2/6/25, 5:29 PM Pulse Width Modulation - Types, Important Parameters and Applications

Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)

Last Updated : 10 May, 2024

In Electronic Engineering, Pulse Width Modulation, or PWM, is a

commonly used technique for effectively controlling the power supplied to
electrical devices. In order to attain a desired average voltage or power
level, the principle of pulse width modulation (PWM) is used for a periodic
signal, which is usually a square wave.

A key component of pulse width modulation (PWM) is the duty cycle,

which is defined as the ratio of the pulse width to the whole time period.
An increase in the duty cycle translates into an increase in average power
output. Basically, PWM is used to obtain analog signals from digital
services- for instance, the microcontrollers and it represents the amplitude
of an analog signal input signal.

Table of Content
What is Pulse Width Modulation?
How is a Pulse Width Modulation Generated ?
Important Parameters associated with PWM signal
Types of PWM
Difference Between PPM (Pulse Position Modulation) And PWM (Pulse
Width Modulation)
Applications of PWM
Advantages and Disadvantages of PWM

What is Pulse Width Modulation?

Pulse-width modulation, commonly known as PWM, is a modulation
method that changes the pulse signal's width in electrical systems to
regulate the average power supplied to a load. PWM is particularly helpful
for effectively regulating the output of audio amplifiers, the speed of
motors, and the brightness of light. They are frequently Used in
microcontrollers and specialist PWM controller integrated circuits (ICs).

How is a Pulse Width Modulation Generated ?

The PWM Generation can be explained as
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A comparator is used to create a signal that modulates pulse width.

One component of the comparator's input is the modulating signal,
while the other component is either a sawtooth wave or a non-
sinusoidal wave. The comparator creates an output waveform of a
PWM signal after comparing two signals.
One possible output of a monostable multivibrator is a PWM signal.
When an external trigger is applied, a monostable multivibrator will
only produce one output pulse and have one stable state. An
operational amplifier comparator can be used to build a monostable
multivibrator circuit.
One portion of the input to the comparator is structured by the
modulating signal, and the other portion is wave formed non-
sinusoidally. After analyzing two signals, the comparator generates a
PWM signal as the output waveform. The output is in a "High"
condition when the sawtooth or non-sinusoidal signal exceeds the
modulating signal.

PWM Signal Generator

The output signal is in a "High" condition if the sawtooth signal exceeds

the modulating signal. The comparator output, which establishes the
pulse width produced at the output, is determined by the magnitude value.

Important Parameters Associated with PWM Signal

An analog circuit can be controlled using digital pulses produced by a
PWM signal. The behavior of a PWM signal is determined by these
factors:

Duty Cycle of PWM

The fraction of a second that a signal or system is operational is called a

duty cycle. A duty cycle is usually expressed as a percentage or ratio. The

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2/6/25, 5:29 PM Pulse Width Modulation - Types, Important Parameters and Applications

amount of time a signal takes to complete an ON-OFF cycle is called a

period. The proportion of time a digital signal is on throughout a period of
time or interval is precisely described by the percentage duty cycle. The
waveform's time is equal to its inverse frequency.

Duty Cycle : On Time / On Time + Off Time

We would say a digital signal has a 50% duty cycle and looks like a
perfect square wave if it is on for half of the time and off for the other half.
The digital signal spends more time in the high state than the low state if
the percentage is greater than 50%, and vice versa if the duty cycle is
lower than 50%. Here is a graph depicting the three scenarios.:

Duty Cycle of PWM

A 100% duty cycle is equivalent to a 5 volt (high) voltage setting.

Grounding the signal would be equivalent to 0% duty cycle.

Frequency of PWM

The Speed at which something occurs over a specific time period is known
as its frequency. In another way, the rate at which a vibration occurs that
results in a wave, such as radio, light, or sound waves; this rate is usually
measured in seconds.It is easy to define a frequency or period for
regulating a particular servo.

Data is currently transmitted over communication channels using PWM's

duty cycle in an unambiguous communication system. PWM serves as a
technique for converting high-frequency pulses into low-frequency output
signals.

Frequency : 1 / Time Period

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Frequency of PWM

Output Voltage of PWM signal

It is the percentage of the duty cycle and can be calculated in that way
only by calculating its percentage also. Let's say the duty cycle is 100%
then the output voltage will be 5V.

Types of PWM
There are seven types of Pulse Width Modulation, such as

Single-pulse width modulation

Multiple-pulse width modulation
Sinusoidal pulse width modulation
Hysteresis band pulse width modulation
Trail Edge pulse width modulation
Lead Edge pulse width modulation
Pulse Centre Two Edge pulse width modulation

Single-Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)

A single pulse is produced at each switching cycle in single-pulse width

modulation. The average power applied to the load is controlled by
varying the pulse's width. Single-PWM is straightforward and simple to
use, although it could have a larger harmonic content and be unsuitable for
applications that need precision control at low power levels.

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Single-pulse width modulation

Multiple-Pulse Width Modulation (MPWM)

Multiple pulses are generated during each switching cycle in multiple-

pulse width modulation. This method seeks to lower harmonic distortion
while raising the output waveform's general quality.

Two-level and three-level MPWM are frequently used; in these

implementations, the number of pulses in each cycle is increased to
improve waveform fidelity, which makes MPWM especially helpful in high-
power applications.

Multiple-pulse width modulation

Sinusoidal Pulse Width Modulation (SPWM)

The process of altering pulse width to resemble a sinusoidal waveform is

known as sinusoidal pulse width modulation. Through the use of a sine
wave reference to alter the pulse widths, SPWM minimizes harmonic
distortion and yields a smoother output.

Inverters and motor control systems, where a high-quality output

waveform is crucial for lowering harmonic interference and raising system
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efficiency, are two common applications for this technology.

Sinusoidal pulse width modulation

Hysteresis Band Pulse Width Modulation

Hysteresis Band Pulse Width Modulation is the comparison of the

erroneous signal with a predetermined band, called hysteresis. The pulse
width is changed to put the system back into balance when the erroneous
signal rises above the hysteresis range.

This approach provides a straightforward and reliable control strategy,

especially in applications where sudden variations in load or disturbances
are frequent. Power converters and voltage regulators frequently use
hysteresis band PWM because to its built-in noise immunity and simplicity
of use.

Hysteresis band pulse width modulation

Trail Edge Pulse Width Modulation

A typical modulation method in digital communication systems is called

"trail edge modulation." With this technique, the signal waveform's trailing
or falling edge is where the modulation happens. This indicates that when
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a signal moves from a higher voltage level to a lower voltage level, its
amplitude or frequency changes.

Applications for trail edge modulation include data transmission and

modulation techniques including pulse width modulation (PWM) and
pulse amplitude modulation (PAM). Trail Edge modulation is one of the
modulation techniques that can be chosen, according on the needs of the
system, bandwidth constraints, and noise robustness, among other things.

Lead Edge Pulse Width Modulation

It is also known as the rising edge, of the signal waveform is where the
modulation process takes place in lead edge modulation. This suggests
that when the signal moves from a lower voltage level to a higher voltage
level, modulation changes occur.

Lead Edge modulation offers flexibility in adjusting to particular

application requirements and is employed in various communication
systems and modulation schemes. It is frequently used in a variety of
digital communication protocols, where it modulates signals near the
beginning of their waveform to facilitate the effective transfer of
information.

Pulse Centre Two Edge Pulse Width Modulation

A particular kind of modulation called "Pulse Center Two Edge

Modulation" entails modifying a signal at the pulse waveform's leading
and trailing edges. This method is frequently used in pulse modulation
schemes, in which the data to be sent is represented by pulses. Pulse
Center Two Edge modulation increases the capacity for encoding
information and provides greater flexibility in signal representation by
modulating at both edges.

In situations where exact time and effective bandwidth utilization are

critical, this approach may prove beneficial. Particularly in pulse
modulation techniques like pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse
position modulation (PPM), it finds use in digital communication systems.

Difference Between Pulse Position Modulation And

Pulse Width Modulation
Given below is the table for PPM and PWM

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Pulse Position Modulation Pulse Width Modulation

Changes the position of pulses to Changes the pulse width to encode

encode information. information.

Adjusts the pulse's location within a Alters the pulse's breadth or

time interval. duration

It is highly sensitive to timing

It is less sensitive to timing variations
variations

It is usually calls for more bandwidth It can required more bandwidth-

than PWM efficient in certain scenarios

Example : Optical communication Example : Motor Control System,

systems Audio System

Applications of PWM
Modulation in electronics refers to the application of a regulating or
shifting force on an object. Similar to the human voice, we also refer to
it as a variation in the pitch, intensity, or tone of a frequency.
We frequently witness the usage of modulation techniques to operate
devices such as LEDs or DC motors.
Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) in conjunction with PWM is a
crucial technique for reducing a solar panel's output in order to align it
with a battery's use.
By adjusting the duty cycle, an LED's brightness can be somewhat
controlled. By diluting each of the three hues with varying amounts, an
RGB (red, green, and blue) LED allows you to regulate the quantity of
each color you require in the blend of variety.
The PWM process regulates the fan within the PC's CPU, which
effectively disperses heat.

Advantages and Disadvantages of PWM

Given Below are Advantages and Disadvantages of PWM :

Advantages

PWM technology keeps LEDs from overheating while preserving their

brightness.
PWM technology responds quickly and with accuracy.

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A high input power factor is provided by the PWM technique.

Motors may provide their full torque even at lower speeds thanks to the
PWM technology

Disadvantages

The significant switching losses are a result of the high PWM

frequency.
Radio Frequency Interference is caused by it (RFI).

Conclusion
In conclusion, Pulse Width Modulation, or PWM, is an incredibly useful
and adaptable method in the field of electronics and control systems. Its
versatility in modifying duty cycles and frequencies, combined with its
effective control over power delivery via pulse width modulation, has
made it an essential part of many applications.

PWM is essential for obtaining accurate and energy-efficient control in a

variety of applications, including audio amplification, lighting systems,
motor control, and power regulation. Applications for pulse width
modulation (PWM) are numerous and include lighting systems, motor
control, audio signal modulation, and electronic device power
management.

Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) - FAQs

What is the technique of Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) ?

Pulse-width modulation is a modulation technique used to change

the average power delivered to a load.

It makes use of a square wave, and the average power is determined

by the duty cycle, which is the ratio of the pulse width to the whole
period.

Explain duty cycle in PWM ?

The percentage of a full cycle that the PWM signal spends in the
high state, or on, is known as the duty cycle.

It is an important metric because it establishes the average voltage

or power applied to the load.
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