Experiment No: 01

Voltage Controlled Oscillator

1) Calibration of signal source Voltage controlled Oscillator (VCO)
2) Study of Modulated carrier signal and effect of attenuator
3) External frequency control inputs on a modulated signal

Objective:
In this lab modulation of a signal with a carrier will be observed using a signal
source (ACS2956A) and modification of this modulated signal with attenuation
and external frequency controls will be discussed.

Equipment:
ACS2956A Signal Source
DCS297M Power Supply
Oscilloscope 5MHz
Frequency Meter, Digital, 1MHz

Theory:
In order to communicate information over a distance, some form of modulated
carrier signal must be used. The carrier is often a high- frequency alternating
signal. In order to carry out such assignments we shall need to have a suitable
signal source.
The layout of the module is shown in fig on next page. The heart of the module is
an integrated circuit which is a Voltage- Controlled Oscillator (VCO) producing
both triangular and square-wave outputs, although we shall only use the square-

wave output. You will see later that this is adequate for the high-frequency signals
in our practical experiments. The frequency of oscillation is determined by
resistance and capacitance within the module, and by a control voltage V, The
frequency- control voltage V is the sum of three signals A, B and C. Signals A and
B are external inputs having different sensitivities, each having a calibrated
potentiometer. Signal C is an internal d.c. voltage, adjustable by a 10-turn
potentiometer to provide manual control of frequency. A link 'in the path of signal
A permits different uses to be made of the A potentiometer when required.
The output of the VCO is connected through a variable attenuator to the output
sockets on the right of the module.
An attenuator is a device for reducing the magnitude of a signal. The unit in which
attenuation is quoted is the decibel (dB) which is a logarithmic measure of the
amount of reduction. This is convenient because successive attenuations can be
added, rather than multiplied. The signal source module contains two attenuators,
one variable by the control knob marked 0 to -20, the other having an attenuation
which is fixed by whichever output socket is chosen. If the knob is set to X and
the socket marked Y' is chosen, the magnitude of the output signal will be at (x+y)
dB with respect to fixed reference value.

Procedure:
First we will see how this voltage controlled oscillator works. Make the
connections as shown in figure above.
No input signal has been applied. Input terminals Ax and Bx are kept
open.
Attenuation level should be selected to minimum.
The output is displayed on the oscilloscope and frequency can be viewed
on frequency meter from TTL socket.
Signal C is an internal d.c. voltage, adjustable by a 10-turn potentiometer
to provide manual control of frequency. Vary the control C input by
specific intervals and note the frequency on frequency meter.
Record the readings in table 1.1.
We know that the two input terminals marked Ax & Bx in the signal source
module enable the frequency to be changed by applying a voltage to them. Their
sensitivities are adjustable over different ranges by the respective potentiometers
A& B. The socket marked +1V ref provides a convenient voltage to apply for
testing the Ax & Bx inputs. Next we will see effect of change in frequency by
controlling input signal A and B separately.

Set the main frequency control C to give a frequency of 100KHZ and then
connect the +1V ref signal to AX.

 Insert a wire link in the A signal path and observe what happens as you
adjust the A sensitivity control then BX.

Record the readings in table 1.2.

Now we will see the effect of attenuation on signal

for this purpose With

oscilloscope still connected to the 0dB output, make sure that the variable
attenuator is still set to OdB (fully clockwise).
See that socket Ax anti Bx are disconnected.
Set the frequency control C to give approximately 500KHZ (this setting is
not critical).
Adjust the oscilloscope for a stable display and measure the peak-to-peak
voltage from the oscilloscope screen. Record your reading in the table 1.3.
Then adjust the variable attenuator to -3dB and record the new peak-to- peak
voltage in the second row of the table.
Continue taking further readings. To obtain all the values of attenuation you
will need to use the various output sockets of the fixed attenuator; adjusting
the variable attenuator to make up any additional attenuation needed.
Compare the output voltage from 0dB socket, when the variable attenuator is
set to -12, with the output from the -6dB socket, with the variable attenuator
set to -6. This should confirm that dB values can be added together.

Table 1.1

Scale Setting

Frequency(KHz)

0.10
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
7.0
8.0
9.0
10.0

Table 1.2

Sensitivity
Control
Setting

Frequency
with no +1V
Signal (KHZ)

Frequency
with +1V
Signal (KHZ)

Using input A
0

100

0.5

100

1.0

100

Using input B
0

100

0.05

100

0.1

100

Table 1.3

Frequency
Change
(KHZ)

Attenuator
Setting
(dB)

0
-3
-6
-9
-12
-15
-18
-21
-24
-27
-30
-33
-36

Output Volts (mV)

(peak -to-peak)

Vo/V
1.0

Log10 Vo/
V
0

20 Log 10 V/Vo
0 (Ref)