As the bit rate of a QAM signal increases, the bandwidth ___________.Group of answer choicesDecreasesDoublesIncreasesRemains the same

Step 1: Break Down the Problem

The question is asking about the relationship between the bit rate of a Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) signal and its bandwidth. We need to assess how changes in bit rate affect bandwidth.

Step 2: Relevant Concepts

In communication theory, the bandwidth of a signal is directly related to its bit rate. For QAM, the relationship can be described by the formula: $\text{Bandwidth} = \text{Bit rate} / \log_2(M)$ where $M$ is the modulation order (number of symbols). As $M$ increases (indicating higher complexity and bit rate), the bandwidth used for the signal typically increases.

Step 3: Analysis and Detail

• In QAM, increasing the bit rate generally involves using a higher modulation order $M$.
• A higher modulation order increases the number of symbols sent per second, requiring more bandwidth.
• Thus, as the bit rate increases, the bandwidth must also increase to accommodate the additional data being transmitted.

Step 4: Verify and Summarize

Having analyzed the relationship between bit rate and bandwidth, it is clear that increasing the bit rate of a QAM signal typically results in an increase in the bandwidth required to transmit the signal effectively.

Final Answer

As the bit rate of a QAM signal increases, the bandwidth increases.