Trainer Module: ETEK ACS-3000-02

Chapter Three

AM Modulator

ETEK TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.

E-mail: [email protected]
http: // www.etek21.com.tw
Analog Communication Systems (ACS-3000)

3-1: Curriculum Objectives

1. To understand the basic theory of amplitude modulation (AM).

2. To understand the waveform and frequency spectrum of AM

modulator, also calculate the percentage of modulation.

3. To design and implement the AM modulator by using

transistor.

4. To design and implement the AM modulator by balanced

modulator.

5. To understand the measurement and adjustment of AM

modulator.

3-2: Curriculum Theory

In amplitude modulation (AM), we utilize the amplitude of audio

signal to modulate the amplitude of carrier signal, which means that the

amplitude of carrier signal will be varied with amplitude of audio signal.

The waveform of AM modulation is shown in figure 3-1 and its block

diagram is shown in figure 3-2. In figure 3-2, we know that in order to

generate the AM signal, we just need to add a DC signal with the audio

signal, and then multiply the added signal with the carrier signal.

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Am Ac

Audio Signal Carrier Signal

E max

E min

Amplitude Modulated Signal

Figure 3-1 Signal waveform of amplitude modulation.

Audio
AM Output
Signal Input

DC Level Carrier Signal

Figure 3-2 Block diagram of AM modulator.

Let the audio signal be A m cos (2 f m t ) and carrier signal be

A c cos (2 f c t ) , then the amplitude modulation can be expressed as

x AM ( t ) =  A DC + A m cos (2 f m t )A c cos (2 f c t )

= A DC A c 1 + m cos (2 f m t )cos (2 f c t ) (3-1)

Where

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m = A m / A DC .

A DC : DC signal magnitude.

A m : Audio signal amplitude.

A C : Carrier signal amplitude.

f m : Audio signal frequency.

f C : Carrier signal frequency.

m: Modulation index or depth of modulation.

From equation (3-1), we notice that the variation of the magnitude

A DC A c 1 + m cos (2 f m t ) of the carrier signal can be controlled by

parameter “m”. This means that we can change the magnitude of the audio

signal (Am) or DC signal (ADC) to control the level or depth of the carrier

signal. Therefore, this parameter “m” is known as the modulation index.

Besides, we can also rewrite equation (3-1) as

A DC A C m cos 2( f c + f m ) t  + cos 2(f c − f m ) t  

1
x AM ( t ) =
2
+ A D C A C cos (2 f c t ) (3-2)

The first term represents double sideband signals; the second term

represents carrier signal. From equation (3-2), we can sketch the frequency

spectrum of amplitude modulation as shown in figure 3-3. Since the audio

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signal is hidden in the double sidebands and the carrier signal does not

contain any message, therefore the power is consumed in carrier during

transmission of amplitude modulation signal. For this reason, the

transmission efficiency of AM modulation is lower than double sidebands

suppressed carrier (DSB-SC) modulation but its demodulation circuit is

much simpler.

ADC  Ac

0.5m  ADC  Ac 0.5m  ADC  Ac

f
fc − fm fc fc + fm

Figure 3-3 Frequency spectrum of amplitude modulation signal.

There is an important parameter “m” in equation (3-1) called

modulation index or depth of modulation. Normally it is represented in

percentage, so we also call modulation percentage. Modulation index is an

important parameter in equation (3-1). The definition is as follow

Audio signal amplitude A

m=  100 % = m  100 % (3-3)
DC signal magnitude A DC

Generally, the magnitude of DC signal is not easy to measure;

therefore, we express the modulation index in another form

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Analog Communication Systems (ACS-3000)

E max − E min
m=  100 % (3-4)
E max + E min

Where E max and E min as shown in figure 3-1 are E max = A C + A m and

E min = A C − A m .

We know that at amplitude modulation, the audio signal is hidden in

the double sidebands, so if the double sideband signals are getting stronger,

the transmission efficiency is getting better. From equation (3-2), we know

that the double sideband signals are proportional to the modulation index.

Thus, the larger the modulation index, the better the transmission efficiency.

Normally modulation index is smaller or equal to 1. If greater than 1,

we call it over modulation, as shown in figure 3-4. Figure 3-4 shows the

waveforms of the over modulation. In figure 3-4, we can see that the

variation of carrier signal is no longer a sinusoidal wave. It is rather a

distorted sinusoidal wave, therefore, this kind of AM signal is unable to

demodulate and recover to the original by using the envelop detection in

next chapter.

Emax

Emin

Figure 3-4 Waveforms of the over modulation.

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As we know that the AM modulator can be implemented by using a

multiplier. However, in electronics circuit, the multiplier is constructed by

the nonlinear characteristics of active component. Therefore, in this chapter,

we will discuss the design of AM modulator by using a single transistor and

balanced modulator.

3-1 Transistor AM Modulator

The circuit diagram of transistor AM modulator is shown in figure 3-5.

In figure 3-5, the audio signal ( A m cos (2 f m t ) ) will pass through a

transformer and send into the base of the transistor. The carrier signal

( A c cos (2 f c t ) ) also passes through a transformer and sends into the

emitter of the transistor. These two signals will form a small amount of

small signal voltage difference at the base and emitter of the transistor. The

small signal voltage difference is

Vbe = Vb − Ve = A m cos( 2f m t ) − A c cos( 2f c t ) (3-5)

Then at the collector of the transistor, this voltage difference will

produce a small signal collector current as

I c = I s e Vbe VT
(3-6)

Expand equation (3-6) by Taylor’s expansion, then we get

I c = aVbe + bVbe
2
(3-7)

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+12 V
C2 C4

100 nF 10 uF
L1
R1 100 uH
120 k C3
TP2 AM
Signal
Audio C1 TP1 Output
Signal
Q1 1 nF
TR1 R3
Input 100 nF 3904 3k3
TP3
R2
5k6
VR1
TR2
Carrier 500
Signal
Input

Figure 3-5 Circuit diagram of transistor AM modulator.

In equation (3-7), we notice that after the audio signal and the carrier

signal input into the base and collector of the transistor, we can obtain
cos 2 (2 f m t ) , cos 2 (2 f c t ) and cos (2 f m t )  cos (2 f c t ) signals at the

collector. Then we utilize the filter to obtain the modulated AM signal

cos (2 f m t )  cos (2 f c t ) . In figure 3-5, the inductor L1, capacitor C3 and

resistor R3 comprise a high-pass filter, which is used to obtain the modulated

AM signal. Capacitor C1 is the coupling capacitor. Capacitor C2 and C3 are

the bypass capacitors. Resistors R1 and R2 are the bias resistors. Variable

resistor VR1 is used to change the operation point of the transistor and it also

used to control the magnitude of the carrier, which inputs into the collector

of the transistor. Therefore, it can adjust the output signal waveform of the

modulator.

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3-2 MC1496 AM Modulator

The main different between the design of AM modulator by using

balanced modulator and the transistor is that we can use the theory of

balanced modulator to cancel out the unwanted harmonics signals, which is

produced by the nonlinear characteristic of the transistor, then the remain

signal is the AM signal. In this chapter, we utilize the balanced modulator

(MC1496) to implement the AM modulator.

Follow the variation of input signal frequency, the balanced modulator

(MC1496) can become a frequency multiplier, AM modulator or double

sidebands suppressed carrier modulator (DSB-SC Modulator). Its input

signal, output signal and circuit characteristics are shown in table 3-1.

Table 3-1 Three different types of modulation signal produced by different signals
frequency of balanced modulator.

Input Carrier Input Audio Output Balanced Circuit

Signal Signal Modulator Characteristics

fc fc 2f c
Frequency
Multiplier

fc fm fc , fc + fm , fc − fm Amplitude
Modulator

fc fm fc + fm , fc − fm DSB-SC
Modulator

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Analog Communication Systems (ACS-3000)

Figure 3-6 is the internal circuit diagram of MC1496, where D1, R1, R2,

R3, Q7 and Q8 comprise an electric current source, which can supply DC

bias current for Q5 and Q6. Q5 and Q6 comprise a differential combination to

drive the dual differential amplifiers constructed by Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4. Pin 1

and 4 are the inputs of audio signal, after that this signal will be amplified

by the differential amplifier, which is comprised by Q5 and Q6. Pin 8 and 10

are the inputs of carrier signal. Then the amplified audio signal will multiply

by the carrier signal at the dual differential amplifiers constructed by Q1, Q2,

Q3 and Q4. Finally, the output signals can be obtained at the collectors of Q1,

Q2, Q3 and Q4, respectively. The resistor between pins 2 and 3 controls the

gain of the balanced modulator; the resistor of pin 5 determines the

magnitude of bias current for amplifier.

(12)
−
Output
+
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 (6)

Carrier (10)
Signal −
Input +
(8) Q5 Q6
(4)
Audio −
Signal
Input (2)
+ Gain
(1) Q7 Adjustment
Terminal
Bias Q8 (3)
Adjustment
(5) D1
Terminal
R2 R3
R1 500
(14) 500
500
−V
Figure 3-6 Internal circuit diagram of MC1496.

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Figure 3-7 is the circuit diagram of AM modulator by utilizing

MC1496. We can see that the carrier signal and audio signal belong to single

ended input. The carrier signal input from pin 10 and the audio signal input

from pin 1. Therefore, R8 determine the gain of the whole circuit and R9

determine the magnitude of bias current. If we adjust the variable resistor

VR1 or change the input amplitude of audio signal, then we can control the

percentage modulation of AM modulator.

C3 R7 1 k
+12 V
100 uF

+
R4 C5 C8
VR2
1k 100 nF 100 uF
1k
Carrier TP 1 8
Signal R9 R11
Input R5 3k9 3k9
C2 100 C6
100 uF TP2 100 nF
10 6 AM
Audio + TP5 Output
C1 TP3 MC1496
Signal Signal
1 Balanced 12
Input
100 nF Modulator TP6 C7
R1 100 nF
10 k TP4 TP7
4 5

R2 R3 R6 R 10
VR1 14
100 6k8
100 k 10 k 100

R8
-12 V
100
+

C4 Z1
100 uF 5V

Figure 3-7 Circuit diagram of amplitude modulator by utilizing MC1496.

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3-3: Experiment Items

Experiment 1: Transistor AM modulator

1. Refer to the circuit diagram in figure 3-5 or figure ACS3-1 on ETEK

ACS-3000-02 module.

2. At audio signal input port (Audio I/P), input 150 mVpp amplitude, 1 kHz
sine wave frequency; at carrier signal input port (Carrier I/P), input 300
mVpp amplitude, 500 kHz sine wave frequency.

3. By using oscilloscope, observe on output signal waveforms of AM

output port (AM O/P). Adjust VR1 so that the modulated AM signal is
maximum without distortion. Then records the measured results in table
3-2.

4. By using oscilloscope, observe on output signal waveforms of the base

(TP1) and collector (TP2) of the transistor. Then record the measured
results in table 3-2.

5. By using oscilloscope, observe on output signal waveforms of the

mixing (TP3) of the transistor. Then record the measured results in
table 3-2.

6. By using spectrum analyzer, observe on the frequency spectrum of AM

O/P and TP2. Then record the measured results in table 3-2.

7. Substitute the measured results into equation (3-4), find the modulation
percentage and record in table 3-2.

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8. According to the input signals in table 3-2, repeat step 4 to 7 and record
the measured results in table 3-2.

9. According to the input signals in table 3-3, repeat step 2 to 7 and record
the measured results in table 3-3.

Experiment 2: MC1496 AM modulator

Experiment 2-1: Observe on the variation of AM modulator
by changing the amplitude and frequency
of audio signal

1. Refer to the circuit diagram in figure 3-7 or figure ACS3-2 on ETEK

ACS-3000-02 module. Let J1 be short circuit, J2 be open circuit; i.e.
R 10 = 6.8 k .

2. At audio signal input port (Audio I/P), input 600 mVpp amplitude, 1 kHz
sine wave frequency; at carrier signal input port (Carrier I/P), input 300
mVpp amplitude, 500 kHz sine wave frequency.

3. By using oscilloscope, observe on output signal waveforms of AM

output ports (AM O/P1 and AM O/P2). Adjust VR2 so that the signal at
AM O/P1 is maximum without distortion. Adjust VR1 so that the
modulation index of the AM signal reach 50 %. Then records the
measured results in table 3-4.

4. By using oscilloscope, observe on input signal waveforms of the pin 8

(TP1), pin 10 (TP2), pin 1 (TP3), and pin 4 (TP4) of the balanced
modulator. Then record the measured results in table 3-4.

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5. By using oscilloscope, observe on output signal waveforms of the

mixing (TP5 and TP6) of the balanced modulator and the bias operation
point (TP7). Then record the measured results in table 3-4.

6. By using spectrum analyzer, observe on the frequency spectrum of AM

O/P1, AM O/P2, TP5 and TP6. Then record the measured results in
table 3-4.

7. Substitute the measured results into equation (3-4), find the modulation
percentage and record in table 3-4.

8. According to the input signals in table 3-4, repeat step 4 to 7 and record
the measured results in table 3-4.

9. Let J1 be open circuit and J2 be short circuit, i.e. change the resistor R 10
= 6.8 k to R12 = 3.3 k. Repeat step 2 to step 8 and record the
measured results in table 3-5.

10. According to the input signals in table 3-6, repeat step 2 to 7 and record
the measured results in table 3-6.

Experiment 2-2: Observe on the variation of AM modulator

by changing the amplitude and frequency
of carrier signal

1. Refer to the circuit diagram in figure 3-7 or figure ACS3-2 on ETEK

ACS-3000-02 module. Let J1 be open circuit, J2 be short circuit; i.e.
R12 = 3.3 k.

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2. At audio signal input port (Audio I/P), input 600 mVpp amplitude, 1 kHz
sine wave frequency; at carrier signal input port (Carrier I/P), input 200
mVpp amplitude, 500 kHz sine wave frequency.

3. By using oscilloscope, observe on output signal waveforms of AM

output ports (AM O/P1 and AM O/P2). Adjust VR2 so that the signal at
AM O/P1 is maximum without distortion. Adjust VR1 so that the
modulation index of the AM signal reach 50 %. Then records the
measured results in table 3-7.

4. By using oscilloscope, observe on output signal waveforms of the pin 8

(TP1), pin 10 (TP2), pin 1 (TP3), and pin 4 (TP4) of the balanced
modulator. Then record the measured results in table 3-7.

5. By using oscilloscope, observe on output signal waveforms of the

mixing (TP5 and TP6) of the balanced modulator and the bias operation
point (TP7). Then record the measured results in table 3-7.

6. By using spectrum analyzer, observe on the frequency spectrum of AM

O/P1, AM O/P2, TP5 and TP6. Then record the measured results in
table 3-7.

7. Substitute the measured results into equation (3-4), find the modulation
percentage and record in table 3-7.

8. According to the input signals in table 3-7, repeat step 4 to 7 and record
the measured results in table 3-7.

9. According to the input signals in table 3-8, repeat step 2 to 7 and record
the measured results in table 3-8.

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Experiment 2-3: Observe on the variation of AM modulator

by changing the variable resistor VR1

1. Refer to the circuit diagram in figure 3-7 or figure ACS3-2 on ETEK

ACS-3000-02 module. Let J1 be open circuit, J2 be short circuit; i.e. R12
= 3.3 k.

2. At audio signal input port (Audio I/P), input 600 mVpp amplitude, 1 kHz sine
wave frequency; at carrier signal input port (Carrier I/P), input 300 mVpp
amplitude, 500 kHz sine wave frequency.

3. By using oscilloscope, observe on output signal waveforms of AM

output ports (AM O/P1 and AM O/P2). Adjust VR1 so that the
modulation index of the AM signal reach 30 %. Then records the
measured results in table 3-9.

4. By using spectrum analyzer, observe on the frequency spectrum of AM

O/P1 and AM O/P2. Then record the measured results in table 3-9.

5. Substitute the measured results into equation (3-4), find the modulation
percentage and record in table 3-9.

6. According to the input signals in table 3-9, repeat step 2 to 5 and record
the measured results in table 3-9.

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Experiment 2-4: Observe on the variation of AM modulator

by changing the variable resistor VR2

1. Refer to the circuit diagram in figure 3-7 or figure ACS3-2 on ETEK

ACS-3000-02 module. Let J1 be open circuit, J2 be short circuit; i.e. R12
= 3.3 k.

2. At audio signal input port (Audio I/P), input 600 mVpp amplitude, 1 kHz sine
wave frequency; at carrier signal input port (Carrier I/P), input 300 mVpp
amplitude, 500 kHz sine wave frequency.

3. By using oscilloscope, observe on output signal waveforms of AM

output ports (AM O/P1 and AM O/P2). Adjust VR1 so that the
modulation index of the AM signal reach 50 %.

4. Adjust VR2 so that the resistance is 100 , 300  and 800 , the others
remain. Then record the measured results in table 3-10.

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Analog Communication Systems (ACS-3000)

3-4: Experimental Results

Experiment 1: Transistor AM modulator

Table 3-2 Observe on the variation of amplitude modulation by changing the
amplitude of audio signal (fm = 1 kHz, fc = 500 kHz, Vc = 300 mV).

Output Signal Audio Signal Amplitudes

Ports 100 mVpp 150 mVpp

AM O/P

TP1

TP2

TP3

AM O/P
Output Signal
Spectrums

TP2
Output Signal
Spectrums

E max = E max =
Modulation
Index E min = E min =
m= % m= %

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Table 3-3 Observe on the variation of amplitude modulation by changing the

frequency of audio signal (Vm = 200 mVpp, fc = 500 kHz, Vc = 300 mVpp).

Output Signal Audio Signal Frequencies

Ports 100 Hz 400 Hz

AM O/P

TP1

TP2

TP3

AM O/P
Output Signal
Spectrums

TP2
Output Signal
Spectrums

E max = E max =
Modulation
Index E min = E min =
m= % m= %

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Analog Communication Systems (ACS-3000)

Experiment 2: MC1496 AM modulator

Table 3-4 Observe on the variation of amplitude modulation by changing the
amplitude of audio signal (fm = 1 kHz, fc = 500 kHz, Vc = 300 mVpp, R10
= 6.8 k).

Output Signal Audio Signal Amplitudes

Ports 600 mVpp 300 mVpp

AM O/P1

AM O/P2

TP1

TP2

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Table 3-4 Observe on the variation of amplitude modulation by changing the

amplitude of audio signal (Continue) (fm = 1 kHz, fc = 500 kHz, Vc = 300
mVpp, R10 = 6.8 k).

Output Signal Audio Signal Amplitudes

Ports 600 mVpp 300 mVpp

TP3

TP4

TP5

TP6

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Analog Communication Systems (ACS-3000)

Table 3-4 Observe on the variation of amplitude modulation by changing the

amplitude of audio signal (Continue) (fm = 1 kHz, fc = 500 kHz, Vc = 300
mVpp, R10 = 6.8 k).

Output Audio Signal Amplitudes

Signal Ports 600 mVpp 300 mVpp

TP7

AM O/P1
Output
Signal
Spectrums

AM O/P2
Output
Signal
Spectrums

TP5
Output
Signal
Spectrums

TP6
Output
Signal
Spectrums

E max = E max =
Modulation
Index E min = E min =
m= % m= %

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Table 3-5 Observe on the variation of amplitude modulation by changing the

amplitude of audio signal (fm = 1 kHz, fc = 500 kHz, Vc = 300 mVpp, R12
= 3.3 k).

Output Signal Audio Signal Amplitudes

Ports 600 mVpp 300 mVpp

AM O/P1

AM O/P2

TP1

TP2

Notice： The amplitude of measured signals on the test points of TP1, TP4
and TP5 would be very small, you may need a precision
oscilloscope to measure those test points. Or you can ignore these
steps of experiment item, and go to the next step.

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Analog Communication Systems (ACS-3000)

Table 3-5 Observe on the variation of amplitude modulation by changing the

amplitude of audio signal (Continue) (fm = 1 kHz, fc = 500 kHz, Vc = 300
mVpp, R12 = 3.3 k).

Output Signal Audio Signal Amplitudes

Ports 600 mVpp 300 mVpp

TP3

TP4

TP5

TP6

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Table 3-5 Observe on the variation of amplitude modulation by changing the

amplitude of audio signal (Continue) (fm = 1 kHz, fc = 500 kHz, Vc = 300
mVpp, R12 = 3.3 k).

Output Audio Signal Amplitudes

Signal Ports 600 mVpp 300 mVpp

TP7

AM O/P1
Output
Signal
Spectrums

AM O/P2
Output
Signal
Spectrums

TP5
Output
Signal
Spectrums

TP6
Output
Signal
Spectrums

E max = E max =
Modulation
Index E min = E min =
m= % m= %

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Analog Communication Systems (ACS-3000)

Table 3-6 Observe on the variation of amplitude modulation by changing the

frequency of audio signal (Vm = 600 mVpp, fc = 500 kHz, Vc = 300 mVpp,
R12 = 3.3 k).

Output Signal Audio Signal Frequencies

Ports 1 kHz 2 kHz

AM O/P1

AM O/P2

TP1

TP2

Notice： The amplitude of measured signals on the test points of TP1, TP4
and TP5 would be very small, you may need a precision
oscilloscope to measure those test points. Or you can ignore these
steps of experiment item, and go to the next step.

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Table 3-6 Observe on the variation of amplitude modulation by changing the

frequency of audio signal (Continue) (Vm = 600 mVpp, fc = 500 kHz, Vc =
300 mVpp, R12 = 3.3 k).

Output Signal Audio Signal Frequencies

Ports 1 kHz 2 kHz

TP3

TP4

TP5

TP6

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Table 3-6 Observe on the variation of amplitude modulation by changing the

frequency of audio signal (Continue) (Vm = 600 mVpp, fc = 500 kHz, Vc =
300 mVpp, R12 = 3.3 k).

Output Audio Signal Amplitudes

Signal Ports 600 mVpp 300 mVpp

TP7

AM O/P1
Output
Signal
Spectrums

AM O/P2
Output
Signal
Spectrums

TP5
Output
Signal
Spectrums

TP6
Output
Signal
Spectrums

E max = E max =
Modulation
Index E min = E min =
m= % m= %

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Table 3-7 Observe on the variation of amplitude modulation by changing the

amplitude of carrier signal (Vm = 600 mVpp, fm = 1 kHz, fc = 500 kHz, R12
= 3.3 k).

Output Signal Carrier Signal Amplitudes

Ports 200 mVpp 300 mVpp

AM O/P1

AM O/P2

TP3

TP4

Notice： The amplitude of measured signals on the test points of TP1, TP4
and TP5 would be very small, you may need a precision
oscilloscope to measure those test points. Or you can ignore these
steps of experiment item, and go to the next step.

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Analog Communication Systems (ACS-3000)

Table 3-7 Observe on the variation of amplitude modulation by changing the

amplitude of carrier signal (Continue) (Vm = 600 mVpp, fm = 1 kHz, fc =
500 kHz, R12 = 3.3 k).

Output Signal Carrier Signal Amplitudes

Ports 200 mVpp 300 mVpp

TP1

TP2

TP5

TP6

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Table 3-7 Observe on the variation of amplitude modulation by changing the

amplitude of carrier signal (Continue) (Vm = 600 mVpp, fm = 1 kHz, fc =
500 kHz, R12 = 3.3 k).

Output Carrier Signal Amplitudes

Signal Ports 200 mVpp 300 mVpp

TP7

AM O/P1
Output
Signal
Spectrums

AM O/P2
Output
Signal
Spectrums

TP5
Output
Signal
Spectrums

TP6
Output
Signal
Spectrums

E max = E max =
Modulation
Index E min = E min =
m= % m= %

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Analog Communication Systems (ACS-3000)

Table 3-8 Observe on the variation of amplitude modulation by changing the

frequency of carrier signal (Vm = 600 mVpp, fm = 1 kHz, Vc = 300 mVpp,
R12 = 3.3 k).

Output Signal Carrier Signal Frequencies

Ports 500 kHz 1 MHz

AM O/P1

AM O/P2

TP3

TP4

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Table 3-8 Observe on the variation of amplitude modulation by changing the

frequency of carrier signal (Continue) (Vm = 600 mVpp, fm = 1 kHz, Vc =
300 mVpp, R12 = 3.3 k).

Output Signal Carrier Signal Frequencies

Ports 500 kHz 1 MHz

TP1

TP2

TP5

TP6

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Table 3-8 Observe on the variation of amplitude modulation by changing the

frequency of carrier signal (Continue) (Vm = 600 mVpp, fm = 1 kHz, Vc =
300 mVpp, R12 = 3.3 k).

Output Carrier Signal Frequencies

Signal Ports 500 kHz 1 MHz

TP7

AM O/P1
Output
Signal
Spectrums

AM O/P2
Output
Signal
Spectrums

TP5
Output
Signal
Spectrums

TP6
Output
Signal
Spectrums

E max = E max =
Modulation
Index E min = E min =
m= % m= %

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Table 3-9 Observe on the variation of amplitude modulation by changing the variable
resistor VR1 (Vm = 600 mVpp, fm = 1 kHz, Vc = 300 mVpp, fc = 500 kHz,
R12 = 3.3 k).

Modulation Output Signal Output Signal Modulation

Index Waveforms Spectrums Percentages

E max =
AM
O/P1 E min =
m= %
30 %
E max =
AM
O/P2 E min =
m= %

E max =
AM
O/P1 E min =
m= %
50 %
E max =
AM
O/P2 E min =
m= %

E max =
AM
O/P1 E min =
m= %
110 %
E max =
AM
O/P2 E min =
m= %

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Analog Communication Systems (ACS-3000)

Table 3-10 Observe on the variation of amplitude modulation by changing the

variable resistor VR2 (Vm = 600 mVpp, fm = 1 kHz, Vc = 300 mVpp, fc =
500 kHz, R12 = 3.3 k).

Magnitudes of
Output Signal Output Signal Modulation
Variable
Waveforms Spectrums Percentages
Resistor VR2

E max =
AM
O/P1 E min =
m= %
100 
E max =
AM
O/P2 E min =
m= %

E max =
AM
O/P1 E min =
m= %
300 
E max =
AM
O/P2 E min =
m= %

E max =
AM
O/P1 E min =
m= %
800 
E max =
AM
O/P2 E min =
m= %

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 Education Trainer for AM Modulator by ETEK Technology Company

3-5: Problems Discussion

 
1. Explain the objectives of the transistor Q1 in figure 3-5.

2. Explain the objectives of the inductor L1, capacitor C3 and resistor R3 in

figure 3-5.

3. Explain the objectives of the variable resistor VR1 in figure 3-7.

4. Refer to figure 3-7, if we let J2 be short circuit, J1 be open circuit, i.e. R10
changes to R12, which its value is 6.8 k changed to 3.3 k. Then
describe the variation of the DC bias current of MC1496.

5. Refer to figure 3-7, if we adjust the magnitude of the variable resistor VR2
from small to large, then describe the variation of the output signal of AM
modulator.

6. When modulation index, m = 50 % and 110 %, what are the ratio of Emax
and Emin?

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Analog Communication Systems (ACS-3000)

Appendix

Expected Experimental
Results

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 Education Trainer for AM Modulator by ETEK Technology Company

Chapter 3: Expected Experimental Results

Experiment 1: Transistor AM modulator
Table 3-2 Observe on the variation of amplitude modulation by changing the
amplitude of audio signal (fm = 1 kHz, fc = 500 kHz, Vc = 300 mVpp).
Output Audio Signal Amplitudes
Signal
Ports 100 mVpp 150 mVpp

AM O/P

TP1

TP3

AM O/P
Output
Signal
Spectrums

E max = 296 mV E max = 138 mV

Modulation
Index E min = 50 mV E min = 25 mV
m = 71 % m = 69 %

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Analog Communication Systems (ACS-3000)

Experiment 2: MC1496 AM modulator

Table 3-5 Observe on the variation of amplitude modulation by changing the
amplitude of audio signal (fm = 1 kHz, fc = 500 kHz, Vc = 300 mVpp, R10
= 3.3 k).

Output Audio Signal Amplitudes

Signal
Ports 600 mVpp 300 mVpp

AM
O/P1

AM
O/P2

TP1

TP2

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 Education Trainer for AM Modulator by ETEK Technology Company

Table 3-5 Observe on the variation of amplitude modulation by changing the

amplitude of audio signal (Continue) (fm = 1 kHz, fc = 500 kHz, Vc = 300
mVpp, R12 = 3.3 k).

Output Audio Signal Amplitudes

Signal
Ports 600 mVpp 300 mVpp

TP3

TP4

TP5

TP6

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Analog Communication Systems (ACS-3000)

Table 3-5 Observe on the variation of amplitude modulation by changing the

amplitude of audio signal (Continue) (fm = 1 kHz, fc = 500 kHz, Vc = 300
mVpp, R12 = 3.3 k).

Output Audio Signal Amplitudes

Signal
Ports 600 mVpp 300 mVpp

TP7

AM O/P1
Output
Signal
Spectrums

AM O/P2
Output
Signal
Spectrums

TP5
Output
Signal
Spectrums

TP6
Output
Signal
Spectrums

E max = 500 mV E max = 700 mV

Modulation
Index E min = 180 mV E min = 250 mV
m = 47 % m = 47.4 %

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 Education Trainer for AM Modulator by ETEK Technology Company

Table 3-6 Observe on the variation of amplitude modulation by changing the

frequency of audio signal (Vm = 600 mVpp, fc = 500 kHz, Vc = 300 mVpp,
R12 = 3.3 k).

Output Audio Signal Frequencies

Signal
Ports 1 kHz 2 kHz

AM
O/P1

AM
O/P2

TP1

TP2

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Analog Communication Systems (ACS-3000)

Table 3-6 Observe on the variation of amplitude modulation by changing the

frequency of audio signal (Continue) (Vm = 600 mVpp, fc = 500 kHz, Vc =
300 mVpp, R12 = 3.3 k).

Output Audio Signal Frequencies

Signal
Ports 1 kHz 2 kHz

TP3

TP4

TP5

TP6

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 Education Trainer for AM Modulator by ETEK Technology Company

Table 3-6 Observe on the variation of amplitude modulation by changing the

frequency of audio signal (Continue) (Vm = 600 mVpp, fc = 500 kHz, Vc =
300 mVpp, R12 = 3.3 k).

Output Audio Signal Amplitudes

Signal Ports 1 kHz 2 kHz

TP7

AM O/P1
Output
Signal
Spectrums

AM O/P2
Output
Signal
Spectrums

TP5
Output
Signal
Spectrums

TP6
Output
Signal
Spectrums

E max = 1.37 V E max = 560 mV

Modulation
Index E min = 500 mV E min = 200 mV
m = 46.5 ﹪ m = 47.4 ﹪

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Analog Communication Systems (ACS-3000)

Table 3-9 Observe on the variation of amplitude modulation by changing the variable
resistor VR1 (Vm = 600 mVpp, fm = 1 kHz, Vc = 300 mVpp, fc = 500 kHz,
R12 = 3.3 k).

Modulation Modulation
Output Signal Waveforms
Index Percentages

AM
O/P1 E max = 1.48 V
E min = 550 mV
m = 49.4 ﹪
50 %

AM
O/P2 E max = 1.48 V
E min = 550 mV
m = 49.4 ﹪
Output Signal Spectrums

AM
O/P1

50 %

AM
O/P2

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 Education Trainer for AM Modulator by ETEK Technology Company

Table 3-10 Observe on the variation of amplitude modulation by changing the

variable resistor VR2 (Vm = 600 mVpp, fm = 1 kHz, Vc = 300 mVpp, fc =
500 kHz, R12 = 3.3 k).

Magnitudes
Modulation
of Variable Output Signal Waveforms
Percentages
Resistor VR2

AM E max = 337.5
O/P1 mV
E min = 173 mV
m = 32.2 ﹪
300 

AM E max = 136 mV
O/P2 E min = 67.5
mV
m = 33.7 ﹪
Output Signal Spectrums

AM
O/P1

300 

AM
O/P2

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