Denoting a device or method of combining two
→ electromagnetic waves
of different → frequency
(a locally generated wave and an incoming wave)
in a → nonlinear device
to produce two frequencies which are
equal to the → sum and
→ difference of the first two.
The phenomenon is the counterpart of → beats
produced by → sound waves.
For example, heterodyning a 100-kHz and a 10-kHz signal will
produce a 110-KHz and a 90-kHz signal.
See also → homodyne.
The term heterodyne is often loosely used instead of
→ superheterodyne in the radio frequency field.
See also: Heterodyne, from → hetero- + -dyne,
from Gk. dynamics→ dynamics; → receiver.
