2:1

Introduction

AMPLITUDE MODULATION

The majority of Telecommunication systems are concerned with the transfer

information signal between points which are impossible or impractical to connect by
Even when cable is used, there may be many different information signals to send
along route. Hence the various transmission media may be required to pass several
info channels simultaneously. It is necessary, therefore, for each particular information
c to be amended (or modulated) in a known way, so that the reception point can
resolve required information channel without interference from other channels.
A major constraint on the transmission of information through one widely used m
Free space is that speech will not propagate easily, without frequency
translation Indeed, the lowest practical broadcast transmission is at about 200kHz.
Therefore information signal needs to be translated to at least this higher frequency.
Indeed, if each information channel is translated to a different higher frequency, then
the channel can be resolved after passing through the common medium.
This chapter deals with the most common type of translation (modulation) method
both in commercial broadcasting and in transmission by cable that of Amplitude
Modulation. A high frequency sinusoid (the carrier) has amplitude, which is defined
the information signal waveform. The outline shape of the high frequency signal is
called the envelope. A major distinction between types of amplitude modulation
hinges around whether the carrier signal remains when the information signal is
reduced to zero.
The experiment studies the properties of amplitude modulated carriers, demonstrates
the different forms of demodulation required to detect both the with car and the
suppressed carrier form of modulation.
Fig 2:1

2:2 The Apparatus:

the fig 2:1 show the apparatus. it comprises an amplitude modulator with an internally
generated carrier, turned circuit spectrum analyzer, and two forms of amplitude
demodulator. One of these demodulators uses an envelope detector while the other
utilizes a synchronous oscillator. The following additional equipment is required:
a) Audio Signal Generator
b) Audio amplifier and speaker
c) An oscilloscope
2:3 The Amplitude Modulator
A carrier wave Vc cos (wt) when amplitude modulated by a sinusoidal signal
Vm cos (wmt) is described by the general expression:
V=Vc(1+ m cos (wmt) cos (wt)
In the experiment to obtain the waveform of equation (1), a Constant level Vdc is
added to the modulating signal to give (Vdc + coswmt), and this is multiplied
by
V= Vc (Vdc + Vm cos (wmt)) cos(wmt)
Vc and Wo are fixed by the apparatus, but VdC can be varied (DC level) and Vm
and Wo are controlled by the external oscillator.
We will now examine theoretically how variation of these controls affects the
output from the transmitter.

2:4 Double Sideband Suppressed Carrier

If the dc level is zero, then Vdc= 0 in equation (2). In this case.
V= VcVm cos Wmt cos Wot
V = VcVm [ cos(Wm+ Wo)t+ cos(Wm- Wo)t]
Thus the envelope of the carrier varies like a rectified sinusoid of frequency Wm, see
Figure 2:2, while the composite waveform comprises only two frequencies, Wm+ Wo
and Wm- Wo radians/sec. This is known as Double Sideband Suppressed Carrier
(DSB-SC) Modulation

Fig2:2

To observe the modulated waveform, attach the external oscillator (2V pk-pk, 2
example) between the AF input terminals. With the oscilloscope set to 0.5 V/cm ai and
lms/cm time base, the input signal can be observed at the AF input termin periodicity
and amplitude should be noted. The carrier wave can be observed terminal RF input
fc, with the time base set to I j.ss/cm and the amplitude at 1 V/cm. note the
periodicity.
With the dc level control fully anticlockwise to zero, use the oscilloscope to as
modulator output waveform (red transmitter terminal). With the time base at measure
the periodicity of the envelope of the amplitude modulated waveform. The and
frequency of the external oscillator (modulating signal) can be varied to show tl
amplitude of the modulator output signal is proportional to that of the modulating and
the period of its envelope is half that of the modulating signal. This completes the
examination of equation 3.
To determine the frequency components of the modulator output signal modulator
output loosely to the tuned circuit input (black terminal).
This can be achieved by tightening the terminal onto the insulation at one end of.
Connection. The oscilloscope should now be used to examine the signal at the tuned
by connecting it to the buffer terminal (to avoid loading the tuned circuit). The modt
signal frequency should be a few kilohertz to ease its detection (which depends upon
the tuned circuits).
2:5 Double Sideband Modulations
If the modulator output signal is again examined, with the dc level increased from
zero, can be seen that the envelope of the signal has a constant voltage added to it. As
the dc 1ev is increased, so a point is reached where Vdc = Vm. and the envelope looks
approximately like that shown in Figure 2:3. At this point the modulation index, (in)
in equation 1, is unit
Compare equations 1 and 2 with Vdc = Vm. This is often referred to as 100 per ce
modulation.

Fig 2:3
Examine the frequency and amplitudes of the component frequencies in the
modulator output waveform as before.
Derive an equation similar to (4) for the case of Vdc. = Vm and compare the relative
amplitudes of the frequency components as measured with those of your equation.
Vary the dc level and determine the relationship. between carrier and side-frequency
amplitudes.
14
2:6

A.M. Synchronous Detection

Synchronous detection is needed when DSB.SC modulation is used. The advantage

of PSB.SC is transmitted power is saved by not transmitting the carrier. The

disadvantage is that the receiver has to multiply the incoming signal by a replica of
the original carrier and this carrier has to be inserted correctly in frequency and phase.
The receiver therefore has a local oscillator, which is multiplied by the incoming
signal. Let us assume that this local oscillator frequency is correct, i.e. ft,, then the
Output of the multiplier is
V = (V1cos (Wot)) (Vc Vm cos Wmt cosWot)
= V1 VcVm cos(Wmt) ((1+ cos2 Wot))/2

Thus components appear at frequencies . By using a low pass filter (RC circuit or a
loudspeaker) the wanted output coswmt can be selected.
The experimental apparatus is provided with a local oscillator locked to the correct
frequency and phase. Attach the modulator output to the multiplier input, switch the
local oscillator to lock and connect the multiplier output to the audio amplifier and
speaker. A clear tone will be heard. It can be varied in amplitude and frequency by
adjusting the modulator AFinput (i.e. external oscillator).
What values of R and C are necessary to select this tone at the multiplier output?
Prove your calculation by connecting them across the multiplier output and using the
oscilloscope to observe the waveform at the junction of the resistor and capacitor.
Vary the audio input and compare the amplitudes into the modulator and out of the
demodulator at this point for a fixed RC combination.
Let us now assume that the local oscillator is free-running with a frequency error
to,,. Derive ~ calculation similar to 5 for this case. Switch to Free, and listen to and
observe the difference
2:7 A.M. Envelope Detection
In the DSB experiment it was noticed that with sufficient D.C. the envelope of the
r.f. waveform looked like the modulating sine waveform. This property of DSB with
carrier allows a very simple detector to be devised. This is the envelope detector, and
simply consists of a diode and smoothing circuit. Thus the advantage of DSB with
carrier is that the detection circuit is very simple. Commercial broadcast transmitters
use this t~e of modulation (even though it requires higher transmitter power) because
commercial radio receivers can then be made cheaply.
Set up the modulator for DSB modulation with carrier for 100 per cent modulation
or Slightly less. Connect the modulator output loosely to the tuned circuit input.
Connect the buffer to the diode input. The oscilloscope can now be used to observe
the rectified r.f. The envelope of this can be observed by placing a suitable RC circuit
between the diode output and earth (e.g. the circuit used with the synchronous
detector), or by using the loudspeaker System as a low pass filter. The modulating
signal can be varied in frequency and amplitude to verify that the modulation is being
detected. The oscilloscope will observe a distorted
waveform when the loudspeaker is in the circuit because of the loading of the diode
ou by the audio amplifier. Now connect the modulator output directly to the diode in
Connect the audio amplifier and loudspeaker across the output. Attach the oscillosco
the modulator output, with lms/cm timebase and 0.5V/cm amplitude scale. An a
frequency of about 400Hz is convenient, and levels of audio and DC set to give 100
per modulation. Now vary the DC level firstly to zero, and then to its maximum,
while liste to the speaker and observing the waveform. Describe and account for your
observations.
Return to the 100 per cent modulation point and reduce the audio signal level. Why
d the speaker output alter in magnitude only, and not in frequency? Remove the

oscillosco Increase the audio level slowly. Can you hear when 100 per cent
modulation is reach Check by using the oscilloscope.
2:8 Suggestions for Further Experiments
Connect a microphone across the modulator input. Listen to the effects
overmodulation on speech using each of the demodulators by varying the DC level w
speaking into the microphone. Listen to the effect on speech of allowing the local
oscilla to be free running when using the synchronous detector.
Place the DC level at its maximum with a 5V peak modulating signal at about 5
Loosely couple to the tuned circuit. How many component frequencies can you detect
in modulated signal?
Insert a square wave modulating signal and repeat the above exercise to determine t
number of side-frequencies and their relative amplitudes. (This experiment can
elaborated upon if Tecquipment Apparatus El5a is available to provide a modulatin
signal).