Design of an Experiment to Evaluate the Path

Losses Generated by FM Transmitter in Varying

Distance
Nicole Jane B. Bulaon, Cedric G. Dela Cruz, John William P. Villuna
Electronics Engineering Department, Technological Institute of the Philippines
938 Aurora Boulevard, Cubao, Quezon City
Abstract - In this research paper the proponents
investigated the effect of path loss parameters with
respect to distance using an FM transmitter. Path loss
(or path attenuation) is the reduction in power density
(attenuation) of an electromagnetic wave as it
propagates through space. Using the radio engineer
formula the simplified Friis transmission equation, the
proponents acquired the path loss between two
isotropic antennas in free space. In this paper, various
investigations and their graphs have been plotted to
show a comparative analysis of between the distance
and the path loss.

Keywords - FM Transmitter, Path Loss, Friss

Transmission Equation
I. INTRODUCTION
Computation of path loss is an essential
element of the system design in any communication
system. In radio and in TV broadcast system,
estimation of the path loss is very significant as
environment is continuously [1] changing with respect
to time. Then question arises how to compute the path
loss with utmost accuracy.
Path loss normally includes propagation
losses caused by the natural expansion of the radio
wave front in free space (which usually takes the
shape of an ever-increasing sphere), absorption
losses (sometimes called penetration losses), when

The device antenna will be made of some

type of loop antenna. The loop is fairly unique
amongst the antenna types in that it doesnt depend
on a ground ballast. The circulating currents in the
loop radiate RF energy, most of which destructively

the signal passes through media not transparent to

electromagnetic waves, diffraction losses when part of
the radio wave front is obstructed by an opaque
obstacle, and losses caused by other phenomena. [2]
Path loss is an unwanted reduction in signal
i.e field strength when propagating from transmitter to
receiver. Further path loss will depend on antenna
height, frequency, distance and on the environmental
condition. Frequency and distance are to be taken into
account in almost every model [3]
Frequency modulation is intended for use in
coverage forecast of broadcasting service in VHF
band and are frequency independent, so these can
further be used for our comparative analysis for FM
applications.[4] These frequencies were intended to be
used by operational and telecommunication engineers
and hence allow the estimation of path loss strength
which were further be useful for various applications in
outdoor communication system. [5]
II. PROJECT OVERVIEW
This low power fm transmitter is designed to
use an input from another sound source and transmits
on the commercial FM band. The project adheres to a
wide collection of requirements. The transmission
frequency will be set between 88 MHz and 108 MHz,
in compliance with the FCC regulations, by varying the
trimmer capacitor
interferes for a loop of a practical size, but radiate it
does nonetheless. The loop's independence of a
ground or counterpoise brings a very considerable
stability dividend - it is almost independent of the RF
environment. As a result, surrounding objects are no
longer part of the radiating process. This yields a
transmitter that doesn't shift transmit frequency if you

ECE004: Principles of Communications

come near it or pick it up. The form of the device case
will allow for easy transportation of the device. The
external components that can be seen on the device
are a switch, an LED, and a microphone. The switch is
used for turning the device on or off. The LED serves
as an indicator for power. The microphone provides
the input for the transmitter.

III. PROJECT DESIGN

A. Design Objectives
Basically common amplifier transmitter
contains the following functional blocks. The block
diagram below shows the graphical representation of
different processes and stages on how the FM signal
is being transmitted.

high pass filter network is added between preamplifier and modulator stage. This high pass filter
acts as pre-emphasis network to improve the signal to
noise level of FM transmission at higher frequency.
The pre-emphasis network is optional. However, the
receiver will suffer from distortion at higher frequency
of audio signal if this stage is ignored. With the carrier
signal generated from oscillator, the modulator
modulates the carrier with input signal from preamplifier stage.
The operating frequency of the generated
FM output is still not enough to be transmitted through
free space. Thus, several stages of frequency
multiplier are put to increase the operating frequency.
After going through a number of multipliers, the
attenuation of signal level is compensated by the final
stage power amplifier. Power amplifier restored the
FM signal strength to the desired level.
B. Schematic Diagram and PCB layout design

Audio Signal

B.1. Schematic Diagram

PreAmplifier

FM
Modula
tor
Freque
ncy
Multipl

Oscillat
or

Figure 2 shows the schematic diagram used

for the construction of an FM transmitter. As shown in
the figure, the NPN transistor used is BC547C. One
transistor was used after the microphone to amplify
the amplitude of the electric signal. The second
transistor also serves as an amplifier to meet the
required specifications of the antenna. The antenna
shown in the schematic diagram is a 35 mm square
loop of a 2 mm diameter wire (AWG NO. 12)

Antenna
Power
Amplifi
Figure 1. Block Diagram of Standard FM transmitter

The FM transmitter mainly consists of

microphone, pre-amplifier, FM modulator, oscillator,
frequency multiplier and power amplifier. The audio
signal passes through the microphone and convert it
to an electrical signal. The pre-amplifier boosts the
audio signal levels from several millivolts to higher
enough stage for feeding into the modulator. Usually a

Figure 2. FM Transmitter Schematic Diagram

B.2. PCB Layout Design
Figure 3-a, and Figure 3-b shows the PCB
layout design of the FM transmitter (front-view and
back- view). The layout was made using the computer
-application software, the Circuit Wizard. The

ECE004: Principles of Communications

application allows the user to put their desired placing
of components with the actual sizes and dimentions.
The connection of the components were securely
checked to follow the schematic diagram of the FM
transmitter that has been shown previously in Figure
2. The size of the PCB used for the prototype was 2.5
inches by 2.5 inches (2.5 x 2.5 in.).

Electrolytic Capacitor
Trimmer Resistor
Ceramic Capacitors
Transducer
Antenna
Transistor
Battery

1uF
1Mohm
.1uF,10000pF, 1000pF,
3.3pF
Condenser Microphone
2 mm diameter wire
BC547
9V

IV. PROJECT EVALUATION

a. Set-up
List of needed equipment:
FM Receiver
Spectrum Analyzer
b. Methodology
OVERVIEW OF METHODS

Figure 3-a. Front-view of the PCB Layout Design

In order to collect statistically variable data,

a test plan was designed and employed to record
necessary data. Also, the antenna used in the circuit is
a square loop antenna made of 2 mm copper wire.
The test plan was to evaluate the path loss of the FM
transmitter generated with varying distances. The
distances varies from 0 to 80 meters. Subsequently,
the data collected were analyzed using correlation
techniques and Matlab, which is presented in the most
simplified presentation format understandable by the
reader.

SUBJECT AND PROCEDURES

The data used in the study were collected
inside the campus specifically from the gate of TIP
along 20th avenue to building 1. Using the chain tape,
the proponents measured the distance between the
transmitter to the receiver. The proponents observed
the changed in audibility with varying distances. The
data gathered will be processed furthermore using the
analysis of linear correlation technique for determining
the relation of the two variables with the help of an
engineering software tool, Matlab.
Figure 3-b. Back-view of the PCB Layout Design
B.3. List of Components
Resistors

4.7 Kohm, 5 Kohm, 10

Kohm, 70 ohm, 2.2 Kohm

c. Data and Results

ECE004: Principles of Communications

To get the Path Loss (L) the proponents used the
simplified Friss Equation

4 d

( )
(
Path Loss dB ) =20 log 10

51.1720

80

Table 1. Tabulated results for Path Loss (dB) and

Distance (m)
By observation:
It shows that as the distance increases the path loss
also increases.

Or

Testing for correlation of the two variables:

4 df
c
( )
Path Loss ( dB ) =20 log 10

Using Matlab for getting the correlation coefficient:

Matrix L = Path Loss in dB

Wherein
f=108Mhz
c=3x108 m/s(speed of light)

Matrix d = Distance

Path Loss (dB)

33.1102
39.1308
42.6527
45.1514
47.0896
48.6733
50.0122

Distance (m)
10
20
30
40
50
60
70

Commands for correlation plot:

Concatenates the values of matrix L and d
horizontally:

ECE004: Principles of Communications

Figure 5. Linear Correlation plot of Path Loss and
Distance

V. CONCLUSIONS
In the series of experiment conducted, the
group was able to conclude the following:
-The optimum frequency for the transmitter is found to
be at 108.0 MHz
-The FM Transmitter produces transmit power in a
microwatt scale. Thus, proving that the transmitter is a
low power FM transmitter.
-The data showed that there is indeed an increase
path loss as the distance between the receiver and
the transmitter increases.
Command for displaying the correlation plot:

-Distance, altitude, and environmental condition plays

a significant role in determining the path losses
generated by the FM transmitter in varying distances

VI. RECOMMENDATION/S
-Tuning the FM transmitter to your desired frequency
can be almost difficult and time consuming. The use of
a frequency counter is recommended to easily match
the frequency.

Figure 4. Path Loss vs Distance

-Since the experiment focuses on the evaluation of

path losses, it is recommended to design a system
that would lessen the path losses generated by the
FM transmitter, supported by the data gathered in this
experiment.

VII. REFERENCES
[1] Armoogum,V. Soyjaudah, K. M. S. Mohamudally,
N. and Fogarty, T., Comparative Study of Path Loss
with some Existing Models for Digital Television
Broadcasting for Summer Season in the North of
Mauritius at UHF Band, IEEE The Third Advanced
International Conference on Telecommunications
(AICT-07), ISBN 0-7695- 2443-0
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Path_loss
[3] Armoogum, V. Soyjaudah, K.M.S. Mohamudally, N.
and Fogarty, T. 2007, Path Loss Analysis between

ECE004: Principles of Communications

the north and the south of Mauritius with some
Existing Models for Digital Television Broadcasting
for Summer Season at UHF Bands, Proceedings
of the 8th IEEE AFRICON 2007, ISBN 0-78038606-X
[4] Federal Communications Commission, Code of
Federal Regulations, Title 47. Ch. 1, Part 73,
Radio Broadcast Services Section. 73.683, 73.684
and 73.699.
[5] Perez-Vega, C. and Zamanillo, J. M., Path Loss
Model for Broadcasting Applications and Outdoor
Communication Systems in the VHF and UHF
Bands, IEEE Transactions Broadcasting, 48(2)
(2002) 91.

Cedric
G.
Dela Cruz
Electronics Engineering
Technological Institute of the Philippines Quezon
City
cedricgdelacruz@ymail.com

VIII. PROPONENTS PROFILE

Nicole Jane B. Bulaon

Electronics Engineering
Technological Institute of the Philippines Quezon
City
nicolejanebulaon@gmail.com

John William P. Villaluna

Electronics Engineering
Technological Institute of the Philippines Quezon
City
jwilliamvillaluna@gmail.com