Sulaimany Polytechnic University 2019-2020

Technical College of Engineering third stage

Communication Engineering Dept digital communication lab

Experiment no .3
Pulse code modulation (PCM)

Student:
1-Kaso Baxtiar
2-zhiwar awat
3-shangeen baqi
4-rayan jamal

Date of submission: 17-11-2019

Date of attendance : 24-11-2019

Theory
Pulse code modulation is a method that is used to convert an analog signal into a digital signal,
so that modified analog signal can be transmitted through the digital communication network.
PCM is in binary form ,so there will be only two possible states high and low(0 and 1). We can
also get back our analog signal by demodulation. The Pulse Code Modulation process is done in
three steps Sampling, Quantization, and Coding.

Here is a block diagram of the steps which are included in PCM.

n sampling we are using PAM sampler that is Pulse Amplitude Modulation Sampler which converts
continuous amplitude signal into Discrete-time- continuous signal (PAM pulses).

To get a pulse code modulated waveform from an analog waveform at the transmitter end
(source) of a communications circuit, the amplitude of the analog signal samples at regular time
intervals. The sampling rate or number of samples per second is several times the maximum
frequency. The message signal converted into binary form will be usually in the number of levels
which is always to a power of 2. This process is called quantization.
Basic Elements of PCM System

At the receiver end, a pulse code demodulator decodes the binary signal back into pulses with
same quantum levels as those in the modulator. By further processes we can restore the original
analog waveform.

Pulse Code Modulation Theory

This above block diagram describes the whole process of PCM. The source of continuous time
message signal is passed through a low pass filter and then sampling, Quantization, Encoding
will be done. We will see in detail step by step.

Sampling

Quantization

In quantization, an analog sample with an amplitude that converted into a digital sample with an
amplitude that takes one of a specific defined set of quantization values. Quantization is done by
dividing the range of possible values of the analog samples into some different levels, and
assigning the center value of each level to any sample in quantization interval. Quantization
approximates the analog sample values with the nearest quantization values. So almost all the
quantized samples will differ from the original samples by a small amount. That amount is called
as quantization error. The result of this quantization error is we will hear hissing noise when play
a random signal. Converting analog samples into binary numbers that is 0 and 1.
In most of the cases we will use uniform quantizers. Uniform quantization is applicable when the
sample values are in a finite range (Fmin, Fmax). The total data range is divided into 2n levels,
let it be L intervals. They will have an equal length Q. Q is known as Quantization interval or
quantization step size. In uniform quantization there will be no quantization error.

Uniformly Quantized Signal

As we know,
L=2n, then Step size Q = (Fmax – Fmin) / L

Interval i is mapped to the middle value. We will store or send only index value of quantized
value.

An Index value of quantized value Qi (F) = [F – Fmin / Q]

Quantized value Q (F) = Qi (F) Q + Q / 2 + Fmin

Coding

The encoder encodes the quantized samples. Each quantized sample is encoded into a sequence
of bits by the encoding process.
Pulse Code Demodulation

Pulse Code Demodulation will be doing the same modulation process in reverse. Demodulation
starts with decoding process, during transmission the PCM signal will effected by the noise
interference. So, before the PCM signal sends into the PCM demodulator, we have to recover the
signal into the original level for that we are using a comparator. The PCM signal is a series pulse
wave signal, but for demodulation we need wave to be parallel.

By using a serial to parallel converter the series pulse wave signal will be converted into a
parallel digital signal. After that the signal will pass through n-bits decoder, it should be a Digital
to Analog converter. Decoder recovers the original quantization values of the digital signal. This
quantization value also includes a lot of high frequency harmonics with original audio signals.
For avoiding unnecessary signals we utilize a low-pass filter at the final part.
Procedure
TestA case1 :

Case 2 : Using scalar quantize encoder as midrise PCM

Case 3 : Using scalar quantize encoder as midtread PCM

Test B:

Note: passband edge =2*pi*2000 rad/s because the frequency of LPF should be twice of the
message signal
Result
Test A case 1:

Input DC voltage Quantized sample values PCM code-word

( samples value ) Binary code-word
1.3 1 0000 0101
3.6 4 0000 0111
2.3 2 0000 0110
0.7 1 0000 0101
-0.7 -1 0000 0011
-1.2 -1 0000 0011
-2.4 -2 0000 0010
-3.4 -3 0000 0001

Case 2:

Input DC voltage Quantized sample values PCM code-word

( samples value ) Binary code-word
1.3 1.5 0000 0101
3.6 3.5 0000 0111
2.3 2.5 0000 0110
0.7 0.5 0000 0100
-0.7 -0.5 0000 0011
-1.2 -1.5 0000 0010
-2.4 -2.5 0000 0001
-3.4 -3.5 0000 0000

Case 3:

Input DC voltage Quantized sample values PCM code-word

( samples value ) Binary code-word
1.3 1 0000 0101
3.6 4 0000 0111
2.3 2 0000 0110
0.7 1 0000 0101
-0.7 -1 0000 0011
-1.2 -1 0000 0011
-2.4 -2 0000 0010
 -3.4 -3 0000 0001

Test B:
Discussion
In this experiment which we experimented with PCM, the signal first undergoes pulse amplitude
modulation which results in having sampled signal with their original amplitude at their
instantaneous time. We can notice in the first scope that we got the sine wave as sampled signal.
The sampled signal is then quantized in the quantize according to its step size, in our result we
observe that the quantized signal has reduced the amplitude of the sampled signal, then the signal
has been encoded to binary (0’s and 1’s) ,however this uniform encoder does not show the
encoded signal in binary, instead it displays the decimal correspondent. The encoded signal is
pulse code modulated signal.
To reconstruct the analog signal, the encoded signal goes into the decoder to regain the sampled
signal. The low pass filter reconstruct the analog signal ,however this reconstructed signal is not
as smooth as desired which is why we use an amplifier to regain the original amplitude along
with the desired smooth analog signal.
The reconstructed signal has shifted with the respect to the analog signal due to the
reconstruction filter ,and this results in delay in the reconstructed signal.

Pulse Code Modulation Advantages

 Analog signal can be transmitted over a high- speed digital communication system.
 Probability of occurring error will reduce by the use of appropriate coding methods.
 PCM is used in Telkom system, digital audio recording, digitized video special effects,
digital video, voice mail.
 PCM is also used in Radio control units as transmitter and also receiver for remote
controlled cars, boats, planes.
 The PCM signal is more resistant to interference than normal signal.