An Introduction to Single-Sideband Communications

The elements of the SSB communication system and its advantages over the AM system are discussed. These advantages include benefits to the individual user, generally in the form of reduced size and weight of equipment or more effective communication when conditions limit the size of the installation, and benefits to the radio environment which include spectrum conservation and reduction in the total radiated power required to accomplish a given communication function. Particular attention is devoted to the areas in which problems still remain in the use of SSB techniques in hf communication. Many of these problems arise from the necessity of having a suitable demodulating carrier at the receiver, and include the desirability of having highly accurate and stable frequency control of the transmitter and receiver, complex techniques for frequency synthesis, and techniques for carrier transmission and receiver afc. Other problems include compatibility between AM and SSB systems during the transition period, and standardization of SSB practices.