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significant condition

In the modulation of a carrier, one of the values of the signal parameter chosen to represent information. Note 1: Examples of significant conditions are an electrical current, voltage, or power level; an optical power level; a phase value; or a frequency or wavelength chosen to represent a “0” or a “1”; or a “mark” or a “yyspace.” Note 2: The duration of a significant condition is the time interval between successive significant instants. Note 3: A change from one significant condition to another is called a “signal transition.” Note 4: Signal transitions are used to create signals that represent information, such as “0” and “1” or “mark” and “space.” Note 5: Significant conditions are recognized by an appropriate device. Each significant instant is determined when the appropriate device assumes a condition or state usable for performing a specific function, such as recording, processing, or gating.