Electronics

Quarter 4 – Module 1:
Amplitude and Frequency
Modulation
 What I Know

Directions: Read each question carefully. Choose the letter of the correct answer.

1. What does AM stand for?

a. Ante Meridian
b. After Meridian
c. Aptitude Modulation
d. Amplitude Modulation

2. What is the frequency range of AM radio?

a. 125 kHz -1,250 kHz
b. 535 kHz – 1,705 kHz
c. 675 kHz – 1,975 kHz
d. 875 kHz – 2,075 kHz

3. Why does FM radio have a better sound quality?

a. Higher bandwidth
b. Lower bandwidth
c. Stable bandwidth
d. Unstable bandwidth

4. What does FM stand for?

a. Fair Modulation
b. Front Modulation
c. Frequency Modulation
d. Frequency Moderation

5. What is the frequency range of FM radio?

a. 88 kHz – 108 kHz
b. 98 kHz – 108 kHz
c. 108 kHz – 118 kHz
d. 118 kHz – 128 kHz

6. Which type of radio station is 90.7 MHz?

a. AM Radio
b. FM Radio
c. Both AM and FM Radio
d. None of the above

7. Which of the following is an example of an FM radio station with its

frequency?
a. 594 kHz Super Radyo DZBB
b. 666 kHz National DZRH
c. 882 kHz Todong Lakas DWIZ
d. 107.5 MHz WISH

1
8. Which of the following is the advantage of FM radio over AM radio?
a. FM is cheaper than AM
b. FM is less prone to interference than AM
c. FM has a lower bandwidth, so it can have more stations than AM
d. All of the above

9. What is being varied or modulated in FM radio?

a. Amplitude
b. Frequency
c. Wavelength

10. What is being varied or modulated in AM radio?

a. Amplitude
b. Frequency
c. Period
d. Wavelength
Lesson Amplitude and Frequency Modulation
1
Aside from television AM and FM radio play vital roles in our everyday lives,
for they provide a useful auditory device of communication. They provide
entertainment and companionship as we do our daily activities. They also give us
real-time information that we need to keep us abreast of what we need to know
about the world.
The AM and FM radio stations do not just inform but also motivate us to learn
more. They become instruments in promoting values and virtues that build
attitudes, interests, and gratefulness of human life. Thus, radio became one of the
means in the Distance Learning Modality of the Department of Education today
since it can cover a wide range of areas to help educate the learners.

What’s In

In the previous lesson in Quarter 2, you have learned to describe how

electronic timing circuits are calibrated and tested. Do you still remember the
electronic timing circuit? Below is an example of an electronic timing system
circuit.

Illustration owned by zpostbox.ru

Figure 1. Electronic Timing Circuit

Review Questions:

1. What kind of electronic timer is shown above?

2. Can you identify the components of this circuit?
3. Name all the diodes and resistors in the circuit.

What’s New

The sound over the radio is of different frequencies and broadcast from
different radio stations. One can quickly tell if he or she is listening to an AM or FM
radio station. Are there differences in the sounds produced by the radio stations?

Activity: Know My Station

Let’s find out:
What are the frequencies and names of some radio stations in the
Philippines and the locality?
Let’s use these materials:
ball pen, paper and an AM/FM radio
Let’s do it this way:
1. Turn the radio on.
2. Name and locate the amplitude or frequency of the three AM and FM
radio stations that can be heard on the radio.
3. Write your answer in the table below.

AM Radio Station Frequency

Ex. DZRH Nationwide 666

FM Radio Station
Ex. Love Radio 90.7

Guide Questions:
1. Did you find it easy to locate the AM and FM radio stations?
2. Have you located a frequency of the nearest radio station in your locality?
Give the name of the nearest radio station.
3. What challenges have you experienced in doing this activity?
 What is It

Ways of transmitting radio signals are Amplitude Modulation (AM) and

Frequency Modulation (FM). In the form of electromagnetic waves, both AM and FM
transmit information. Amplitude Modulation works by varying or modifying the
signal or carrier amplitude transmitted according to the information sent while
maintaining a constant frequency. The modulation of frequency differs in the way
that the information (sound) is encoded. It could be done by varying the wave
frequency and keeping the amplitude constant.

A radio show or program starts with the production of audio from people who
speak. The sounds will then be captured, and the microphone will turn them into
an electrical signal. It is then transmitted from the studio immediately or stored as
a recording to be used later, but here is where the AM/FM thing happens.

It should be combined in the radio wave called carrier wave to broadcast an

electrical signal. This mechanism is called modulation. Modulation refers to
converting data by adding information to an electronic or optical carrier signal into
radio waves. One with a steady waveform is a carrier signal - constant height, or
amplitude, and frequency. There are two ways for the carrier wave to be modulated
(or changed):

1. By changing the amplitude or height of the carrier wave (Amplitude Modulation).

Figure 2. Amplitude modulation of the carrier wave

2. By changing the frequency or how fast the carrier wave travels (Frequency
Modulation).

Figure 3. Frequency modulation of the carrier wave

The signal is then broadcast as electromagnetic waves from the radio

station’s antenna. The receiver of the personal radio or home radio then picks up
the waves, amplifies, and converts them back into sound through the speaker. If
the signal is not attached, the sound will not be produced because the carrier
waves are not modulated.

Despite that radio waves continuously coming from many stations

surrounding us, the radio receiver does not receive them simultaneously. It is
because the stations broadcast at different specific frequencies. The radio has to be
tuned in to a precise frequency to find the right signal. The numbers on the radio
dial represent frequencies used by the local radio stations. If the FM dial is set at
107.5 (WISH 107.5), the radio signal is broadcasted at 107,500,000 MegaHertz
(MHz), or 107,500,000 cycles per second.

Figure 4. Carrier wave, amplitude modulated, and frequency modulated waves

 The quality of sound produced, performance, and broadcast range of AM and
FM can be associated with the way radio signals are encoded. The quality of sound
varies on its location and environment. If there are physical barriers like buildings
or in closed area, the quality might be affected. It explains why FM stations sound
better than AM stations, but AM stations can be heard further.

AM radio varies the amplitude of the broadcast signal, so the signal’s power is
also changed since amplitude represents the signal’s strength. Some receivers
cannot pick up low amplitude signals at all. FM radio always remains at constant
amplitude, so signal strength does not change.

FM uses a higher frequency range and bandwidth than AM. AM radio operates
from 535 kHz (kiloHertz) to 1705 kHz. When turning the dial on the radio, the
number changes by 10 kHz each time. It means that each station has 10 kHz of
bandwidth on which to broadcast. On the other hand, FM radio operates between
88 MHz and 108 MHz and increments every 200 kHz.

FM station has an allocated 150 kHz of bandwidth, which is 15 times that of

an AM station. It means that an FM station can transmit 15 times as much
information as an AM station. It explains why music sounds so much better on FM.
Since music has more electrical information than a monophonic voice audio signal,
FM typically broadcasts music, and AM generally sticks to news and talk show
programs.
In alternating current, the zero-crossing is the instantaneous point at which
there is no voltage present. In a sine wave or other simple waveform, this normally
occurs twice during each cycle. It is a device for detecting the point where the
voltage crosses zero in either direction.

The zero-crossing is important for systems which send digital data over AC
circuits, such as modems, X10 home automation control systems, and Digital
Command Control type systems for Lionel and other AC model trains.

Counting zero-crossings is also a method used in speech processing to

estimate the fundamental frequency of speech.

A table of comparison of AM and FM.

AM FM
Stands for AM stands for Amplitude FM stands for Frequency
Modulation. Modulation.
AM method of audio FM radio was developed in
transmission was first the United States in the
Origin
successfully carried out in the 1930s, mainly by Edwin
mid-1870s. Armstrong.
 In AM, a radio wave is called In FM, a radio wave is called
the “carrier” or “carrier wave. the “carrier” or “carrier wave.”
Modulating
“It is modulated in amplitude It is modulated in frequency
differences
by the signal that is to be by the signal that is to be
transmitted. The frequency transmitted. The amplitude
and phase remain the same. and phase remain the same.
AM has a poorer sound quality FM is less prone to
than FM, but it is cheaper and interference than AM.
can transmit over long However, FM signals are
Pros and cons distances. It has a lower impacted by physical barriers.
bandwidth, so it has more FM has better sound quality
stations available in any due to higher bandwidth.
frequency range.
Sound quality varies on its location and other physical barriers.

AM radio ranges from 535 to FM radio ranges in a higher

Frequency 1705 KHz (OR) Up to 1200 bits spectrum from 88 to 108
Range per second. MHz. (OR) 1200 to 2400 bits
per second.
Twice the highest modulating Twice the sum of the
frequency. In AM radio modulating signal frequency
Bandwidth broadcasting, the modulating and the frequency deviation.
Requirements signal has a bandwidth of If the frequency deviation is
15kHz hence, the bandwidth of 75kHz and the modulating
an amplitude-modulated signal frequency is 15kHz, the
signal is 30kHz. bandwidth required is
180kHz.
Zero crossings Equidistant Not equidistant
in modulating
the signal
Transmitter and receiver are Transmitter and receiver are
simple, but synchronization is more complex as the variation
needed. of modulating signal. It has to
Complexity be converted and detected
from the corresponding
variation in frequencies. (i.e.
the voltage to frequency and
frequency to voltage
conversion has to be done).

AM is more susceptible to FM is less susceptible to noise

noise because noise affects because the information in an
Noise amplitude, where information FM signal is transmitted
is “stored” in an AM signal. through varying the
frequency, and not the
amplitude.
 What’s More

In the previous activity, you experienced locating the frequencies and names
of radio stations.
The next activity will determine how much you know about AM and FM radio.

Activity 1. I Can Sense Your Sound

Let’s use these materials:
AM/FM Radio, ball pen, and paper
Let’s do it this way:
1. Locate frequencies of the AM and FM radio stations on your radio.
2. Observe the audio or sounds heard on the radio.
3. Compare the observation of sounds in AM and FM radio.
4. Write your observation on a separate sheet of paper
Guide Questions:
1. Did you find it easy to locate AM radio stations? FM radio stations?
2. How do you compare the sounds in AM and FM stations?
3. What kind of radio programs are being played on AM? In FM?
4. How do you compare the number of radio stations in AM and in FM?

Assessment1
Directions: Read and understand each statement below about AM and FM. Identify
whether the statement is true or false. Write FACT if the statement is true and
FAKE if it is false.

1. AM is more susceptible to noise because noise affects amplitude, where

information is “stored” in an AM signal.
2. The frequency range of FM radio ranges in a higher spectrum from 88 to 108
MHz (OR) 1200 to 2400 bits per second.
3. AM is less prone to interference than FM.
4. In AM, a radio wave known as the “carrier” or “carrier wave” is modulated in
frequency by the signal that is to be transmitted. The amplitude and phase
remains the same.
5. In AM radio broadcasting, the modulating signal has a bandwidth of 15kHz
hence, the bandwidth of an amplitude-modulated signal is 30kHz.
6. FM Transmitter and receiver are more complex as a variation of modulating
signal has to be converted and detected from the corresponding variation
frequencies. (i.e., the voltage to frequency and frequency to voltage conversion
has to be done).
 7. AM method of audio transmission was first successfully carried out in the mid-
1820s.
8. FM uses a higher frequency range and a bigger bandwidth than AM.
9. FM radio always remains at constant amplitude, so signal strength does not
change.
10. Each FM station is allocated 150 kHz of bandwidth, which is 15 times that
of an AM station.

Activity 2. Stop! Look! Write! Explain!

Let’s use these materials:
paper, ball pen

Let’s do it this way:

1. Look at the illustration below.
2. Provide necessary information on the illustration.

Guide Questions:
1. What is the use of the amplitude modulator in the illustration?
2. What happens to the sound fed on the microphone?
3. What happens to the amplitude of the carrier wave as it passes on the
modulator?
Assessment 2:
Directions: Identify what is being described in each statement below. Choose your
answer from the inside of the box.

88 MHz – 108 MHz Frequency Modulation Amplitude Modulation

535 kHz-705kHz Modulator Modulation

1. It is a way of broadcasting radio signals by varying or changing the

amplitude of the carrier wave.
2. It is the Amplitude modulation (AM) frequency range.
3. It is the Frequency Modulation (FM) Frequency range.
4. It is the process of converting data into radio waves by adding information to
an electronic or optical carrier signal.

What I Have Learned

Let us summarize your insights by doing this activity.

Amplitude Modulation (AM) and Frequency Modulation (FM) are ways of

broadcasting radio signals. Both AM and FM transmit the information in the form
of (signal/electromagnetic waves). Amplitude Modulation works by
varying or changing the (frequency/amplitude) of the carrier wave
while frequency modulation could be done by varying the
(frequency/amplitude). (AM/FM) has a poorer sound quality and
susceptible to noise while (AM/FM) is less prone to interference and
less susceptible to noise.
 What I Can Do

Activity:1
Let’s use these materials:
paper, and ball pen
Let’s do it this way:
1. Make a script of a radio talk show on the topic “Differences between AM and
FM.”
2. The scoring rubric below will be used in assessing the output.
CATEGORY 5 4 3 2
Purpose & The paper The paper The paper The paper
Supporting compares and compares and compares and compares
Details contrasts items contrasts contrasts items or
clearly. The items clearly, clearly, but the contrasts,
paper points to but the supporting but does
specific supporting information is not
examples to information is incomplete. The include
illustrate the general. The paper may both.
comparison. The paper includes include There is no
paper includes only the information supporting
only the information that is not informatio
information relevant to the relevant to the n or
relevant to the comparison. comparison. support is
comparison. incomplete
.
Organization The paper The paper The paper Many
& Structure breaks the breaks the breaks the details are
information into information information not in a
whole to-whole, into whole to- into whole to- logical or
similarities - to- whole, whole, expected
differences, or similarities - similarities - to- order.
point-by-point to-differences, differences, or There is
structure. It or point by- point by-point little sense
follows a point structure structure, but that the
consistent order but does not some writing is
when discussing follow a information is organized.
the comparison. consistent in the wrong
order when section. Some
discussing the details are not
comparison. in a logical or
expected order,
and this
distracts the
reader.
 Transitions The paper moves The paper Some The
smoothly from moves from transitions transitions
one idea to the one idea to the work well; but between
next. The paper next, but there connections ideas are
uses comparison is little variety. between other unclear or
and contrast The paper uses ideas are fuzzy. nonexisten
transition words comparison t.
to show and contrast
relationships transition
between ideas. words to show
The paper uses relationships
a variety of between ideas.
sentence
structures and
transitions.
Grammar & Writer makes no Writer makes Writer makes 3- Writer
Spelling errors in 1-2 errors in 4 errors in makes
(Conventions) grammar or grammar or grammar or more than
spelling that spelling that spelling that 4 errors in
distract the distract the distract the grammar
reader from the reader from reader from the or spelling
content. the content. content. that
distract
the reader
from the
content.

Activity 2:
Let’s use these materials: cell phone with audio recording
Let’s do it this way:
1. Make an audio recorded presentation of a radio talk show discussing the
differences between AM and FM.
2. The scoring rubric below will be used in assessing your output.

5 4 3 2
Delivery The recording The recording The recording No
is well is rehearsed, appears delivery.
rehearsed and the unrehearsed,
delivered enunciation is the enunciation
smoothly, the sometimes is muddled and
enunciation is clear and not clear and
clear and intelligible, and the recitation
intelligible, there is some lacks
and there is expression and expression and
much enthusiasm in enthusiasm.
expression and the recitation.
enthusiasm in
the recitation.
 Content Student Student Student Student
knowledge demonstrates demonstrates demonstrates a shows no
strong some little understan
understanding
understanding understanding ding of the
of the ideas,
through the of the ideas, of the ideas, ideas or
use of detail through the through the use content of
and tone. use of detail of detail and the piece.
and tone. tone.
Technical The volume is The volume is The volume is No
Skills good for voice, fair for voice, poor for voice, recording.
there is no there is there is
background or background considerable
other and other background
distracting distracting and other
noise, and noise, and distracting
there are no there are noise, and there
technical some are several
glitches. technical technical
glitches. glitches.

Assessment

Directions: Read each question carefully. Choose the letter of the correct answer.
1. What remains constant in an AM broadcast?
a. amplitude
b. frequency
c. music
d. speech

2. Which type of radio broadcast has a greater broadcast range?

a. AM radio waves
b. FM radio waves
c. infrared waves
d. visible light

3. Why does AM radio focus mainly on news and talk show programs?
a. AM radio has a lower bandwidth than FM radio
b. AM radio has higher bandwidth than FM radio
c. AM radio has a constant bandwidth than FM radio
d. AM radio has fixed wave amplitude and constant frequency
4. What is the advantage of FM over AM?
a. FM is less costly than AM.
b. FM can be heard over long distances than AM.
c. FM is less susceptible to noise because the information in an FM
signal is transmitted through varying the frequency, and not the
amplitude.
d. FM is less susceptible to noise because noise affects amplitude, where
information is “stored” in an FM signal.

5. What made FM radio ideal for playing music?

a. FM is less costly than AM.
b. FM can be heard over long distances than AM.
c. FM is less susceptible to noise because the information in an FM
signal is transmitted through varying the frequency, and not the
amplitude.
d. FM is less susceptible to noise because noise affects amplitude, where
information is “stored” in an FM signal.
 Additional Activities

Activity 1: Doodle Notes

Let’s use these materials:
Bond paper, pencil, crayons or color pen

Let’s do it this way:

● Make doodle notes of the concepts learned from the lesson.

● The output will be rated by the given rubric.

5 4 3 2
Student’s work Student’s Student’s Student was
showed that work was work was careless in
Neatness
extreme care satisfactorily below average completing
was used while neat, no in neatness. work/did not
completing major follow
drawing. mistakes directions.

Student’s work Student’s Student’s Student’s

Originality
was very work showed work showed work showed
creative and creative little sincere little or no
unique. thought. creativity. evidence of
original
thought

Student showed Student Student Student did

effort above the completed finished the the minimum
requirements of assignment in project, but or not
the an above finishing completed.
Effort
assignments. average touches are
manner, but not evident.
could have
been
improved.

The student left The student The student The student

very minimal left small left multiple left large
sections of white sections of sections of sections of
White
space in their white space in white space in white space in
space
finished piece. their finished their finished their finished
piece. piece. piece.