communication systems. It involves the interaction of various components, including the source, transmitter, channel, receiver, and sink. By considering the characteristics of signals and the challenges posed by channels, engineers can design robust systems that enable efficient and reliable transmission and processing of information. In the field of electrical engineering, a comprehensive understanding of both electrical science and signal science is crucial.
