What is another name for the signal used to modulate the carrier frequency?

The term "modulating signal" refers to the signal used to alter the properties of a carrier wave, such as its amplitude, frequency, or phase, so that it can carry information effectively. This process is essential in various communication systems, where the modulating signal contains the actual data being transmitted, while the carrier frequency serves as a means to send this information over distances without interference.

In modulation, the information from the modulating signal is superimposed onto the carrier frequency, allowing it to be transmitted through various media, such as air or cables. The effectiveness of this process in encoding and ensuring that the original information is maintained during transmission highlights the importance of the modulating signal.

Other options such as the demodulated signal refer to the result of extracting the original information signal from the modulated carrier wave, while "information signal" and "intelligence" could be used interchangeably depending on context but do not specifically refer to the process of modulation itself. Thus, understanding the role of the modulating signal is crucial for grasping how information is transmitted in communication systems.