Signal Mode Reference

The AI signal identifier classifies detected signals into the modes listed below. This reference table describes the modulation characteristics, typical bandwidths, and common uses of each mode recognized by the classifier. For details on how detection and identification work, see Signal Detection and AI Identification.

ModeModulation TypeTones / PhasesBandwidthModulation DetailsMain Use
CWOn-Off Keying (OOK)1~10–20 HzSimple carrier on/off (Morse)Weak signals, contests
AMAmplitude Modulation6–10 kHzAnalog amplitude variationBroadcast voice
SSBSingle Sideband2.4–3 kHzAnalog, suppresses carrier & one sidebandEfficient voice
FMFrequency Modulation5–15 kHzAnalog frequency variationLocal voice, repeaters
AFSKAudio FSK22–3 kHzAudio tones (usually 1200/2200 Hz)APRS, packet radio
RTTYBinary FSK / AFSK2300–500 Hz170 Hz shift, 45.45 baudText communication
FSKFrequency Shift Keying2VariableDirect frequency shiftsBasic digital
MSKMinimum Shift Keying (CPFSK)2ModerateContinuous phase, modulation index = 0.5Efficient & constant envelope
MFSKM-ary FSKM (e.g. 4, 65)VariableMultiple discrete frequenciesWeak signal modes
WSPR4-FSK (MFSK)4~6 HzContinuous phase, very slowPropagation monitoring
PSKPhase Shift Keying2–8 phasesNarrowChanges carrier phasePSK31, digital modes
JT6565-FSK (MFSK)65~178 HzDiscrete tones + strong FECWeak-signal EME
FT88-GFSK (MFSK)8~50 HzGaussian filtered 8-tone FSKFast DXing, popular
FT44-GFSK4~83 HzGaussian filtered 4-tone FSKFaster contest QSOs
FT24-GFSK4~80–100 HzGaussian filtered, very fast periodsUltra-fast QSOs (newer mode)
Q6565-FSK (MFSK)65100–1000+ HzDiscrete tones, excellent FECEME & troposcatter (fading tolerant)