DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF KIST FM RADIO
Etienne NTAGWIRUMUGARA, Mr. HARINDA Eugene, MFITUMUKIZA Joseph and ITUZE
Gemma.
Kigali Institute of Science and Technology, (KIST), Faculty of Engineering, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE),
Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering ETE program, entagwir@yahoo.fr, haligene109@gmail.com
Abstract: Kigali Institute of Science and Technology
(KIST) as its name suggest deliver skills in Science and
Technology. Through the faculty of Engineering and the
department of Electrical and Electronics engineering
(EEE) in particular, KIST wishes to close the information
transfer gap between the administration, students, alumni
and the public. Also KIST has an ambitious aim to
develop an outstanding and highly reputed institution in
Africa. In order to achieve this position, KIST FM Radio
is the one of the major tools that can be used for
promoting science and technology provided at KIST
through Programs which are designed to encourage
innovation and entrepreneurship to create employment to
both students and graduates as the main objective of KIST
FM Radio is the information for innovation.
In this project, KIST FM Radio station was designed and
implemented. It Mainly consists of the design and
implementation of two major parts of a radio station such
as bass frequency and high frequency. For the design, this
project shows in the detail the improvement of structural
design of a radio station suitable for broadcasting based on
the parts said above. For the implementation, this work
implements the sample radio station that shows how the
bass frequency and high frequency is generated by
assembling the electronic circuit using the electronic
components and devices.
At the end, this work gives out a list of professional
equipments packages that matches to the improvement
design of this project.
Keywords: KIST FM Radio, Bass Frequency (BF),
High Frequency (HF), Kigali Institute of Science and
Technology (KIST), Electrical and Electronics
Engineering (EEE).
1. Introduction
The term communication refers to the sending, receiving
and processing of information by electronic means[1]
Processing of the information simply means making the
signal suitable for transmission. Communication started
with wire telegraphy in the eighteen forties, developing
with telephony some decades later and radio at the
beginning of this century[2].
If the points are beyond the line of sight, then a branch of
communication engineering comes into pictures and is
called telecommunication engineering.
Kigali Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) as its
name suggest deliver skills in Science and Technology.
Through the faculty of Engineering and the department of
Electrical and Electronics engineering (EEE) in particular,
KIST wishes to close the information transfer gap between
the administration, students, alumni and the public.
The fact that big percentage of KIST community has
mobile phones that have an option of FM radio receiver
means that they can receive FM signals, information
dissemination is faster and efficiently delivered at the
same time than emails and notice boards.
The KIST FM radio research project is organized in such
way that the problem statements that push us to choose
this topic, the aim and objectives of this KIST FM radio,
the contribution, it also shows how this research is
organized in general, many things are included like a
literature review showing the related work done on the
similar project, the methodology used along the research,
how the design is analyzed and the implementation of the
sample transmission station, the methodology used in
testing to get the result, not only that but also we tried to
show how this project can be turned into cash means how
it can generate the income, the last but not the least the
conclusion and recommendation.
2. Motivation
In this work, a KIST FM radio is designed in such way
that it shows how the layout of radio station look like and
a sample of radio station is implemented and simulated for
transmitting the signal by assembling the electronic
components and devices.
The main motivations of designing and implementing
KIST FM Radio bases on the fact that Radio is entirely a
medium of sound, which evokes smells, sensations and
visual images which brings the listeners imagination into
play. Radio is one of the tools which is effectively used
for communication and positioning.. Radio can be used
effectively for advertisement since it can target the large
audience because of its high reach. Radio is good at
increasing awareness about the business and helping in
building the brand image. As KIST’s vision is to be an
internationally renowned, regionally-engaged,
comprehensive Centre of Excellence in Science and
Technology that delivers academic programs and carry out
research to the highest international standards, KIST FM
Radio is the one majors tools can be used to realize and
reach to that vision by spreading out its products and
services. But all this are only for pure academic purpose.
3. Background research
It is very expensive to deliver important information to
KIST staff and students, as well as the general public
using a means that is both fast and efficient. However, if
an FM radio was designed and implemented at KIST
campus, this information would easily be delivered
quickly and to all at the same time. Delivery of public
lecturers could as well as be made easy since a professor
would simply use KIST radio airtime to deliver a lecture
to staff, students and the general public without having
them in one room.
4. Interest of the project
4.1 Personal interest
This project will provide a solution to the practical
problem by applying theoretical knowledge gained from
different courses during our study at KIST. This project
will also facilitate adaptation to the market in the field of
Telecommunication industry for competing with other
radio communication medium.
4.2 Interest for KIST
Through KIST FM Radio, KIST administration and staff
will be easy to transfer the information to students, alumni
and the public. In addition it will make also more income
to KIST through its company of KISTCO and create a
self-sufficient entity and help build a self-confident youth
by providing assistance to creative and talented students.
On other hand the student will benefit from this radio
because they will get the information easily and on time.
4.3 Public interest
KIST FM Radio mainly will update the community about
new technology and help the community to get the full
information about KIST in the field of education and its
products. On the other hand it will help community to
advertise their products and services they offer that are
related to academic.
5. Project goals and objectives
5.1 Project goal
The project purpose is to establish an FM Radio that is
solely dedicated to promoting Science and Technology.
Also, Programs will be designed to encourage innovation
and entrepreneurship to create employment to both
students and graduates.
5.2 Project objectives
5.2.1 Overall objective
The main objective of the KIST FM Radio is to strengthen
the skills in science and technology and to re-enforce the
entrepreneurial innovation within the graduate and
community in general.
5.2.3 Specific objectives
 To record and rebroadcast the important events
held at KIST such as public lectures, important
meetings.
 To develop a network and forum for young
scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs.
 To analyze and debate about scientific products
and their impact on society.
 To produce educational programs on science and
technology
 Capturing the attention of the student population
and the neighboring communities of the
institution and to provide more information to
more students per minute per square kilometer.
 To design a highly reliable radio transmitter
equipped with a sufficient power amplifier
capable of broadcasting throughout the KIST
campus as well as the general public.
6. Justification of the Study
All FM Radio station is designed in such way that all the
controls are combined together which is the results of
interference of the signal and the unstable range of
transmission. For KIST FM Radio station the contribution
is based on its design where there is separated controls and
the mode of transmission operation where it allows the
direct retransmission by using the off air receiver and the
line of sight using Yagi-Uda antennas.
7. Literature review
A logical approach to this study is to first understand the
fundamentals of radio broadcasting in the early days of
telecommunication by referring related works done. Radio
broadcasting enables distant communication by using air
as channel or a medium. If we talk about radio broadcast,
it simply refers to an audio form of communication, and
using radio waves, an electromagnetic radiation to
broadcast from a transmitter to a receiving antenna. In
order to transmit the same kind of programming, stations
are connected to all the radio networks.
7.1 Concept of modulation
Modulation is the addition of information (or the signal) to
an electronic or optical signal carrier. Modulation can be
applied to direct current mainly by turning it on and off, to
alternating current, and to optical signals[3]. In fact, for
most of radio and telecommunication today, the carrier is
alternating current (AC) in a given range of frequencies.
Common modulation methods include:
 Amplitude modulation (AM), in which the
voltage applied to the carrier is varied over time
 Frequency modulation (FM), in which the
frequency of the carrier waveform is varied in
small but meaningful amounts
 Phase modulation (PM), in which the natural
flow of the alternating current waveform is
delayed temporarily
In radio broadcasting the modulation is more applied
because, the electromagnetic radiation must be modulated
to be useful as a radio transmission. Without modulation,
no information is carried in a radio signal. Why? Because
the signal generated has the lower amplitude that are
unable to be transmitted from one point to another.
From the history of radio broadcast, we have learned that
in earlier times, radio stations were basically
radiotelegraphy webs and at the same time did not carry
audio. The origin of radio broadcast can be dated back to
1960, when the first audio transmission was drafted by
Reginald Fessenden. Whether this broadcast actually
occurred is disputed. While many early experimenters
attempted to create systems similar to radiotelephone
devices where only two parties were meant to
communicate, there were others who intended to transmit
to larger audiences. [4]
Particularly as we are concerned for FM Radio transmitter,
firstly the left and right audio signal passes through a pre-
emphasis filter. The transmitter then combines the signals
with the Radio Data Systems (RDS) data to generate the
multiplex (MPX) message signal m (t).
Next, the transmitter modulates the frequency of the
message signal and passes it to an RF transmitter, where it
is up converted to radio frequencies generating the
output, x(t) for our design we will use a voltage-
controlled oscillator (VCO) to implement the FM
modulator and RF transmitter functions.
Conceptually, this direct method of FM modulation will
work. In practice, however, we generally use a phase-
locked loop (PLL) to stabilize the carrier frequency from
frequency drifts and a power amplifier to drive the
antenna[5].
Figure 1. Modulation process diagram[5]
7.2 Types of modulation used for radio broadcasting
There are mainly two types of radio broadcast; Amplitude
Modulation (AM) and Frequency Modulation (FM). AM
and FM are ways of broadcasting radio signals. Both
transmit the information in the form of electromagnetic
waves. AM works by modulating (varying) the amplitude
of the signal or carrier transmitted according to the
information being sent, while the frequency remains
constant. This differs from FM technology in which
information (sound) is encoded by varying the frequency
of the wave and the amplitude is kept constant[6].
AM radio ranges from 535 to 1705 kilohertz, whereas FM
radio ranges in a higher spectrum from 88 to 108
megahertz. For AM radio, stations are possible every 10
kHz and FM stations are possible every 200 kHz i.e. the
deviation frequency. [7] For the radio broadcasting a
distinct advantage that FM has over AM is that FM radio
has better sound quality than AM radio.
Keywords: AM, FM, MPX, RF, R(t), L(t)
8. Research methodology
Research methodology is the way to systematically solve
the research problem. It is the analysis of particular
methods used in conducting a study. This chapter includes
the methods and techniques that have been used to collect
data and tools used to enable us to carry out the design and
implementation of the project.
8.1 Source of the data
We made field trips on different radio stations which are
strong in broadcasting such as Office Rwandaise
d'Information (ORINFOR) in the unit of Radio Rwanda,
Radio Salus and Huguka Radio. While doing field trips,
we gained the practical skills on how the radio station
system is built and helped us to think further on the
improvement. Also this project development based on the
practical skills gained during industrial attachment done control room is combined by studio. This issue affects the
during two months at the office Rwandaise d' information working of some equipments built the system. On the
(ORINFOR). other hand for the broadcasting most of the radio station
are unable to broadcast the live programs from the field.

8.2 Project methodology

8.2.1 Sample size
9.1.3 Analysis of existing environment
The project sample size is analyzed in KIST campus by
observing the methods used for the information transfer
Radio communication industry in Rwanda is controlled by
between the administration, students, alumni and the
Rwanda Utility and Regulation Agency (RURA). It is the
public. Currently the information transfer in the campus is
one gives and controls the frequencies used by the radio
very poor while surveying the methods used such as notice
stations, television stations and telecommunication
boards, e-mails, telephone massages etc. The fact that
companies. Particularly for radio stations, in order to
above 54% of KIST community doesn't get the
avoid the interferences of one radio to another by the
information transferred at time by using the methods said
transmission power and the effect of electromagnetic
above.
signal to the population health, RURA requires every
The methods that have been used in this project are: radio station to have Studio to Transmitter Link (STL).
Documentation and analysis of the collected documents, This link carries the signal from the studio at the high
discussion with the supervisor, colleagues and the frequency above 5GHz to the transmission sites where
professional operators (technicians) from the different there is a tower that holds the transmitting antennas of
radio stations during the field trips we made to different different radio station.
radio stations as well as analysis of data.
8.2.2 Project environment design of the improved radio Currently the main transmission sites available for radio
station system and television in Rwanda are REBERO and JARI where
there is towers owned by ORINFOR. In fact the selection
Before designing and implementing, the project readings of the transmission site depends on the habitation of
from different authors have been done to obtain a better population and the altitude of the terrain. These factors
understanding of the basic and technological knowledge influence the range at which the signal reaches.
relating to this project in the field of electronics and
telecommunication.
8.2.3 Validation of the improved radio station system
Based on the structural design of KIST FM Radio, the
signal is able to be delivered to the listeners without any
distortion which makes the radio station to function
accurately 24 hours/7days. Also this structure will allow
the radio station to broadcast the live field programs.
9. DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF KIST FM
RADIO
9.1 Data analysis
9.1.1 Existing environment
Currently, for radio communication industry the situation
is that new radio stations are being established in Rwanda
and most of them are designed in such way that the
Figure 2. JARI transmission site
programs delivered are focused on the business.
9.1.2 Structure of activities of the existing environment
Refer to the radio stations existing in Rwanda, their
technical operation system are structured in such way that
the activities are combined where the presenter works as
presenter and operator at the same time in this case the

Figure 3. REBERO transmission site
During the transmission of the signal from transmission
site to the receivers, the dipole antenna antennas are used
because they are more efficient in term of the range of
transmission and they are cheaper.
9.2 Proposed Design of the new system of KIST FM
Radio station
The project of KIST FM Radio helps to figure out the
professional and efficient system that makes a radio
station suitable for broadcasting.
The new system is composed into two main parts. These
parts are contained in the structural design of a radio
station such as bass frequency and high frequency.
Figure 4. Structural design of KIST FM Radio system
Control room devided into two part such as production
studio and On-air studio. With a dedicated production
studio, one person can prepare material to be used in
future broadcasts while other material is being broadcast
from the on-air studio. The production studio is the main
centre of a radio station in which all programs are
processed before passing to the on-air studio. The on-air
studio is as simple as a computer with audio editing
software and headphones. The production studio must
have source equipments and a mixer console, a telephone
hybrid, or an EAS decoder and it needs to have features
such as an on-air light, to determine whether the presenter
is on-air and to alert the presenter that the microphone is
ON. In addition the control room must be designed in such
way that it has an intercomm that helps the
communication between the operator and the presenter.
Editing room From proposed design, an editing room is
provided for editing and production of pre-recorded
programming. The main equipments used are; networked
editing PCs installed with the editing software, Unit Power
Supply, small mixer and small speakers. Also the field
recording equipments such as recorders should be kept in
this room.
Recording room The recording room is the room where
the radio presenters and guests are located. The main
equipments are; microphones, small mixer, recorders, Unit
Power Supply, networked PCs installed with the editing
software such as Adobe audition 1.5. The main
equipments used in this room are; limiter, transmitter or
exciter, power amplifier, lightning arrester, system patch
panel, the off-air receiver, line amplifier, Unit Power
Supply, fan which is responsible of cooling the
equipments, and the antenna. More detail is discussed in
the system block diagram.
9.3 Features of the proposed design of new system
The proposed new system of KIST FM Radio has several
features for both technical design and services delivery.
From the technical design, KIST FM Radio design has the
features of self-healing in which each room is the backup
of another in case of such problem or interruption in order
to serve the same purpose. For the service delivery KIST
FM Radio has the feature of broadcasting the live
programs from the field for example public lectures,
special meetings or events related to academic purpose
especially for technology. Also in terms of services
delivery KIST FM Radio has the feature of serving the
Public with educative science, innovation and
environmental protection related programs among others
which the particularity program of KIST FM Radio.
9.4 Design analysis
KIST FM Radio is designed in such way it consists of two
main parts which are bass frequency part and high
frequency part.
Bass frequency part consists of different sub-parts by
depending on the allocation of equipments in the rooms.
These rooms are; control room, editing room and
recording room.
High frequency part refer to transmission of the signal
generated in the bass frequency part. The equipments
concerned to this room are allocated in one room called
transmission room
9.4.1 Bass and high frequency design layout
A radio broadcasting station is made up of different
equipments responsible for generating and processing the
signal before being transmitted in the space. The signal is
generated from different rooms as shown in the previous
chapter by depending on the main function of each room.
All these signal generated from different rooms are
controlled in one room called control room. Mainly this
room contains the main mixer that able to process several
input and the networked computers that communicate with
the computers from different rooms to access edited
programs saved on these computers. The figure below
shows the detailed connections of all equipments made the
radio station.
Figure 5. KIST FM Radio station design
Source equipment: The source equipment rack in a
studio may include CD players, turntables, and line inputs
for a laptop, cassette players, or even reel-to-reel tape
players. In order to avoid disorder in connecting them to
the mixer, patch panel is used.
Computers: There are a number of uses for computers in
the radio station, and the requirements for a computer
depend on its intended use. For playback of recorded
music, they must have a good chunk of storage space
audio files take up a lot of space and accumulate quickly,
so a 250 GB or larger hard drive is more helpful. For
audio editing and production, it helps to have a computer
with a nice processor (2 GHz or faster) with at least 2 GB
of RAM. [8] In this case it must be sure to check the
hardware requirements of the software to use before
purchasing a computer.
The appropriate software used to play music or recorded
news and recording programs are; Zara-radio, Virtual DJ,
and Adobe audition 1.5 also they must have a fast
processor, a giant hard drive and a fancy soundcard.
Microphones: The studio microphones might be the
second most important equipment in a radio station after
the transmitter. Microphones need to sound good, be easy
to use, and perform reliably under constant use.
A studio should have one microphone for each DJ or host
and a few for guests if needed. It is best to limit the
amount of microphones in the studio to around four
having lots of microphones active at once leads to a lot of
background noise to avoid that guests can share
microphones. Microphones can be either directional or
Omni-directional. Directional microphones, also called
cardioids microphones, only pick up sound waves from
one direction, and as a result pick up less ambient noise
(equipment hum, paper-shuffling, etc).
Omni-directional microphones pick up sound from all
directions, and are therefore useful for speakers especially
guests who don’t have experience using microphones or
will be moving a lot while talking in studio while on-air.
[9]
There are many different kinds of microphones to choose
from when building a broadcasting studio. For KIST FM
Radio station design there are two main types of
microphones prefer to be most used in on-air studio and
recording room because they are efficient and more
reliable. These types are dynamic microphones and
condenser microphones.
Condenser microphones are generally more sensitive,
particularly in the higher frequencies, and are great at
recording quiet sounds and musical instruments.
Condensers are made up of many electrical parts and
therefore tend to be more fragile and less reliable than
dynamic microphones. Condensers also require a special
kind of power source (called Phantom Power) while
dynamic microphones do not. Both types are used in
broadcast radio applications. However, on-air studio
generally uses dynamic microphones because of their
superior durability and ease of use.
Microphone booms or stands: It is important to have an
arm to position each microphone at a comfortable position
relative to the presenter’s mouth in order to make a studio
to be comfortable for broadcasting.
Mixer console: An audio mixer takes input from multiple
audio sources and lets the user determine which channels
to use in the output, and at what levels. A console is
generally the same thing as a mixer, but sometimes has
some additional fancy features used just for radio. A mixer
or console is essential for any station that will broadcast
using multiple audio sources. A nice mixer should have
ample channels to accommodate all audio sources and
easily visible level meters with sliding controls. [8]
Another useful feature is monitor muting, which
automatically mutes the studio monitor speakers whenever
a microphone channel is on. Without this, the sound from
the speakers goes back into the microphone and creates
feedback, which most people find unpleasant unless they
are listening. If the mixer does not include automatic
monitor muting, you can make or buy a speaker muting
device that does this automatically, or the DJ can mute the
speakers manually to avoid feedback.
EAS decoder: The Emergency Alert System (EAS) is the
piece of equipment at a radio station that listens for
emergency alerts on other stations and sends them out
over the airwaves. It is a nationwide system through which
emergency warnings are relayed. If there is a radio
program interrupted for a weather warning that was
probably an EAS message.
FM tuner: It is important to have an FM tuner so the DJ
can listen to the signal that is being sent over the airwaves.
The receiver should be tuned to the frequency at which the
station is broadcasting. The DJ can switch between the on-
air signal and the console signal to make sure the station is
broadcasting loud and clear.
Monitor speakers: Monitor speakers let the DJ listen to
what they are playing. The monitor speakers might be
internally amplified, or might require an external amp for
power. The best monitor speakers have a “flat” response
so that the sound coming out of the speakers sounds as
much as possible like the audio going into them.
Headphones: Headphones should be used by anyone
presenting into a microphone. This allows the DJ or hosts
to monitor their audio levels as they speak.
Each microphone in the studio should be paired with a set
of headphones. Headphones tend to wear out quickly, so
durability is an important consideration in order to avoid
replacing them frequently. If there are lots of headphones
in the studio, there must be a Headphone amplifier to split
up the signal and allow all of the guests to set their
listening level to whatever is comfortable for them.
Telephone system: KIST FM Radio design is provided to
have a telephone to put callers on the air in to share with
the listeners; this is the purpose of inserting telephone
Hybrid.
The hybrid feeds the signal from the phone line into the
console, and feeds another signal back to the caller by
using send and return ports.
On-air light and relay circuitry: An on-air light notifies Public access to broadcasting antennas is normally
others outside of the studio when the DJ has microphones restricted so individuals cannot be exposed to high-level
on in the studio. There is usually some circuitry outside of fields that might exist near antennas. Ambient RF
the console to turn the lights on and off. It is typically radiation levels in inhabited areas near broadcasting
controlled by some switches inside of the console. Mixers facilities are typically well below the exposure levels
not designed for radio probably won’t have this feature. recommended by current standards and guidelines.
An on-air light is not essential, but it will make things
easier for the DJ and for any visitors to the studio.
Distribution amplifier: A distribution amplifier splits the
signal from the audio console and sends it in multiple
directions without overloading the console output. If there
are many destinations for the signal for instance, a CD
Figure 6. Signal transmission from studio to transmission site block
recorder, computer, production studio, speakers and diagram
transmitter, the distribution amplifier is more helpful.
Audio cables and connectors: Audio cables transmit
audio signals from one place to another, such as from an
audio source to the console. It will likely need an
assortment of connectors to make custom cables,
depending on what equipment is used.
Equipment racks: Equipment racks keep the equipment
secure and the cables hidden out of the way, which are
nice for the aesthetics of the studio, equipment racks are
Figure 7. Signal transmission from transmission site to listeners
necessarily important for basic functionality of a radio
station. Patch panel: Patch panel is a number of circuits and it is
consists of two main parts such as input and output part,
usually of the same or similar type, which appear on jacks
9.4.2 High frequency design block diagram of KIST for monitoring, interconnecting, and testing circuits in a
FM Radio convenient flexible manner, it simplifies the connections.
The high frequency design deals with the transmission of
Audio processor: This equipment gets R and L signal
the signal from the radio station to the listeners or receiver
coming from the audio patch panel and then processes it,
sets. This process is divided into two parts such as
by leveling it (when it comes over modulated it
transmission of the signal from studio to transmission site
compresses it and when it comes under modulated, it
by using the microwave link known as Studio to
limits it) and then makes its composite signal in one BNC
Transmitter Link (STL) and the transmission of the signal
port at the back of it. This is powered from the mains.
from transmission site to the receiver sets.
Limiter: It is an electronic device that reduces the level
Radio and television broadcast stations transmit their
of modulation of the signal from studio (on the mixer
signals via RF electromagnetic waves. Broadcast stations
console) in order to prevent the transmitter so it is
transmit at various RF frequencies, depending on the
installed between the mixer and the Transmitter. Not only
channel, ranging from about 550 kHz for AM radio up to
reducing the level of modulation of the signal but also it
about 800 MHz for some UHF television stations.
can increase it depending on the modulation level set. This
Frequencies for FM radio and VHF television lie in
modulation level is measured in dB.
between these two extremes. [10]
The amount of RF energy to which the public or workers DME Transmitter: Digital Modulation Encoder is
might be exposed as a result of broadcast antennas digital the transmitter used to encode the analog signal and
depends on several factors, including the type of station, convert it into digital signal in order to be compatible with
design characteristics of the antenna being used, power STL.
transmitted to the antenna, height of the antenna and
That transmitter modulate the bit stream at 70 MHz, and
distance from the antenna. Since energy at some
the output signal of the transmitter is an IF (Intermediate
frequencies is absorbed by the human body more readily
Frequency) signal.
than energy at other frequencies, the frequency of the
transmitted signal as well as its intensity is important. Filters: They are an electronic device which perform
signal processing functions, specifically to remove
unwanted frequency and other distortions components
from the signal, to enhance wanted one depending on the
settings of the threshold.
Head amplifier: It is the device linked to STL by the
coaxial cable that carries the signal and the power feeding
the antenna at the same time. Head amplifier receives the
IF signal from DME transmitter at 70MHz and amplifies it
up 6.4GHz maximum of Radio Frequency (RF) signal.
DME receiver: It decodes digital IF signals from head
amplifier and converts them into RF analog signals
compatible to the receiver but the RF signal can pass
directly to the exciter through patch panel and the audio
processor.
Off air Rx: This equipment receives the RF signal and
demodulates it. The content (audio) comes in form of
compound signal (Right and Left).
Sometimes this signal is too weak to attack the exciter that
is why it is amplified from the next stage. This gets
powered from the mains. the off air receiver is placed both
to the transmission site and in the transmission room from
the main station this helps to transmit the live programs
from outside of the studio for example public lectures,
special events.
Line amplifier: This small amplifier at the back of the
cabinet gets the signal from off air receiver and raises it to
a comprehensive level. This signal gets sent to the next
stage. This gets powered from the mains through its 12V
DC power supply.
Exciter: Normally it is the analog transmitter but because
it is preceded by the power amplifier that amplifies the
power of the signal in order to transmit far in that case it is
an exciter. This equipment does have a local oscillator
which creates a carrier in the range of FM (88-108MHz),
where the composite from the audio processor will be
attached; this exciter is wideband, the RF coming from
this exciter is forwarded to the next stage. This is powered
from the mains.
Power Amplifier: This amplifier does take some few
watts (30W) as input coming from the exciter and
amplifies it to 1000Watts, and then sends it to the next
stage. This equipment is wideband and it is powered from
the mains.
Combiner: This equipment does combine many FM
systems if we do have, and filters each incoming
frequency respectively because on the transmission site
there are many FM radio.
This is a passive component and the frequency set from
the exciter must be the same as its narrow band input at
the input of the combiner or multiplexer unless it has to be
connected to the wideband input.
Studio to Transmitter Link (STL): An STL sends a
radio station's or television station's audio and video from
the broadcast studio to a radio transmitter or television
transmitter in another location. This is often necessary
because the best locations for an antenna are on top of a
mountain, where a much shorter tower is required, but
where a studio is completely impractical.
Even in flat regions, the center of the station's allowed
coverage area may not be near the studio location or
within a populated area where a transmitter would be
frowned upon by the community, so the antenna must be
placed several miles or kilometers away. STL transmitter
and receiver operate on any AC voltage from 110-120
VACS or 220-240 VAC, and feature external 12-15 VDC
or 15-30 VDC supply capability and external transmit
control.
Dipole Antenna: This antenna gives a boost of 3dB to the
power of the signal being broadcast. This increases the
power by roughly twice. With loss from cables and
connectors included, this will equate to an ERP of 500
Watts when connected to a 300 Watt transmitter. The
antennas must be attached to a 3-4 meter long metal pole
with a diameter of 25-50cm. This must be placed as high
as possible, to cover as large an area as possible.
Grounding and lightning protection: An antenna
structure should be connected to an electrical ground. This
will allow charges to drain from the structure to ground,
preventing a charge build-up that could decrease antenna
efficiency. A strong path to ground will also help to
reduce the damage to equipment if lightning strikes.
Cables and connectors : Coaxial cable is used to carry
radio frequency signals. Types of coaxial cable vary in the
amount of attenuation (signal loss) over a certain length
[8] It is most important to use low-attenuation cable for
long lengths, while it may be acceptable to use slightly
higher attenuation cable over short distances. The
important thing is to match the connectors on the cable to
the output of the transmitter and the input of the antenna.
9.5 Implementation
The implementation of a sample of radio broadcasting
station combines together two major parts such as bass
frequency or low frequency signal generation, high
frequency or carrier generation signal and signal
transmission as discussed in the design above. The
assembled circuit is made of resistors, capacitors,
inductors, variable capacitors, wires and variable resistors.
Peripherals equipments and instruments used in this
implementation are; microphone, auxiliary (such as PC
used as input signal), multimeter and frequency-meter.
9.5.1 Implementation of bass frequency signal
The implementation of bass frequency consists of major
stages such as pre-amplifier, amplifier and the mixer as
shown in the circuit below;
Figure 8. Bass frequency implementatio circuit
Pre-amplifier prepares a small electrical signal for further
amplification or processing. The pre-amplifier circuit
based on a C1815 transistor amplifier that amplifies by
producing a large change in collector current for a small
change in base current. This action results in voltage
amplification because the load resistor placed in series
with the collector reacts to these large changes in collector
current which, in turn, results in large variations in the
output voltage.
Since the current in the base circuit is very small (a few
hundred microamperes) and the forward resistance of the
transistor is low, only a few tenths of a volt of positive
bias will be felt on the base of the transistor. However, this
is enough voltage on the base, along with ground on the
emitter and the large positive voltage on the collector, to
properly bias the transistor. With 2N4409 or C1815
transistor (Q1) properly biased, direct current flows
continuously, with or without an input signal, throughout
the entire circuit. The direct current flowing through the
circuit develops more than just base bias; it also develops
the collector voltage (VC) as it flows through Q1 and R L.
Since it is present in the circuit without an input signal, the
output signal starts at the VC level and either increases or
decreases. These dc voltages and currents that exist in the
circuit before the application of a signal are known as
quiescent voltages and currents or the quiescent state of
the circuit. [11]
Load Resistor RL, the collector load resistor, is placed in
the circuit to keep the full effect of the collector supply
voltage off the collector. This permits the collector voltage
(VC) to change with an input signal, which in turn allows
the transistor to amplify voltage. Without RL in the circuit,
the voltage on the collector would always be equal to VCC.
The coupling capacitors (CC) or C4 and C3 of 1µF is
another new addition to the transistor circuit. It is used to
pass the ac input signal and block the dc voltage from the
preceding circuit. This prevents dc in the circuitry on the
left of the coupling capacitor from affecting the bias on
Q1. The coupling capacitor also blocks the bias of Q1
from reaching the input signal source. [11]
The input to the pre-amplifier is a sine wave that varies a
few millivolts above zero. It is introduced into the circuit
by the coupling capacitor and is applied between the base
and emitter.
As the input signal goes positive, the voltage across the
emitter-base junction becomes more positive. This effect
increases forward bias, which causes base current to
increase at the same rate as that of the input sine wave.
Emitter and collector currents also increase but much
more than the base current. With an increase in collector
current, more voltage is developed across R L. Since the
voltage across RL and the voltage across Q1 (collector to
emitter) must add up to VCC, an increase in voltage across
RL results in an equal decrease in voltage across Q1.
Therefore, the output voltage from the amplifier, taken at
the collector of Q1 with respect to the emitter, is a
negative alternation of voltage that is larger than the input,
but has the same sine wave characteristics.
During the negative alternation of the input, the input
signal opposes the forward bias. This action decreases
base current, which results in a decrease in both emitter
and collector currents. The decrease in current through R L
decreases its voltage drop and causes the voltage across
the transistor to rise along with the output voltage.
Therefore, the output for the negative alternation of the
input is a positive alternation of voltage that is larger than
the input but has the same sine wave characteristics. A
variable resistor of 15 KΩ is used to adjust properties of
the signal such as the volume the pre-amplified signal on a
stereo. Resistors R1, R2, R12 with respectively of 1KΩ
47KΩ and 10KΩ are the protective resistors of the signal
from the transducer which is the microphone.
By simulating the circuit using multisim, both input and
output signals for one complete alternation of the input, it
is seen that the output of the amplifier is an exact
reproduction of the input except for the reversal in polarity
and the increased amplitude.

Figure 9.Bass frequency signal simulation
The additive mixer is used this design of implementation
of bass frequency for the purpose of adding the signal
from two amplifiers. The signals to be mixed are directly
coupled to the base of Transistor Q3 (BC547BP). Each
input lines are current limited by using a 10kΩ
Potentiometer. Transistor Q3 is enabled as a source of
constant flow.
9.5.2 Implementation of high frequency signal
The design circuit of high frequency signal consists of two
major parts such as oscillator circuit and the signal
transmission circuit as shown in the circuit below;
Figure 10 Implementation of high frequency signal design
Q5 is the transistor used in oscillation, and is a
conventional Colpitts design. L1 and C3 in parallel with
C2, tunes the circuit to the desired frequency, and the
output (from the emitter of Q5) is fed to the buffer and
amplifier Q6. This isolates the antenna from the oscillator
giving much better frequency stability, as well as
providing considerable extra gain.
L2 and C15 form a tuned collector load, and C16 helps to
further isolate the circuit from the antenna, as well as
preventing any possibility of short circuits should the
antenna contact the grounded metal case that would
normally be used for the complete transmitter.
The audio signal applied to the base of Q5 causes the
frequency to change, as the transistor's collector current is
modulated by the audio.
This provides the frequency modulation (FM) that can be
received on any standard FM band receiver. The audio
input must be kept to a maximum of about 100mV,
although this will vary somewhat from one unit to the
next. Higher levels will cause the deviation (the maximum
frequency shift) to exceed the limits in the receiver -
usually ±75kHz.
With the value shown for C12=100nF, this limits the
lower or bass frequency response to about 50Hz (based
only on R1). If the lower frequency than this is needed,
then it must be use the capacitor of 1uF instead, which
will allow a response down to at least 15Hz. C12 may be
polyester or Mylar, or a 1uF electrolytic may be used,
either bipolar or polarized. If polarized, the positive
terminal must connect to the 10k resistor [13].
9.5.3 Overall circuit design of sample FM Radio
broadcasting
The overall circuit design of the sample FM radio that
consists of major parts (bass frequency signal generation
and high frequency signal generation) is able to transmit
the signal up to 500 meters minimum when using the
simple dipole antenna with the power of 5W.
Figure 11. Overall circuit design
9.5.4 Simulation and analysis of the overall circuit
design
The simulation of the overall circuit shows carrier signal
generated in the high frequency circuit design, the
modulating generated in the bass frequency circuit design
and the modulated signal which is the resulted signal that
transferred to the antenna as shown below;

Figure 14.Modulated signal

In telecommunication and signal processing, frequency

modulation (FM) conveys information over a carrier wave
by varying its instantaneous frequency. This contrasts with
amplitude modulation, in which the amplitude of the
carrier is varied while its frequency remains constant. In
analog applications, the difference between the
instantaneous and the base frequency of the carrier is
directly proportional to the instantaneous value of the
input-signal amplitude.
Figure 12. Carrier signal
If the baseband data signal (the message) to be transmitted
is and the sinusoidal carrier is

(9.1)
Where fc is the carrier's base frequency and Ac is the
carrier's amplitude, the modulator combines the carrier
with the baseband data signal to get the transmitted signal:

(9.2)

(9.3)

(9.4)

Figure 13.Modulating signal In this equation, f(τ) is the instantaneous frequency of the
oscillator and f∆ is the frequency deviation, which
represents the maximum shift away from fc in one
direction, assuming xm(t) is limited to the range ±1.

While most of the energy of the signal is contained within

fc ± fΔ, it can be shown by Fourier analysis that a wider
range of frequencies is required to precisely represent an
FM signal. The frequency spectrum of an actual FM signal
has components extending infinitely, although their
amplitude decreases and higher-order components are
often neglected in practical design problems. [13]

As in other modulation indices, modulation index

indicates by how much the modulated variable varies
around its unmodulated level. It relates to variations in the
carrier frequency:
(9.5)
Where fm is the highest frequency component present in
the modulating signal xm (t), and ∆f is the peak frequency-
deviation—i.e. the maximum deviation of the
instantaneous frequency from the carrier frequency. If
h<<1, the modulation is called narrowband FM, and its
bandwidth is approximately 2fm . If h>>1, the modulation
is called wideband FM and its bandwidth is approximately
2f∆ . [11]
10. Testing, evaluation of the results and business case
10.1 Testing
The testing of output signal or moulated signal is made by
using frequency-meter and the variable capacitor C8 of
100pF from the circuit design, for the purpose of setting
that signal in FM range. As the result the output signal is
set and received to 106.7 MHz.
Figure 15. Sample FM Radio station
Figure 16. Frequency-meter
10.2 Evaluation of the result
While wideband FM uses more bandwidth, it can improve
the signal-to-noise ratio significantly; for example,
doubling the value of ∆f, while keeping fm constant,
results in an eight-fold improvement in the signal-to-noise
ratio.
With a tone-modulated FM wave, if the modulation
frequency is held constant and the modulation index is
increased, the (non-negligible) bandwidth of the FM
signal increases but the spacing between spectra remains
the same; some spectral components decrease in strength
as others increase. If the frequency deviation is held
constant and the modulation frequency increased, the
spacing between spectra increases. [13]
Frequency modulation can be classified as narrowband if
the change in the carrier frequency is about the same as
the signal frequency, or as wideband if the change in the
carrier frequency is much higher (modulation index >1)
than the signal frequency. For example, narrowband FM is
used for two way radio systems such as Family Radio
Service, in which the carrier is allowed to deviate only
2.5 kHz above and below the center frequency with
speech signals of no more than 3.5 kHz bandwidth.
Wideband FM is used for FM broadcasting, in which
music and speech are transmitted with up to 75 kHz
deviation from the center frequency and carry audio with
up to a 20-kHz bandwidth [12]. The theory above leads us
to give up a major advantage of FM in a communications
circuit, compared for AM that advantage is noise
reduction. This is the possibility of improved Signal-to-
noise ratio (SNR).
10.3 Business case
While implementing KIST FM Radio its programs will be
direct related to the use of new technology where its
programs will be designed to promote innovation and
entrepreneurship to create employment to both students
and graduates. This will attracts the telecom companies,
private sector and other institutions to advertise their
products or services through these programs on KIST FM
Radio which will make more income to KIST. Also KIST
FM Radio will reduce the cost expenses of KIST used to
advertise.
11. References
[1] Leon W. Couch II. " Digital and Analog
Communication Systems". (6th ed). Asia: Pearson
education, 2001.
[2] Herbert Taub and Donald L. Schilling. "Principal of
Communication Systems". (2nd ed). Mc Graw Hill
International ed, (1986).
[3] Hwei P. Hsu . Schaum's outline of Theory and
Problems of Signal and Systems. (2nd ed). United States
of America, (1995).
[4] Gary. A"Stereo Basics". Published byJohn Wiley &
Sons, Inc, (2003).
[5] S. Haykin,"Communication Systems". (3rd ed). Wiley,
(1994).
[6] Briggs, Asa. "The History of Broadcasting in the
United Kingdom". Lodon: Oxford University Press,
(1961).
[7] Dennis Roddy and John Coolen. "Electronic
Communications". 4th ed. PHI, (1995).
[8] Mike Brown. Low power FM Radio broadcasting
guide. (2000).
[9] Kloker, K.L. Soft quantizer for FM radio binary
digital signalling. US Patent, (1982).
[10] Prof. R. Katz. Radio Propagation course. University
of Berkeley, (1995).
[11] David A. Bell, "Electronic devices and circuit" 4th ed.
Published by Asoke K. Ghosh, Prentice-Hall of india
private limited, New Delhi-110015, (1999).
[12] Devendra K. Misra. Radio-Frequency and wave
communication circuits. (3rd ed). Hoboken, New Jersey:
Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (2006).
[13] Hwei P. Hsu . "Schaum's outline of Theory and
Problems of Signal and Systems". (2nd ed). United States
of America, (1995).
Etienne Ntagwirumugara was
born in Burundi on September 22,
1968. He received the B.S. degree
as engineer in electromechanical
engineering from National
University of Burundi in
Bujumbara, and the M.Sc. degree
in electronics engineering from
the University of Montpellier II,
in Montpellier, France. In 2003,
he joined the Institute of Electronics, Microelectronics and
Nanotechnology (IEMN) ) at the University of
Valenciennes, Valenciennes, France, in collaboration with
Scientific National Centre of Research (CNRS), France
where he is currently engaged in research toward the
Ph.D. degree.
From 1996–1998, he was a Chief Administrator Network
Cable Section and Planning at RwandaTelecommunication
Company (Rwandatel). In 2001, he joined the Kigali
Institute of Sciences and Technology (KIST), Kigali,
Rwanda, where he is a lecturer in the Department of
Electronics and Telecommunication on the Faculty of
Technology.
His current research interests are in Complementary Metal
Oxide Silicon (CMOS) implementations of low noise,
high linearity wireless communications receivers, the
acoustic-optoelectronic integrated circuits, and surface
acoustic wave filters for Global System for Mobile
communication (GSM) and Global Positioning System
(GPS).
MFITUMUKIZA Joseph was
born in Kigali, Rwanda, in 1988.
In 2008 he received, the A-level
degree from Groupe Scolaire de
Runyombyi in the option of
mathematics and physics. In
2010, He joined the Kigali
Institute of Sciences and
Technology (KIST), Kigali, Rwanda, where he is a student
in the Department of Electrical and Electronics
Engineering, on the Faculty of Engineering. His current
research interests are in electronics and
Telecommunication under the supervision of Prof Etienne
NTAGWIRUMUGARA.
Gemma ITUZE was born in Kigali,
Rwanda, in 1989. In 2008 She
received, the A-level degree from
Ecole de Science de Musanze in the
option of mathematics and physics.
In 2010, She joined the Kigali
Institute of Sciences and Technology
(KIST), Kigali, Rwanda, where she is
a student in the Department of
Electrical and Electronics Engineering, on the Faculty of
Engineering. Her current research interests are in
electronics and Telecommunication.