heterodyne
/ˈhɛtərəˌdaɪn/
noun
- A method or device that combines two different frequencies to produce a new frequency, used in radio and signal processing.
- Old radios used a heterodyne to make distant stations audible.
- The technician adjusted the heterodyne to reduce interference in the broadcast.
- The radio engineer explained how a heterodyne helps convert high-frequency signals to a lower range.
adjective
- Relating to or involving the mixing of two different frequencies to produce a new frequency.
- The heterodyne effect is essential for many modern communication systems.
- A heterodyne detector can measure tiny changes in light waves.
- They used a heterodyne receiver to pick up weak satellite signals.
verb
- To combine two different frequencies to produce a new frequency, especially in radio or electronic signal processing.
- The circuit is designed to heterodyne the incoming signal with a local oscillator.
- You can heterodyne two sound waves to hear a beat frequency.
- Engineers heterodyne the frequencies to create a more stable output.