TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Digital modulations
module MCM31/EV

Volume 1/2

Theory
and
Exercises

TEACHER / STUDENT Handbook

MC3101E0.DOC
 CONTENTS

SAFETY RULES

Lesson 975: MODULE DESCRIPTION 2

Lesson 976: DIGITAL MODULATIONS 4

976.1 Introduction
976.2 Purpose of the modulation
976.3 Bit per second and Baud
976.4 QUESTIONS

Lesson 977: GENERATORS and CODERS 10

977.1 THEORETICAL NOTIONS
977.1.1 Data Sequence Generator
977.1.2 Data Coding
977.1.3 1-bit Differential Coding
977.1.4 Dibit – Tribit Division
977.1.5 Manchester Coding
977.1.6 Clock Extraction – Retiming - Decoding
977.2 EXERCISES
977.2.1 Data Sequences
977.2.2 Manchester Coder
977.2.3 1-bit Differential Coder
977.2.4 Dibit Coder
977.2.5 Tribit Coder
977.3 QUESTIONS

Lesson 978: ASK MODULATION 21

978.1 THEORETICAL NOTIONS
978.1.1 Amplitude Shift Keying - ASK
978.1.2 ASK Modulator
978.1.3 ASK Demodulator
978.2 EXERCISES
978.2.1 Wave-forms of the ASK Modulator
978.2.2 Wave-forms of the ASK demodulator
978.2.3 ASK with Manchester-coded data
978.2.4 Noise effect. Error bit measurement
978.3 QUESTIONS

Lesson 979: FSK MODULATION 32

979.1 THEORETICAL NOTIONS
979.1.1 Frequency Shift Keying - FSK
979.1.2 FSK Modulator
979.1.3 FSK Demodulator
979.2 EXERCISES
979.2.1 Wave-forms of the FSK Modulator
979.2.2 Wave-forms of the FSK Demodulator
979.2.3 FSK with Manchester-coded data
979.2.4 Noise effect . Error bit measurement
979.3 QUESTIONS
Lesson 980: PSK MODULATION 45
980.1 THEORETICAL NOTIONS
980.1.1 Phase Shift Keying - PSK
980.1.2 2-PSK Modulators
980.1.3 2-PSK Demodulation with Carrier Regeneration
980.1.4 2-PSK Demodulation with Costas Loop Circuit
980.1.5 1-bit Differential Coding
980.2 EXERCISES
980.2.1 Wave-forms of the 2-PSK Modulator
980.2.2 Wave-forms of the 2-PSK Demodulator
980.2.3 Differential PSK
980.2.4 2-PSK Demodulation with Costas Loop Circuit
980.3 QUESTIONS

Lesson 981: 4-PSK MODULATION(I) 63

981.1 THEORETICAL NOTIONS
981.1.1 4-phase PSK Modulation
981.1.2 4-PSK Modulator
981.1.3 4-PSK differential Modulation
981.1.4 N-phase PSK Modulation
981.2 EXERCISES
981.2.1 Wave-forms of the 4-PSK Modulator
981.2.2 Wave-forms of the 4-PSK differential Modulator
981.3 QUESTIONS

Lesson 982: 4-PSK MODULATION (II) 73

982.1 THEORETICAL NOTIONS
982.1.1 4-PSK Demodulation
982.1.2 Carrier Regeneration
982.1.3 4-PSK Demodulator
982.2 EXERCISES
982.2.1 Wave-forms of the 4-PSK Demodulator
982.2.2 Differential 4-PSK
982.2.3 Constellation Diagram and Noise Effect

Lesson 983: QAM MODULATION 82

983.1 THEORETICAL NOTIONS
983.1.1 Quadrature Amplitude Modulation
983.1.2 8-QAM Modulator
983.1.3 8-QAM Demodulator
983.2 EXERCISES
983.2.1 Wave-forms of the 8-QAM Modulator
983.2.2 Wave-forms of the 8-QAM Demodulator
983.2.3 Differential 8-QAM
983.2.3 Constellation Diagram and Noise Effect

Lesson 984: DATA TRANSMISSION 94

984.1 THEORETICAL NOTIONS
984.1.1 Interface V24/RS232C
984.1.2 Carrying out a Data Connection
984.2 EXERCISES
984.2.1 Data Transmission between Personal Computers
984.2.2 Synchronous Data Transmission

VOLUME 2/2: SERVICE HANDBOOK

 SAFETY RULES

SAFETY RULES

Keep this handbook at hand for any further help.

For the module characteristics refer to Volume 1/2 related to the same
module.

After the packaging has been removed, set all accessories in order so
that they are not lost. Check that the equipment is integral and shows no
visible damage.

Before connecting the +/-12V power supply to the module, be sure that
the power cables are properly connected to the power supply.

This equipment must be employed only for the use it was conceived, i.e.
as educational equipment, and must be used under the direct supervision
of expert personnel. Any other use is not proper and therefore
dangerous. The manufacturer cannot be held responsible for any
damage due to inappropriate, wrong or unreasonable use.

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Lesson 975: Module Description

LESSON 975: MODULE DESCRIPTION

The module MCM31 (fig.975.1) is divided into the following sections:

• Data Generators:
− cyclic sequence generator with 24-bit length and pseudocasual
sequence with 64-bit length. The data speed is 300 bit/s in
Manchester mode, 600 bit/s in Bit mode, 1200 bit/s in Dibit mode,
1800 bit/s in Tribit mode
− External, synchronous or asynchronous data switch
− data interface V24/RS232C
• Timing & Data Formatting:
− NRZ-Manchester coder / decoder
− Dibit and Tribit coder / decoder
− differential coder: 1-bit and 2-bit
• Carrier Generators:
− sine carrier at 1800Hz, 1200Hz/0°, 1200Hz/90°
• Modulators:
− ASK, FSK, 2-PSK, 4-PSK, QAM modulation are generated with
the use of 2 balanced modulators
• Channel Simulator:
− artificial line with adjustable attenuation
− noise generator with adjustable amplitude
• Carrier Recovery:
− in 2-PSK mode, it generates a 1200Hz carrier; in 4-PSK and
QAM mode it generates 2 1200Hz carriers shifted between them
of 90°
• Demodulators:
− ASK and FSK demodulator
− 2-PSK demodulator with carrier regeneration and Costas Loop
− 4-PSK and 8-QAM demodulator
• Clock Recovery & Data Retiming:
− data clock regenerator
− retiming signals of “I”, “Q” and “C” signals
− threshold circuits to square the “I”, “Q”, “C” signals and the
asynchronous data (RD)
• Error Counter:
− error bit counter. It compares the 64-bit data sequence transmitted
with the same sequence locally regenerated in reception.
The module is powered to ±12V via the B-connector (fig.975.1) or the
single cables. The connector A must be connected to one of the
Individual Control Units SIS1, SIS2 or SIS3 (see Service Handbook,
Volume 2/2).

)
The switches S (if present) are used to introduce faults into the
circuits operation, and are activated according to what described
during the exercises. We recommend to turn all switches S OFF at
the beginning of each exercise.

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 Lesson 975: Module Description

fig.975.1 Block diagram of module MCM31

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Lesson 976: Digital Modulations

LESSON 976: DIGITAL MODULATIONS

Objectives
• To introduce the ASK, FSK, PSK, QAM digital modulations
• to describe why and what for digital modulations are used
• to describe the difference between bit/second and BAUD

Material
• Power unit PSU or PS1
• module holder base
• Individual Control Unit SIS1, SIS2 or SIS3 (or switches S)
• experiment module MCM31.

976.1 INTRODUCTION

In many digital communication systems, cable (as for data transmission

modems) or radio ones (e.g. the digital radio bridges, the cellular
telephone system GSM, the digital TV, ...), the data signal modulates a
sine carrier. The modulations used the most are:
• ASK (Amplitude Shift Keying): the data signal modulates the
amplitude of a sine carrier
• FSK (Frequency Shift Keying): the data signal modulates the
frequency of a sine carrier
• PSK (Phase Shift Keying): the data signal modulates the phase of a
sine carrier. The PSK has different types:
− 2-phase or binary (2-PSK or BPSK)
− 4-phases or quadrature (4-PSK or QPSK)
− 8 or 16-phases (8-PSK, 16-PSK)
− absolute or differential
• QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation): the data signal modulates
the phase and amplitude of a sine carrier.

fig.976.1 Digital modulations

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 Lesson 976: Digital Modulations

976.2 PURPOSE of the MODULATION

NRZ Signal In a digital communication system, the data bits are represented via
electrical signals. The simplest one uses two levels to represent the
binary digit “0” and “1”, e.g. +5 for “1” and 0V for “0”. Usually a level
is kept fixed for 1 bit duration, and so, in this case, we speak of NRZ
format (Non Return-to-Zero). The wave-form of the NRZ signal, so, is a
sequence of rectangular pulses of casual kind, with continuous power
spectrum (fig.976.2).

fig.976.2 NRZ Digital signal

Limited band Let’s consider, e.g., (digital) data transmission through the telephone
channel line. As the data signal spectrum starts from zero frequency (d.c.
component) and usually overcomes 3400 Hz, the transmission of this
signal on a limited band channel (as the telephone signal) is not
possible. Note that the frequencies which can be transmitted on the
telephone channel are those ranging between 300 and 3400 Hz (voice
band). Considering the electrical signal associated to the data signal you
can see, e.g., that with alternated 1/0 bits there is a square wave with
frequency equal to half the transmission speed.

Supposing you want to transmit alternated 1/0 data at 9600 bit/s

(fig.976.3), you would get a square-wave of 4800-Hz frequency.
According to the theory of Fourier, a square-wave is composed by the
sum of more sine-waves: the main one, the third harmonic, the fifth
harmonic and all the next odd harmonics. If the data signal at 9600 bit/s
should be applied directly to a public telephone line, there would be no
signal at the line output, as all the spectral components would be
eliminated by the filtering effect of the same line. The connection could
not be carried out, unless the data information would be set inside the
voice band.

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Lesson 976: Digital Modulations

Fig.976.3 Data signal transmission on limited band channel

Different modulation techniques are used to carry out a spectrum

matching, and the data signal, which is digital with very large spectrum,
is converted into an analog signal with much more restricted spectrum.

In case of data transmission on public telephone lines, the equipment

performing this function are the phone Modems which translate the data
signal within the phone band. They use the following modulations:
• ASK (Amplitude Shift Keying): rare applications at very low speeds
• FSK (Frequency Shift Keying): up to 1200 b/s
• PSK (Phase Shift Keying): up to 4800 b/s
• QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation): up to 9600 b/s in normal
mode, up 33600 b/s with trellis data coding. In this case Trellis
Coded Modulation - TCM.

976.3 BIT per SECOND and BAUD

In the simplest cases of digital modulation, each binary symbol (bit)
corresponds to an analog symbol, i.e. a modulation state generated by
the modulator. Fig.976.4 shows an example of 2-phase PSK modulation,
in which each bit 0 corresponds to a signal with a certain phase, bit 1
corresponds to a signal of opposed phase.
When the data flow increases, to keep the spectrum of the modulated
signal within the phone band you must reduce the "frequency" of the
modulating signal, i.e. reduce the speed with which the data signal
modulates the carrier.

One of the techniques used is to divide the data flow into "groups" of
more bits (2, 3, 4, etc.) before the modulation, and not to carry out the
modulation at each single bit but in correspondence to each "group" of
bits (this technique is known as "Multi-level modulation "). Each
"modulation state" (or "symbol") is used to transfer the whole group of
bits. Fig.976.5 shows an example of 4-phase PSK modulation, in which
the 4 “analog” symbols (carrier with 0°, 90°, 180°, 270° phase) are
generated by the same number of combinations of 2-bit groups (00, 01,
11, 10).

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 Lesson 976: Digital Modulations

It is easy to understand that the frequency of the modulating signal is

lowered in this way, contributing to the modulated signal spectrum
reduction. Two different concepts of speed are obtained: digital
information speed (data) and analog information speed (symbols
transmitted across the modulation). These speeds are expressed with
different terms:
• bit/s: it is the transmission speed of binary information, and is given
by the number of binary elements (bit) transmitted in the time unit
(1 second)
• BAUD: it is the modulation (or symbol) speed, and is identified by
the number of states of the modulated signal (symbols) sent in the
time unit.

If a speed data flow Fb is divided into "n" bit groups, the Baud is equal
to Fb/n. Se n=1 (modulation made bit per bit) the transmission speed
and the Baud coincide.

Fig.976.4 1 bit per symbol transmission (Baud = bit/s)

Fig.976.5 2-bit per symbol transmission (Baud ≠ bit/s)

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Lesson 976: Digital Modulations

976.4 QUESTIONS

Q1 Which of the following modulation is used to transmit digital signals via

analog carriers?

SET
A B
1 4 FSK (Frequency Shift Keying); PSK (Proportional Shift
Keying); ASK (Amplitude Shift Keying); TCM (Trellis
Coded Modulation); QAM (Quadrature Amplitude
Modulation)
2 5 FSK (Frequency Shift Keying); PSK (Phase Shift Keying);
ASK (Amplitude Shift Keying); TCM (Trellis Coded
Modulation); QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation);
PCM (Pulse Code Modulation); PAM (Pulse Amplitude
Modulation)
3 1 ASK (Amplitude Super Keying); FSK (Frequency Super
Keying); PSK (Phase Super Keying); TCM (Trellis Coded
Modulation); QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation)
4 2 FSK (Frequency Shift Keying); PSK (Phase Shift Keying);
ASK (Amplitude Shift Keying); TCM (Trellis Coded
Modulation); QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation)
5 3 FSK (Frequency Shift Keying); PSK (Phase Shift Keying);
ASK (Asynchronous Shift Keying); TCM (Trellis Coded
Modulation); QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation)

Q2 Which are the main purposes of digital modulations ?

SET
A B
1 2 to match the digital (data) signal spectrum to the transmission
amplifier; to translate the digital signal spectrum inside the
communication channel band
2 3 to translate the digital signal spectrum inside the
communication channel band; to match the digital signal
spectrum to the communication channel
3 4 to amplify the digital signal before the transmission; to
translate the digital signal spectrum within the
communication channel band
4 5 to match the digital signal amplitude to the transmission
amplifier sensibility; to translate the spectrum the digital
signal spectrum inside the communication channel band
5 1 to translate the digital signal spectrum inside the
communication channel band; to remove the errors in
reception.

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 Lesson 976: Digital Modulations

Q3 The bit interval duration of an NRZ digital data signal is 104µs. Which
is the transmission speed ?

SET
A B
1 5 10400 bit/s
2 6 4800 bit/s
3 4 10400 Baud
4 3 9600 Baud
5 1 9600 bit/s
6 2 14000 bit/s

Q4 The following statements are referred to the Baud. Which of them is

true?

SET
A B
1 4 it gives the data transmission speed (Baud Rate); in the 2-PSK
system it is a number referring to the data speed (bit/s), too; if
the transmission speed is 9600 bit/s and the data are divided
into groups of 2 bits, there are 2400 Baud
2 3 it gives the data transmission speed (Baud Rate); in n-PSK
systems it is a number referring to the data speed (bit/s), too;
it gives the modulation speed; if the transmission speed is
9600 bit/s and the data are divided into groups of 2 bits, there
are 2400 Baud
3 2 it gives the symbols speed; it gives the modulation speed; in
2-PSK systems it is a number referring to the data speed
(bit/s), too; if the transmission speed is 9600 bit/s and the data
are divided into groups of 4 bits, there are 2400 Baud
4 1 it gives the symbols speed; in n-PSK systems it is a number
referring to the data speed (bit/s), too; if the transmission
speed is 9600 bit/s and the data are divided into groups of 4
bits, there are 2400 Baud

Q5 A data flow at 4800 bit/s is transmitted with a 8-PSK modulation (8

modulation states). How many bits are transmitted for each symbol, and
which is the symbol speed (Baud) ?

SET
A B
1 3 600 bit per symbol; 8 Baud
2 4 3 Baud; 1200 bit per symbol
3 1 3 bit per symbol; 1200 Baud
4 5 3 Baud; 1600 bit per symbol
5 2 3 bit per symbol; 1600 Baud

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Lesson 977: Generators and Coders

LESSON 977: GENERATORS and CODERS

Objectives
• To describe the data sources available on the module
• to describe the differential coding
• to describe the bit splitting into Dibit and Tribit
• to describe the Manchester coding

Material
• Power unit PSU or PS1, with module holder base
• Individual Control Unit SIS1, SIS2 or SIS3 (or switches S)
• experiment module MCM31
• oscilloscope.

977.1 THEORETICAL NOTIONS

977.1.1 Data sequence generators

Transmission The bits of the data sequences are generated at a speed given by the
Clock Transmission Clock (TXCK, test point TP3). This is a square-wave
signal, synchronous with the data signal and with falling edge in the
middle of the bit interval (fig.977.1). The data speed depends on the
coding/modulation (Manchester, Bit, Dibit, Tribit) used, and is
automatically selected by the jumper J1. It is 300 bit/s in Manchester
mode, 600 bit/s in Bit mode, 1200 bit/s in Dibit mode, 1800 bit/s in
Tribit mode. The bit speed is changed to keep the same symbol speed
(600 Baud) in line (see chap.976.3).

24-bit sequence The generator supplies a 24-bit NRZ data sequence (TP4, see example
fig.977.1); the data are synchronous with the Transmission Clock (TP3).
The bits are programmable one by one via the switches 1-24. The
sequence starts pushing the START button, and repeats cyclically.

64-bit The generator supplies a NRZ data sequence called "pseudocasual",

pseudocasual which contains 32 "0" and 32 "1". The wave-form of the 64-bit
sequence sequence is shown in fig.977.1. The bits are synchronous with the
Transmission Clock. The data sequence is started by pushing the
START pushbutton, and repeats cyclically.

External Data
It is possible to select an external data source:
• synchronous: the data enters TP2, in TTL format. They must be
synchronized to the Transmission Clock from TP1
• asynchronous: the data enter TP2 (in TTL format) or from the
connector RS232 (format V24/RS232C).

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 Lesson 977: Generators and Coders

Fig.977.1 Transmission clock and data sequences

977.1.2 Data coding

In a standard digital communication system, the data (information)

supplied by the source can have a certain processing (or coding) before
being applied to the modulator and next transmitted (fig.977.2). The
reasons for which the data signal is coded are many:
• to ease the reception demodulation, especially in case of PSK or
QAM modulation
• to separate the data flow into groups of more bits (Dibit, Tribit, …)
before carrying out the multi-level modulation (PSK with 4 or more
phases, QAM)
• to ensure a proper regeneration of the bit (clock) timing in reception
• to introduce data compression or error correction algorithms
• to exploit the transmission channel band at best.

Hereafter we examine:
• the 1-bit differential coding, which facilitates the PSK signals
demodulation
• the data flow subdivision into groups of 2 bits (Dibit) and 3 bits
(Tribit), to carry out the 4-phase PSK and 8-levels QAM, in absolute
or differential format
• the Manchester coding: it is one of the many coding used to ensure
the proper regeneration of the reception clock.

Fig.977.2 Standard digital communication system

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Lesson 977: Generators and Coders

977.1.3 1-bit Differential Coding

In PSK systems (chapt.980.1.5) the demodulation is made by comparing

the instant phase of the PSK signal to an absolute reference phase
locally regenerated in the receiver. The modulation is called in this case
Absolute PSK. The greatest difficulty of these systems lies in the need to
keep the phase of the regenerated carrier perfectly constant. This
problem is solved with the differential PSK modulation, as the
information is not contained into the absolute phase of the modulated
carrier but in the phase difference between two next modulation
intervals (symbols).

Before entering the PSK modulator the data bits are coded as follows:
the coder inverts the output bit (n+1) if the input bit (n) is "1", it keeps
the output the same if the input bit (n) is "0". In other words, the bit “1”
is coded as variation of the output data. An example of differential
coding is shown in fig.977.3.

Fig.977.3 1-bit differential coding

Fig.977.4 Division into Dibit

Fig.977.5 Division into Tribit

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 Lesson 977: Generators and Coders

977.1.4 Division into Dibit - Tribit

Dibit In 4-PSK transmission systems (lessons 981-982), the sine carrier takes
4 phase values, separate of 90° and determined by the combinations of
bit pairs (Dibit) of the binary data signal. The data are coded in Dibit by
a circuit which generates (fig.977.4):
• a data signal I (In_phase) consisting in voltage levels corresponding
to the value of the first bit of the considered pair, for a period equal
to 2 bit intervals
• a data signal Q (in_Quadrature) consisting in voltage levels
corresponding to the value of the second bit of the pair, for a duration
equal to 2 bit intervals.

Tribit In 8-QAM communication systems (lesson 983), the sine carrier takes 4
phase values and 2 amplitude values, determined by the combinations of
three bits (Tribit) of the binary data signal. The data are coded into
Tribit by a circuit generating (fig.977.5):
• a data signal I (In_phase) consisting in voltage levels corresponding
to the value of the first bit of the considered three bits, for a duration
equal to 3 bit intervals
• a data signal Q (in_Quadrature) consisting in voltage levels
corresponding to the value of the second bit of the three bits, for a
duration equal to 3 bit intervals
• a data signal C (Control) consisting in voltage levels corresponding
to the value of the third bit of the three bits, for a duration equal to 3
bit intervals

The signals “I” and “Q” determine the phase of the modulated carrier,
the signal “C” determines the amplitude.

Differential In 4-PSK differential communication systems (chapt.981.1.2), the phase

Dibit of the sine carrier is changed of 0°, 90°, 180°, 270° as function of the
data bit pairs (Dibit). The modulator is the same used for the absolute 4-
PSK. Before entering the modulator the data are coded so to generate
two "differential" signals, we can call ID and QD. These consider the
variations of the bit pairs, in respect to the pairs just before them, to
properly generate the phase shifts of the carrier.

977.1.5 Manchester Coding

In a digital communcation system, the data bits are usually represented

in NRZ shape. In reception the signal is read at particular moments to
determine if the coming data is “0” or “1”. The reading, or sampling,
must be carried out at each bit interval, and must be synchronous with
the data signal. In particular systems the synchronism to carry out the
proper sampling is transmitted separately from the data, in most cases it
is extracted by the same data signal, by a clock regenerator circuit (e.g.
carried out with PLL - Phase Locked Loop).

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Lesson 977: Generators and Coders

If the transmitted data contain long sequences of “0” or “1”, it is

difficult or impossible to extract the reception clock, as the spectral
components enabling the PLL hooking are missing in the data signal
(fig.977.6a). To solve this problem the NRZ data are properly coded
before being transmitted, in order to introduce alternances in the signal
wave-form (fig.977.6b).

One of the codes mostly used for this purpose is the Manchester, which
inserts a transition in the center of the bit interval. If the NRZ datum is
“1” you have a transition from high to low level, if it is “0” a transition
from low to high level (fig.977.7). In pratice, there is the transmission of
the direct clock period if the bit is “1”, of a negated clock period if the
bit is “0”. In this way the signal reaching the PLL (in reception) always
contains alternances, facilitating the clock extraction.

fig.977.6 NRZ Data (a) and coded data (b) Transmission/Reception

fig.977.7 Wave-forms of Manchester coding

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 Lesson 977: Generators and Coders

977.1.6 Clock Extraction- Retiming - Decoding

Clock Extraction In reception, the clock used to retime the demodulated data signal is
taken from the Clock Recovery circuit (fig.977.8). This provides to
regenerate the clock starting from:
• the single signal “I”, in case of transmission with binary coding (i.e.
ASK, FSK or 2-PSK)
• the combinations of signals “I” and “Q”, in case of transmission with
Dibit or Tribit coding (i.e. 4-PSK or 8-QAM).

According to the used modulation and to the bit transmission speed, the
Clock Recovery section supplies 3 different timing:
• 600 Hz (CK600, TP32)
• 1200 Hz (CK1200, TP33)
• 1800 Hz (CK1800, TP34).

The proper clock extraction will be eased if the data are Manchester
coded before the transmission (see exercises in lessons 978-979).

Retiming The 600-Hz clock taken from the Clock Recovery circuit is used to
retime the received symbols (signals “I”, “Q” and “C”, according to the
used modulation). In the module, the symbol speed is kept constant at
600 Baud. In case of asynchronous transmission, the received data are
not retimed but only squared by a threshold circuit (output TP29, see
exercises in lessons 978-979).

Decoding The data decoding, complementary to the one introduced in the

transmission (Manchester, Differential, Dibit, Tribit), is made by the
Data Decoding section. The decoded data are available across TP9, the
related clock across TP10.

Fig.977.8

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Lesson 977: Generators and Coders

977.2 EXERCISES

 MCM31 Disconnect all jumpers

 SIS1 / S Turn all switches OFF

 SIS2 Insert lesson code: 977

977.2.1 Data Sequences

• Power the module

• set the circuit as follows: J1c, SW2=Normal, SW3=24bit
• set a cyclic data sequence 11001000 (repeated on the 3 Dip Switch)
and push START
• connect the oscilloscope to TP4 (data sequence) and TP3 (clock
signal)
• examine the data sequence wave-forms and the clock signal

Q1 What can you note?

SET
A B
1 3 the Data are synchronous with the Clock; there are 2 Clock
periods for each Bit; the Bits are separated by short time
intervals with zero voltage
2 1 the Data are not synchronous with the Clock; there is 1 Clock
period for each Bit; there is no separation between next Bits
3 4 the Data are synchronous with the Clock; there is 1 Clock
period for each Bit; the falling edge of the Clock is in the
middle of the Bit interval; there is no separation between next
Bits
4 2 the Data are synchronous with the Clock; there is 1 Clock
period for each Bit; the rising edge of the Clock is in the
middle of the Bit interval; there is no separation between next
Bits

Q2 Which is the data flow speed ?

SET
A B
1 6 1.2kbit/s, corresponding to a bit interval of about 1667µs
2 5 9600 bit/s, corresponding to a bit interval of about 104µs
3 1 19200 bit/s, corresponding to a bit interval of about 52µs
4 4 60000 bit/s, corresponding to a bit interval of about 16µs
5 2 64kbit/s, corresponding to a bit interval of about 16µs
6 3 600 bit/s, corresponding to a bit interval of about 1667µs

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 Lesson 977: Generators and Coders

977.2.2 Manchester Coder

• Set the circuit in Manchester mode (J1d, SW2=Normal, SW3=24bit)

• set a cyclic data sequence 11000000 (repeated on the 3 Dip Switch)
and push START
• examine the wave-forms of the clock signal (TP3), of the data
sequence (TP4), the coded signal (TP6)

Q3 From the last observations, we can state that:

SET
A B
1 3 the Datum 0 is coded with 1 direct Clock period; the Datum 1 is
coded with 1 negated Clock period
2 1 the Datum 0 is coded with 1 Clock period (direct or negated); the
Datum 1 is coded with 1 bit interval alternatevely high and low
3 4 the Datum 1 is coded with 1 Clock period (direct or negated); the

Datum 0 is coded with 1 bit interval alternatevely high and low

4 2 the Datum 1 is coded with 1 direct Clock period; the Datum 0 is
coded with 1 negated Clock period

977.2.3 1-bit Differential Coder

• Set the circuit in Bit and Differential mode (J1c, SW2=Differential,

SW3=24bit)
• set a data sequence with all “0” and push START. Examine the
wave-forms of the clock signal (TP3), the data sequence (TP4), the
coded signal (TP6)
• set now a data sequence with all “1” and push START. Examine the
wave-forms of the clock signal (TP3), the data sequence (TP4), the
coded signal (TP6)

Q4 From the last observations, we can state that:

SET
A B
1 3 the bit “1” is coded with 1 direct clock period; the bit “0” is
coded with 1 negated clock period
2 1 the bit “0” is coded with 1 clock period; the bit “1” with 1 bit
interval alternatively high and low
3 4 the bit “0” is coded with 1 low level bit interval ; the bit “1” is
coded with 1 bit interval alternatively high and low
4 2 the bit “1” is coded with 1 high level bit interval; the bit “0” is
coded with 1 bit interval alternatively high and low

- 17 -
Lesson 977: Generators and Coders

977.2.4 Dibit Coder

• Set the circuit in Dibit and Normal mode (J1b, SW2=Normal,
SW3=24bit)
• set a cyclic data sequence 10101010 (repeated on 3 Dip Switches)
and push START
• examine the wave-forms of the clock signal (TP3), the data sequence
(TP4), the signal “I” (TP6) and the signal “Q” (TP7). You get the
signal “I” always high and the signal “Q” always low
• set now a data sequence 10010000.00000000.00000000 and push
START. Examine the wave-forms of the clock signal (TP3), the data
sequence (TP4), the signal “I” (TP6) and the signal “Q” (TP7) (the
signals “I” and “Q” are delayed of 3.5 clock periods in respect to the
data signal)

Q5 From the last notes you can state that:

SET
A B
1 4 the signal “I” consists in voltage levels corresponding to the
value of the first bit of each pair of bits, for a duration equal
to 2 bit intervals. The signal “Q” consists in voltage levels
corresponding to the value of the second bit, for a period
equal to 2 bit intervals
2 1 the bit “0” is coded with 1 Clock period (direct and negated);
the bit “1” is coded with 1 bit interval alternatively high and
low
3 2 the signal “Q” consists in voltage levels corresponding to the
value of the first bit of each pair of bits, for a period equal to
2 bit intervals. The signal “I” consists in voltage levels
corresponding to the value of the second bit, for a period
equal to 2 bit intervals
4 3 the signal “I” consists in voltage levels corresponding to the
value of the first bit of each three bits, for a duration equal to
3 bit intervals. The signal “Q” consists in voltage levels
corresponding to the value of the second bit, for a period
equal to 3 bit intervals

977.2.5 Tribit Coder

• Set a circuit in Tribit and Normal mode (J1a, SW2=Normal,

SW3=24bit)
• set a data sequence 101.101.101.101.101.101.101.101 and push
START
• examine the wave-forms of the clock signal (TP3), the data sequence
(TP4), the signal “I” (TP6), the signal “Q” (TP7) and the signal “C”
(TP8). The signals “I” are “Q” always high, the signal “Q” is always
low
• set now a data sequence 10101000.00000000.00000000 and push

- 18 -
 Lesson 977: Generators and Coders

START. Examine the wave-forms of the clock signal (TP3), the data
sequence (TP4), the signal “I” (TP6), the signal “Q” (TP7) and the
signal “C” (TP8) (the signals “I”, “Q” and “C” are delayed of 5.5
clock periods in respect to the data signal)

Q6 From the last observations, we can state that:

SET
A B
1 4 the signal “I” consists in voltage levels corresponding to the
value of the first bit of each pair of bits, for a duration equal
to 2 bit intervals. The signal “C” consists in voltage levels
corresponding to the value of the second bit, for a period
equal to 2 bit intervals
2 1 the signal “I” consists in voltage levels corresponding to the
value of the first bit of each three bits, for a duration equal to
2 bit intervals. The signal “Q” consists in voltage levels
corresponding to the value of the second bit, for a period
equal to 2 bit intervals. The signal “C” consists in voltage
levels corresponding to the value of the third bit, for a
duration equal to 2 bit intervals
3 2 the signal “Q” consists in voltage levels corresponding to the
value of the first bit of each pair of bits, for a duration equal
to 2 bit intervals. The signal “I” consists in voltage levels
corresponding to the value of the second bit, for a period
equal to 2 bit intervals
4 5 the signal “I” consists in voltage levels corresponding to the
value of the first bit of each three bits, for a duration equal to
3 bit intervals. The signal “C” consists in voltage levels
corresponding to the value of the second bit, for a period
equal to 3 bit intervals
5 3 the signal “I” consists in voltage levels corresponding to the
value of the first bit of each three bits, for a duration equal to
3 bit intervals. The signal “Q” consists in voltage levels
corresponding to the value of the second bit, for a period
equal to 3 bit intervals. The signal “C” consists in voltage
levels corresponding to the value of the third bit, for a period
equal to 3 bit intervals

- 19 -
Lesson 977: Generators and Coders

977.3 QUESTIONS

Q7 In which modulations do the data have to be divided into Dibit and

Tribit ?

SET
A B
1 2 FSK (Frequency Shift Keying)
2 3 16-QAM (Tribit) and 2-PSK (Dibit)
3 4 8-QAM (Tribit) and 2-PSK (Dibit)
4 6 ASK (Amplitude Shift Keying)
5 1 8-QAM or 8-PSK (Tribit); 4-PSK (Dibit)
6 5 8-QAM or 8-PSK (Dibit); 4-PSK (Tribit)

Q8 Which is the difference between PSK differential and PSK absolute

modulation?

SET
A B
1 2 in PSK absolute modulation the information is transmitted as
phase variation of the carrier in respect to an absolute
reference phase. In PSK differential one the information is
transmitted as phase variation in respect to the next phase
2 3 there is no difference
3 4 in PSK absolute one the data bits are divided into Dibit, in
PSK differential one they are divided into Tribit
4 1 in PSK absolute one the information is transmitted as phase
variation of the carrier in respect to an absolute reference
phase. In PSK differential one the information in transmitted
as phase variation in respect to the last phase

Q9 Which of the following wave-forms corresponds to Manchester coding

of the data sequence 00110110 ?

SET
A B
1 4 a)
2 1 b)
3 3 c)
4 2 d)

- 20 -
 Lesson 978: ASK Modulations

LESSON 978: ASK MODULATION

Objectives
• To describe the ASK (Amplitude Shift Keying) modulation and
demodulation
• to carry out an ASK connection, with and without Manchester data
coding
• to examine the noise effect on the connection

Material
• Power unit PSU or PS1
• module holder base
• Individual Control Unit SIS1, SIS2 or SIS3 (or switches S)
• experiment module MCM31
• oscilloscope.

978.1 THEORETICAL NOTIONS

978.1.1 Amplitude Shift Keying - ASK

In this form of modulation the sine carrier takes 2 amplitude values,

determined by the binary data signal. Usually the modulator transmits
the carrier when the data bit is "1", it completetely removes it when the
bit is "0" (fig.978.1). There are also ASK shapes called "multi-level",
where the amplitude of the modulated signal takes more than 2 values.

The demodulation can be coherent or non coherent. In the first case,

more complex as concerns the circuits but more effective as against the
noise effect, a product demodulator multiplies the ASK signal by the
locally regenerated carrier. In the second case the envelope of the ASK
signal is detected via diode. In both cases the detector is followed a low
pass filter, which removes the residual carrier components, and a
threshold circuit which squares the data signal (fig.978.2).

The main factors characterizing the ASK are:

• it is mainly used for radiotelegraphy
• it requires not complex circuits
• it is much sensible to disturbances (high possibility of error)
• called Fb the bit transmission speed, the minimum spectrum Bw of
the modulated signal is higher than Fb
• the efficiency of transmission, defined as the ratio between Fb and
Bw, is lower than 1
 chap.976.3 • the Baud, defined as the modulation or symbol speed, is equal to the
transmission speed Fb.

- 21 -
Lesson 978: ASK Modulation

fig.978.1
ASK Modulation

Fig. 978.2
ASK Demodulation

fig.978.3
ASK Modulator

fig. 978.4
ASK Demodulator

- 22 -
 Lesson 978: ASK Modulations

978.1.2 ASK Modulator

The block diagram of the ASK modulator is shoWn in fig.978.3. The

sine carrier (1200 or 1800 Hz) is applied to an input of the balanced
modulator 1; a data signal (indicated with I) is connected to the other
circuit. The circuit usually carries out the balanced modulator function,
and multiplies the two signals applied across the inputs. Unbalancing,
though, the circuit with switch SW6 (in position ASK/FSK), it operates
as amplitude modulator generating in this way the ASK signal of
fig.978.1. The last, then, enters the adder used for FSK/QPSK/QAM
modulations, and exits via a separator stage. The 6dB attenuator cuts the
signal amplitude into half, and is activated only with the QAM. To
block the operation of the balanced modulator 2 in ASK mode, the data
input of the same modulator must be set on ASK (J3=d).

978.1.3 ASK Demodulator

The ASK demodulator consists of the sections represented in fig.978.4:

• a full wave envelope detector (ASK DEM)
• a low pass filter
• a threshold circuit (with output across TP29) in case of
asynchornous data, which are not re-timed
• a clock extraction and data re-timing circuit, in case of synchonous
data (data output on TP31, clock on TP32).

The filter, the clock extraction circuit and the data re-timing one are
used to demodulate also other kind of signals.

- 23 -
Lesson 978: ASK Modulation

978.2 EXERCISES

 MCM31 Disconnect all jumpers

 SIS1 / S Turn all switches OFF

 SIS2 Insert lesson code: 978

978.2.1 Wave-forms del ASK Modulator

• Power the module

• set the circuit in ASK mode, with 24-bit data source and without data
coding (connect J1c-J3d-J4-J5-J6a; set SW2=Normal, SW3=24_bit,
SW4=1200, SW6=ASK, SW8=BIT, ATT=min, NOISE=min, as in
fig.978.6)
• set an alternated data sequence 00/11 and push START
• connect the oscilloscope to TP6 e TP16 so to display the data signal
and the ASK signal. Wave-forms are obtained similar to those of
fig.978.5
• adjust the phase of the carrier (PHASE) to make the zero of the sine
wave correspond to the starting of the bit intervals
• use the 1800Hz frequency as carrier (set SW4=1800)

Q1 What can you detect?

SET
A B
1 4 the ASK signal increases
2 3 the frequency of the transmitted data increases
3 2 the frequency of the ASK signal, present when the data signal
is to a low level, increases
4 1 the frequency of the ASK signal, present when the data signal
is to a high level, increases

Fig.978.5

- 24 -
 Lesson 978: ASK Modulations

Fig.978.6

- 25 -
Lesson 978: ASK Modulation

978.2.2 Wave-forms of the ASK demodulator

• Keep the last conditions (J1c-J3d-J4-J5-J6a; SW2=Normal,

SW3=24_bit, SW4=1200, SW6=ASK, SW8=BIT, ATT=min,
NOISE=min, as in fig.978.6)
• set an alternated data sequence 00/11 and push START
• connect the oscilloscope to TP16 and TP20, to examine the ASK
signal before and after the communication channel
• note the effect of the communication channel on the ASK signal. As
the communication channel is limited band (the frequency response if
low pass), the ASK output signal is slightly beveled. The effect is the
more evident if a 1800-Hz carrier is used (switch SW4). Take SW4
to the position 1200 again

Q2 What kind of signal can you detect across TP23 ?

SET
A B
1 3 the data signal, similar to the one detected across TP6
2 4 the ASK signal rectified in both half-waves
3 1 the ASK signal rectified in positive half-waves
4 2 the clock signal extracted by the demodulator

• the signal supplied by the ASK demodulator is filtered by a low-pass

filter, which removes the ASK carrier components. At the filter
output (TP24, fig.978.7) you get the detected data signal, which
shape is affected by the amplitude of the ASK carrier (and so by the
conditions of the communication channel)
• in asynchrnous data transmission, i.e. when no clock regeneration
and data re-timing is required, it is sufficient to square the signal
supplied by the filter. The output of the squarer (threshold circuit)
can be detected across TP29. Note the correspondence between the
transmitted (TP6) and the received data (TP29)
• introduce line attenuation (ATT), and see that the received data are
not equal to the transmission data anymore. The noise insertion
(NOISE) causes an alternation of the received data, too

Q3 Why is the ASK much sensible to signal amplitude variations ?

SET
A B
1 2 because the information is associated to the carrier frequency
2 4 because the information is associated to the carrier phase
3 1 because the communication channel is limited band
4 3 because the information is associated to the signal amplitude,
too

- 26 -
 Lesson 978: ASK Modulations

• take the line attenuation and noise to the minimum

 SIS1 / S Turn ON switch S13

 SIS2 Push INS

Q4 The data across TP29 are not correct. Which is the reason why ?

SET
A B
1 3 the Manchester coder does not change the data
2 1 the modulated signal is missing at the modulator output
3 4 the line is cut off
4 2 the 1200-Hz generator does not supply the carrier

 SIS1 / S Turn OFF switch S13

Fig.978.7 Wave-forms ASK

- 27 -
Lesson 978: ASK Modulation

978.2.3 ASK with Manchester coded data

In case of synchronous connection, the receiver must also supply the

Data clock, i.e. a square-wave synchronous to the received data and to
the wave-fronts corresponding to the center of the bit interval. The clock
extraction (from the received data) becomes difficult or impossible if the
data signal contains long sequences of "0" or "1", as, in this case the
alternate components would lack components necessary to the
regeneration circuit hooking (usually based on PLL).

• Keep the last conditions (J1c-J3d-J4-J5-J6a; SW2=Normal,

SW3=24_bit, SW4=1200, SW6=ASK, SW8=BIT, ATT=min,
NOISE=min, as from fig.978.6)
• set an alternated data sequence 00/11 and push START
• the reception clock regeneration and data re-timing is required in
synchronous data transmissions.The reception clock is extracted by
the coming data signal, and is available across TP32 (CK600). The
same clock is used to retime the same data, which are available
across TP31
• connect the oscilloscope to TP4 (Transmitted Data), TP31 (Received
Data, after re-timing), TP32 (CK600, reception clock), and note what
follows:
− the reception clock (TP32) is synchornous to the received data
(TP31). There is a clock period every bit. The clock is extracted
properly because the data sequence contains alternances of "0" and
"1" sufficient to keep the clock regenerator circuit hooked
− the received data signal (TP31) is equal (even though delayed) to
the transmitted data signal (TP4)
• set now a data sequence with few alternances, e.g. all “1” and a
single “0”, and push START
• it can happen that the reception clock (TP32) is not stable, and that
the received data (TP31) are sometimes different from the
transmitted ones (TP4). This is due to a malfunction of the PLL
which regenerates the reception clock
• the Manchester coding of the data to be transmitted ensures a
presence of alternances on the transmitted signal, facilitating in this
way the clock extraction by the PLL
• to supply the Manchester coded signals to the ASK modulator
(disconnect J1c and connnect J1d)
• the received data and the reception clock are now available after the
Manchester decoder (TP9 adn TP10)
• keep the same data sequence of the last case, and see that:
− the clock is now properly regenerated
− the received data are equal to the transmitted ones.

- 28 -
 Lesson 978: ASK Modulations

 SIS1 / S Turn ON switch S4

 SIS2 Press INS

Q5 The data received in TP9 are not correct. Which is the reason why?
SET
A B
1 3 the Manchester coder does not change the data
2 1 the modulated signal is missing across the output of the
modulator
3 4 the line is cut off
4 5 the 1800-Hz generator does not supply the carrier
5 6 the sampler re-timing the received data (available across
TP27) does not operate properly
6 2 the reception clock (TP32) used to re-time the data is not used

 SIS1 / S Turn OFF switch S4

978.2.4 Noise effect. Error bit measurement

• Set the circuit in ASK mode, with 64-bit pseudocasual data source
and Manchester data coding (J1d-J3d-J4-J5-J6a; SW2=Normal,
SW3=64_bit, SW4=1200, SW6=ASK, SW8=BIT, SW9=READ,
ATT=min, NOISE=min)
• push the pushbutton RESET
• the value read on the "ERROR COUNTER" display corresponds to
the number of received error bits
• if no noise is introduced in line, there would not be error bits.
Gradually increases NOISE and observe the error bit reading
• the measurement representing the quality of a data transmission
connection is the Bit Error Rate (BER), defined as the ratio between
the error bits and the total received bits. The BER is usually
expressed with multiples of 10. E.g., BER=3·10-5 means 3 wrong bits
every 10000 received bits
• to carry out the BER measurement you can act as follows:
− set the deviator to READ and reset the counter pushing RESET
− keep counting activated for a certain lapse of time, e.g. 60
seconds. As in Manchester mode there is a transmission speed of
300 bit/s, in 60 seconds there is a total of 300·60=18000
transmitted bits (and consequently received ones, too)
− when the 60 seconds expire set the deviator to STOP and read the
wrong bits
− the ratio between error bits and received bits is the connection
Error Rate

- 29 -
Lesson 978: ASK Modulation

978.3 QUESTIONS

Q6 The following statements are referred to the ASK modulation. Which of

them is true ?

SET
A B
1 2 the carrier is a sine-wave, which is transmitted with 2
different frequencies as function of the input bit
the modulation can be carried out with a balanced modulator;
the carrier must be regenerated in the receiver if an envelope
detector demodulator is used;
it is actually much used for high speed data transmission
systems
2 3 the carrier is a sine-wave, which is transmitted with data bits
"1" and reset with data bits "0";
the modulation can be carried out with a balanced modulator;
the carrier must be regenerated in the receiver if a coherent
demodulator is used;
it is actually used not much for low speed data transmission
systems
3 4 the carrier is a sine-wave, which is transmitted with 2
different frequencies as function of the input bit
the modulator can be carried out with a voltage controlled
oscillator (VCO);
the demodulator can be carried out with a PLL;
it is actually used not much for low speed data transmission
systems
4 5 the carrier is a sine-wave, which is transmitted with 2
different frequencies as function of the input bit
the modulation can be carried out with a balanced modulator;
it is not necessary to regenerate the carrier in the receiver;
it is actually used for average speed data transmission systems
5 1 the carrier is a sine-wave, which is transmitted with 2
different frequencies as function of the input bit
the modulation can be carried out with a balanced modulator;
the carrier must be regenerated in the receiver;
it is actually used for average speed data transmission systems

- 30 -
 Lesson 978: ASK Modulations

Q7 The following statements are referred to ASK modulation. Which of

them is false ?

SET
A B
1 4 the square-wave carrier takes 2 or more amplitude values; the
demodulation can be differential or absolute; it is used for
data transmissions at speeds over 9600 bit/s; it is slightly
affected by noise
2 3 the sine carrier takes 2 or more amplitude values; the
demodulation can be coherent or not coherent; it is low speed
data transmission
3 1 the sine carrier takes 2 or more frequency values; the
demodulation can be coherent or not coherent; it is much
sensible to noise
4 2 the demodulation can be coherent or not coherent; the sine
carrier takes 2 or more amplitude values; the modulation can
be carried out with a balanced modulator

Q8 Which is the purpose of data Manchester coding ?

SET
A B
1 2 to match the spectrum of the digital (data) signal to the
transmission amplifier; to translate the spectrum of the digital
signal inside the communication channel band
2 3 to ease (in transmission) the data clock recovery
3 4 to amplify the digital signal before the transmission; to
translate the spectrum of the digital signal inside the
communication channel band
4 5 in asynchronous communication systems, to ease (in
reception) the data clock recovery
5 1 in synchronous communication systems, to ease (in reception)
the data clock recovery

- 31 -
Lesson 979: FSK Modulation

LESSON 979: FSK MODULATION

Objectives
• To describe the FSK modulation and demodulation (Frequency Shift
Keying)
• to carry out a FSK connection, with or without Manchester data
coding
• to examine the noise effect on the connection

Material
• Power unit PSU or PS1
• module holder base
• Individual Control Unit SIS1, SIS2 or SIS3 (or switches S)
• experiment module MCM31
• oscilloscope.

979.1 THEORETICAL NOTIONS

979.1.1 Frequency Shift Keying - FSK

In this modulation the sine carrier takes 2 frequency values, determined

by the binary data signal (fig.979.1). The modulator can be carried out in
different ways; among the most used we can mention:
• a Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO)
• a system transmitting one of the 2 frequencies, as function of the data
signal
• a frequency divider controlled by the data signal.

The most used demodulation techniques is the one using a PLL circuit
(fig.979.2). The FSK signal across the PLL input takes two frequency
values. The error voltage supplied by the phase comparator follows such
variations, and so, it constitutes the NRZ binary representation (high and
low level) of the FSK input signal. The PLL demodulator is followed by
a low pass filter, which removes the residual carrier components, and a
squarer circuit which forms the proper data signal.

The main factos characterizing the FSK are:

• applications of the data transmission modems (ITU-T V21, ITU-T
V23, BELL 103, BELL 113, BELL 202), in digital radio
transmission, in the cellular telephone system ETACS (information
transmission across the Control Channel)
• it requires circuits of average complexity
• high probability of error, but lower than the ASK
• called Fb the bit transmission speed, the minimum spectrum Bw of
the modulated signal is higher than Fb

- 32 -
 Lesson 979: FSK Modulation

• the transmission efficiency, defined as the ratio between Fb and Bw,

is lower than 1
 chapt.976.3 • the Baud or Baud rate, defined as modulation speed or symbol speed,
is equal to the transmission speed Fb.

fig.979.1 FSK modulation

fig.979.2 FSK demodulation with PLL

- 33 -
Lesson 979: FSK Modulation

979.1.2 FSK Modulator

The block diagram of the FSK modulator is shown in fig.979.3. The

FSK signal is generated by means of 2 ASK modulators, which outputs
are combined together with an adder.

The two sine carriers at 1200 and 1800 Hz are applied separately to the
2 modulators. The data reach one of the two modulators in direct form,
the other in negated form.

In this way a modulator supplies a sine wave when the datum is "1", the
second when the datum is "0". The FSK signal is obtained by adding
the two outputs (fig.979.3).

The 6dB-attenuator makes the signal amplitude half, and is activated

only by the QAM.

fig.979.3 FSK modulator

- 34 -
 Lesson 979: FSK Modulation

979.1.3 FSK Demodulator

The FSK demodulator consists in the sections shown in fig.979.4:

• an FM detector made with PLL circuit
• a low pass filter
• a squarer circuit (with output in TP29) in case of asynchronous data,
which are not retimed)
• a circuit for clock extraction and data re-timing, in case of
synchronous data (data output on TP31, clock on TP32).

The filter, the clock extraction circuit and the data re-timing circuit are
used to demodulate also other kinds of signals.

fig.979.4 FSK Demodulator

- 35 -
Lesson 979: FSK Modulation

979.2 EXERCISES

 MCM31 Disconnect all jumpers

 SIS1 / S Turn OFF all switches

 SIS2 Insert lesson code: 979

979.2.1 Wave-forms of the FSK Modulator

• Power the module

• set the circuit in FSK mode, with 24-bit data source and without data
coding (connect J1c-J3a-J4-J5-J6b; set SW2=Normal, SW3=24_bit,
SW4=1800, SW5=1200/0°, SW6=FSK, SW8=BIT, ATT=min,
NOISE=min, as in fig.979.6)
• set an alternated data sequence 00/11 and push START
• connect the oscilloscope to TP6 e TP16 and examine the data signal
and the FSK signal. Adjust the phase (PHASE) of the 1200-Hz carrier
to get continuity of FSK signal in the passage between the two
frequencies (this kind of modulation is known as Minimum
Frequency Shift Keying). Wave-forms are obtained similar to those
of fig.979.5
• note that two different frequencies are generated at bits "1" and "0",
1800 Hz and 1200 Hz in this case

Q1 What can you detect across TP14 ?

SET
A B
1 2 a signal of 1200-Hz frequency when the input datum is 1
2 1 a FSK signal at 1800 Hz when the input datum is 1
3 4 an ASK signal at 1800-Hz frequency when the input datum is
0. This signal is added to the one supplied by the modulator 2
4 3 an ASK signal of 1800-Hz frequency when the input datum is
1. This signal is added to the one supplied by the modulator 2

Fig.979.5

- 36 -
 Lesson 979: FSK Modulation

Fig.979.6

- 37 -
Lesson 979: FSK Modulation

Q2 How is the FSK signal obtained?

SET
A B
1 3 from Modulator 1 (1800 Hz) and from the attenuator 6dB
(1200 Hz)
2 1 from Modulator 1 (TP14, 1800 Hz) and from Modulator 2
(TP15, 1200 Hz). The two signals, both present when the data
signal (TP6) is “1”, are then added and the result is available
across TP16
3 4 from Modulator 1 (TP14, 1800 Hz) and Modulator 2 (TP15,
1200 Hz). The first signal is present when the data signal
(TP6) is “1”, the second when the datum is “0”. The two
signals are then added and the result is available across TP16
4 2 from Modulator 1 (TP14, 1800 Hz) and Modulator 2 (TP15,
1200 Hz). The first signal is present when the data signal
(TP6) is “0”, the second when the datum is “1”. The two
signals are then added and the result is available across TP16

979.2.2 Wave-forms of the FSK demodulator

• Keep the last conditions (J1c-J3a-J4-J5-J6b; SW2=Normal,

SW3=24_bit, SW4=1800, SW5=1200/0°, SW6=FSK, SW8=BIT,
ATT=min, NOISE=min, as in fig.979.6)
• set a alternated data sequence 00/11 and push START
• connect the oscilloscope to TP16 e TP20, to examine the FSK signal
before and after the communcation channel (fig.979.7)
• note the effect of the communication channel on the FSK signal. As
the communcation channel is limited band (the frequency response is
low pass), the output FSK signal is slightly attenuated by the
component with higher frequency (1800 Hz)

Q3 What kind of signal can you detect across TP23 ?

SET
A B
1 2 the rectified FSK signal in both half-wavs
2 1 the clock signal extracted by the demodulator
3 4 the carrier, with 1800-Hz frequency
4 3 the signal supplied by the PLL demodulator. It is similar to
the data signal detected across TP6, with overlaid a residual
of 1200/1800 Hz frequencies

- 38 -
 Lesson 979: FSK Modulation

• the signal supplied by the FSK demodulator is filtered by a low pass

filter, which removes the residuals of the FSK frequencies. The
detected data signal is obtained across the filter output (TP24,
fig.979.7)
• in asynchronous data transmission, i.e. when in reception the clock
regeneration and the data re-timing are not required, it is sufficient to
square the signal supplied by the filter. The squarer output (threshold
circuit) is detectable across TP29. On the oscilloscope note the
correspondence between the transmitted data (TP6) and the received
data (TP29)
• introduce line attenuation (ATT), and note that the received data are
not affected by the amplitude variations of the FSK signal. By
inserting the noise (NOISE), too, you cause all alteration on the
received data

Q4 As the FSK is less sensible to signal amplitude variation than the ASK?

SET
A B
1 2 as the information is associated to the carrier frequency and
not the amplitude
2 4 as the information is associated to the carrier phase
3 1 as the communication channel is limited band
4 3 as the information is associated to the signal amplitude

• take the line attenuation and the noise to the minimum

 SIS1 / S Turn ON switch S15

 SIS2 Push INS

Q5 The data in TP29 are not correct. Which is the reason why?

SET
A B
1 3 the Manchester coder does not code the data
2 1 the modulated signal is missing at the modulator output
3 4 the line is cut off
4 5 the 1200-Hz generator does not supply the carrier
5 2 the 1800-Hz generator does not supply the carrier

 SIS1 / S Turn OFF switch S15

- 39 -
Lesson 979: FSK Modulation

Fig.979.7 FSK Wave-forms

979.2.3 FSK with Manchester coded data

In case of synchronous connection the receiver must also supply the

Data clock, i.e. a square-wave synchronous to the received data and to
the wave-fronts corresponding to the center of the bit interval. The clock
extraction (from the received data) becomes difficult or impossible if the
data signal contains long sequences of "0" or "1", as, in this case the
alternate components would lack components necessary to the
regeneration circuit locking (usually based on PLL).

• Keep the last conditions (J1c-J3a-J4-J5-J6b; SW2=Normal,

SW3=24_bit, SW4=1800, SW5=1200/0°, SW6=FSK, SW8=BIT,
ATT=min, NOISE=min, as in fig.979.6)
• set a alternated data sequence 00/11 and push START
• in situations of synchronous data transmission the reception clock
regeneration and data re-timing is required. The reception clock is
extracted by the coming data signal, and is available across TP32
(CK600). The same clock is used to re-time the same data, which are
available across TP31

- 40 -
 Lesson 979: FSK Modulation

• connect the oscilloscope to TP4 (Transmitted Data), TP31 (Received

data, after re-timing), TP32 (CK600, reception clock), and note the
following:
− the reception clock (TP32) is synchronous with the received data
(TP31). There is a clock period for each bit. The clock is extracted
properly because the data sequence contains alternances of "0" and
"1" sufficient to keep the clock regeneration circuit locked
− the Received Data signal (TP31) is equal (although delayed) to
the Transmitted Data signal (TP4)
• set a now a data sequence with a few alternances, e.g. all “1” and a
single “0”, and push START. It can happen that the reception clock
(TP32) isnot stable, and that the received data (TP31) are sometimes
different from the transmitted ones (TP4). This is due to a bad
operation of the PLL which regenerates the reception clock
• the Manchester coding of the data to be transmitted ensure there are
always alternances of the transmitted signal, facilitating in this way
the clock extraction by the PLL
• supply the PSK Modulator with the Manchester coded data
(disconnect J1c and connect J1d)
• the Received Data and the Reception Clock are now available after
the Manchester coder (TP9 and TP10)
• keep the same data sequence of the last case and note that:
− the clock is not regenerated properly
− the received data are equal to the transmitted ones.

 SIS1 / S Turn ON switch S5

 SIS2 Push INS

Q6 The data in TP9 are not correct. Which is the reason why?
SET
A B
1 3 the Manchester coder does not code the data
2 1 the Manchester decoder does not decode the data
3 4 the line is cut off
4 5 the FSK demodulator supplies a wrong signal
5 6 the low pass filter of the demodulator supplies no signal
6 2 the PLL of the FSK demodulator is adjusted to a wrong free
oscillation frequency

 SIS1 / S Turn OFF switch S5

- 41 -
Lesson 979: FSK Modulation

979.2.4 Noise effect. Error bit measurement

• Set the circuit in FSK mode, 64 pseudocasual bit data source and
Manchester data coding (J1d-J3a-J4-J5-J6b; SW2=Normal,
SW3=64_bit, SW4=1800, SW5=1200/0°, SW6=FSK, SW8=BIT,
SW9=READ, ATT=min, NOISE=min)
• push the RESET pushbutton
• the value read on the "ERROR COUNTER" display corresponds to
the number of received error bits
• if no noise is introduced into the line there would not be error bits.
Gradually increase the NOISE and see the error bit reading
• the measurement representing the quality of a data transmission
connection is the Bit Error Rate (BER), defined as the ratio between
the error bits and the total received bits. The BER is usually
expressed with powers of 10. E.g. , BER=3·10-5 means 3 error bits
every 10000 received bits
• to carry out the BER measurement you can act as follows:
− turn the deviator to READ and reset the counter by pushing
RESET
− keep counting activated for a certain time lapse, e.g. 60 seconds.
As in Manchester mode there is a transmission speed of 300 bit/s,
in 60 seconds there is a total of 300·60=18000 transmitted (and
consequently also received) bits
− when the 60 seconds expire turn the deviator to STOP and read
the error bits
− the ratio between error bits and received bits constitutes the Error
Rate of the connection

- 42 -
 Lesson 979: FSK Modulation

979.3 QUESTIONS

Q7 The following statements are referred to FSK modulation. Which of

them is true ?

SET
A B
1 2 the carrier is a sine-wave, which is transmitted with 2
different frequencies as function of the input bit
the modulation can be carried out with a balanced modulator;
the carrier must be regenerated in the receiver if an envelope
detector demodulator is used;
it is actually much used for high speed data transmission
systems
2 3 the carrier is a sine-wave, which is transmitted with data bits
"1" and reset with data bits "0";
the modulator can be carried out with a balanced modulator;
the carrier must be regenerated in the receiver if an envelope
detector demodulator is used;
it is actually used not much for low speed data transmission
systems
3 4 the carrier is a sine-wave, which is transmitted with 2
different frequencies as function of the input bit
the modulator can be carried out with a voltage controlled
oscillator (VCO);
the demodulator can be carried out with a PLL;
it is actually used not much for low speed data transmission
systems
4 5 the carrier is a sine-wave, which is transmitted with 2
different frequencies as function of the input bit
the modulation can be carried out with a balanced modulator;
it is not necessary to regenerate the carrier in the receiver;
it is actually used for average speed data transmission systems
5 1 the carrier is a sine-wave, which is transmitted with 2
different frequencies as function of the input bit
the modulation can be carried out with a balanced modulator;
the carrier must be regenerated in the receiver;
it is actually used for average speed data transmission systems

- 43 -
Lesson 979: FSK Modulation

Q8 Which of the following modems for data transmission uses FSK

Modulation?

SET
A B
1 2 ITU-T V21, ITU-T V34, BELL 103, BELL 113, BELL 209
2 3 ITU-T V22bis, ITU-T V32, BELL 103, BELL 113, BELL 202
3 4 ITU-T V21, ITU-T V23, BELL 103, BELL 113, BELL 202
4 5 BELL V21, BELL V23, ITU-T 103, ITU-T 113, ITU-T 202
5 1 ITU-T V22bis, ITU-T V22, ITU-T V32, ITU-T V33, ITU-T
V34

Q9 Which of the following communication systems uses FSK Modulation?

SET
A B
1 5 video transmission from satellite
2 4 digital cellular telephony GSM
3 2 FM radio transmission
4 1 cellular telephony ETACS (voice transmission)
5 3 cellular telephony ETACS (data transmission on control
channel)

- 44 -
 Lesson 980: PSK Modulation

LESSON 980: PSK MODULATION

Objectives
• To describe the PSK modulation and demodulation
• to carry out a PSK connection, with absolute and differential
modulation
• to examine the noise effect on the connection

Material
• Power unit PSU or PS1, with module holder base
• Individual Control Unit SIS1, SIS2 or SIS3 (or switches S)
• experiment module MCM31
• oscilloscope.

980.1 THEORETICAL NOTIONS

980.1.1 Phase Shift Keying - PSK

In this kind of modulation, the sine carrier takes 2 or more phase values,
directly determined by the binary data signal (2-phase modulation) or
by the combination of a certain number of bits of the same data signal
(N-phase modulation). In this lesson we examine 2-phase PSK
modulation, the others will be described in the next lesson. In 2-phase
PSK modulation, called 2-PSK, or Binary PSK (BPSK), or Phase
Reversal Keying (PRK), the sine carrier takes 2 phase values,
determined by the binary data signal (fig.980.1). A modulation
technique is the one using a balanced modulator. The output sine-wave
of the modulator is the direct or inverted (i.e. shifted of 180°) input
carrier, as function of the data signal.

Constellation The modulation states of the PSK Modulator are represented with points
Diagram in a vectorial diagram. Each points is a modulation state, characterized
by a phase and an amplitude. This representation is called constellation
diagram, or more simply constellation.

Main aspects The main aspects characterizing the 2-PSK are:

• use of digital radio transmission
• it requires circuits of average-high complexity
• high possibility of error but lower than the FSK
• if Fb is the bit transmission speed, the minimum spectrum Bw of the
modulated signal is higher than Fb
• the transmission efficiency, defined as the ratio Fb and Bw, is lower
than 1
 chapt.976.3 • the Baud or Baud rate, defined as the Modulation speed or symbol
speed, is equal to the transmission speed Fb.

- 45 -
Lesson 980: PSK Modulation

980.1.2 2-PSK Modulator

The block diagram of the 2-PSK modulator is shown in fig.980.2.

The sine carrier (1200 Hz) is applied to an input of the balanced

modulator 1; a data signal (indicated with I) is applied to the other input.
The circuit operates as balanced modulator, and multiplies the two
signals applied to the inputs.

Across the output, the sine carrier is direct when the data signal is to low
level (bit "0"), inverted (shifted 180°) when the bit is "1". The 2-PSK
signal then enters the adder, used for FSK/QPSK/QAM modulations,
and exits via a separator stage.

The 6dB attenuator makes the signal amplitude half, and is activated
only by the QAM. To block the operation of the balanced modulator 2
in 2-PSK mode, the data input of the modulator 2 must be set to J3=b.

fig.980.1 2-PSK modulation

fig.980.2 2-PSK Modulator mounted on the module

- 46 -
 Lesson 980: PSK Modulation

980.1.3 2-PSK Demodulation with Carrier Regenerator

The demodulation (fig.980.3) is carried out via a product demodulator,

which is reached by the PSK signal and a locally regenerated carrier.
This must have the same frequency and phase of the one used in
transmission (it must be coherent with the received signal), and is taken
from the PSK signal as described further on. Matematically, the
demodulation process is developed as follows. Consider:

• +sin(wC·t) = instant PSK signal corresponding to the data bit "1",

with fC = wC/2π carrier frequency
• -sin(wC·t) = PSK signal corresponding to the bit "0"
• sin(wC·t) = regenerated carrier.

When the PSK signal is +sin(wC·t) the demodulator supplies:

[sin(wC·t)]· [sin(wC·t)] = sin²(wC·t) =

= ½ · [1 - cos(2wC·t)] = ½ - ½ · cos(2wC·t)]
and contains a d.c. component (+½) and an a.c. component with double
frequency than the carrier [cos(2wC·t)]. The alternate component can be
removed with the low pass filter, and a positive voltage remains which
represents the bit "1".

When the PSK signal is -sin(wC·t) the demodulator supplies:

[-sin(wC·t)]· [sin(wC·t)] = - sin²(wC·t) =

= - ½ · [1 - cos(2wC·t)] = - ½ + ½ · cos(2wC·t)]

The a.c. component is removed and a negative voltage remains which

represents the bit "0".

Carrier regenerator The carrier regenerator circuit must extract a signal coherent (same
with quadratic law frequency and phase) with the carrier from the PSK signal. A method
used is the one of fig.980.3:
• a squarer circuit removes the 180° phase shifts in the modulated
carrier, to facilitate the same carrier regeneration by the next PLL
circuti
• the PLL circuit generates a square-wave signal with double frequency
than the PSK carrier
• a phase shifter circuit enables to properly adjust the phase of the
regenerated carrier
• a frequency divider divides by 2 the square-wave supplied by the
PLL, and provides the regenerated carrier in this way.

- 47 -
Lesson 980: PSK Modulation

Demodulator The block diagram of the 2-PSK demodulator with coherent detector is
Circuit shown in fig.980.4. It includes the following circuits:
• the carrier regenerator, which supplies a signal coherent (same
frequency and phase) with the carrier of the PSK signal. It consists
of:
− a double squarer, which purpose is to remove the 180° phase
shifts in the modulated carrier, to facilitate the same carrier
regeneration by the next PLL circuit
− a PLL circuit, which generates a square-wave signal with
frequency four times the one of the PSK carrier
− a frequency divider by 4, to obtain the regenerated carrier. The
double squarer and the frequency divider by 4 enables the use of
the same circuit for carrier regeneration in the 4-PSK systems, too
(lesson 981-982).
• The 2-PSK demodulator (shown in the diagram as DEM I), consists
in a double sampler. If the regenerated carrier phase is correct, the
sampler output will contain only positive half-waves when the 2-PSK
signal has a certain phase, only negative half-waves when the phase
is reversed
• a low pass filter
• a squarer circuit (with output in TP29) in case of asynchronous data,
which are not re-timed)
• a clock extraction and data re-timing circuit, in case of synchronous
data (data output on TP31, clock on TP33).

The filter, the clock extraction and the data re-timing circuit are used to
demodulate other kinds of signals, too.

fig.980.3 2-PSK Demodulation with carrier regenerator with quadratic law

- 48 -
 Lesson 980: PSK Modulation

fig.980.4 2-PSK Demodulator mounted on the module

980.1.4 2-PSK Demodulation with Costas Loop circuit

The Costas Loop circuit consists in two sections, one demodulates the
PSK signal, the other keeps the locally regenerated carrier and the
coming one aligned. The principle diagram of the Costas Loop
demodulator is shown in fig.980.5. The figure points out (in the box) the
circuit for coherent demodulation, already examined in the last chapter
980.1.3. The rest of the circuit is used to generate a carrier coherent with
the coming PSK signal. Consider:

D(t)· sin(wC·t) 2-PSK signal, where D(t) is the data signal which
can take the values of “+” (bit “1”) or “-“ (bit “0”)
sin(wC·t + ϑ0) carrier generated by the VCO for the demodulator,
where ϑ0 is the phase error in respect to the carrier
used by the modulated signal
cos(wC·t + ϑ0) carrier shifted of 90°

Carrier coherent Observe figure 980.5. In balance conditions, i.e. when the carrier
with the PSK signal generated by the VCO is perfectly coherent with the PSK signal, there is
the following situation:

ϑ0 = 0° null phase error between the carrier

generated by the VCO and the carrier of
the PSK signal

VA = D/2· cos(ϑ0) = D/2 demodulated signal (+D/2=bit_1, -

D/2=bit_0)

VB = -D/2· sin(ϑ0) = 0 signal supplied by the multiplier M2 and

then filtered with low pass filter

VE = VA · VB = 0 error voltage driving the VCO, obtained by

the product of the signals VA e VB

- 49 -
Lesson 980: PSK Modulation

Note you get a null error voltage VE although there is a phase shift of
180° between carrier generated by the VCO and carrier of the PSK
signal. In this situation the demodulated data are inverted in respect to
the transmitted ones. To prevent this ambiguity the differential phase
modulation is used.

Lead shifted If the carrier generated by the VCO is lead shifted in respect to the
carrier carrier of the PSK signal, there is the following situation:

ϑ0 > 0 positive error phase between carrier

generated by the VCO and carrier of the
PSK signal

VA = D/2· cos(ϑ0) demodulated signal. It takes positive value

[+D/2·cos(ϑ0)] if the bit is “1”, negative
value [-D/2·cos(ϑ0)] if the bit is “0”

VB = -D/2· sin(ϑ0) signal supplied by the multiplier M2 and

then filtered with low pass filter. It takes
negative value [-D/2·sin(ϑ0)] if the bit is
“1”, positive value [+D/2·sin(ϑ0)] if the
bit is “0”

VE = VA · VB < 0 error voltage driving the VCO, obtained by

the product of the signals VA and VB. It
takes always negative value, in both cases
of bit “1” or “0”. In this situation, the error
voltage (filtered by the next low pass
filter) will force the VCO to delay the
phase of the carrier, so to take it back to
proper condition.

Carrier shifted in If the carrier generated by the VCO is shifted in delay in respect to the
delay carrier of the PSK signal, there is the following situation:

ϑ0 < 0 negative phase error between the carrier

generated by the VCO and carrier of the
PSK signal

VA = D/2· cos(ϑ0) demodulated signal. It takes positive value

[+D/2·cos(ϑ0)] if the bit is “1”, negative
value [-D/2·cos(ϑ0)] if the bit is “0”

VB = -D/2· sin(ϑ0) signal supplied by the multiplier M2 and

then filtered with low pass filter.
Considering that the sine of an angle
smaller than zero is negative, VB is
positive if the bit is “1”, negative if the bit

- 50 -
 Lesson 980: PSK Modulation

is “0”

VE = VA · VB > 0 error voltage driving the VCO, obtained by

the product of the signals VA and VB. It
takes always positive value, in both cases
of bit “1” or “0”. In this situation, the error
voltage (filtered by the next low pass
filter) will force the VCO to anticipate the
phase of the carrier, so to take it back to
proper condition.

Fig.980.6 shows the block diagram of the Costas Loop demodulator

mounted on the module.

fig.980.5 2-PSK demodulation with Costas Loop circuit

fig.980.6 Costas Loop Demodulator mounted on the module

- 51 -
Lesson 980: PSK Modulation

980.1.5 1-bit Differential Coding

In PSK communication systems, the demodulation is made by

comparing the instant phase of the PSK signal to an absolute reference
phase locally generated in the receiver. The modulation is called in this
case PSK absolute. The greatest difficulty of these systems lies in the
need to keep the phase of the regenrated carrier always constant. This
problem is solved with the PSK differential modulation, as the
information is not contained in the absolute phase of the modulated
carrier but in the phase difference between two next modulation
(symbols) intervals.

Before entering the PSK modulator, the data bits are coded as follows:
the coder inverts the output bit (n+1) if the input bit (n) is "1", it keeps
the output not altered if the input bit (n) is "0".

Fig.980.7 shows an example of coding, fig.980.8 the block diagram of

PSK differential modulator and demodulator. The coding is obtained by
comparing the output of an EX-OR, delayed of a bit interval, with the
current data bits. As total result of the operation, the 2-PSK signal
across the output of the modulator contains 180° phase variations at
each data bit "1". The demodulation is made by a normal 2-PSK
demodulator, followed by a decoder supplying a bit "1" each time there
is a variation of the logical level across its input.

Fig.980.7 1-bit differential coding

Fig.980.8 2-PSK differential modulator and demodulator

- 52 -
 Lesson 980: PSK Modulation

980.2 EXERCISES

 MCM31 Disconnect all jumpers

 SIS1 / S Turn OFF all switches

 SIS2 Insert lesson code: 980

980.2.1 Wave-forms of the 2-PSK Modulator

• Power the module

• set the circuit in 2-PSK mode, with 24-bit data source and without
data coding (connect J1c-J3b-J4-J5-J6c; set SW2=Normal,
SW3=24_bit, SW4=1200, SW6=PSK, SW7=Squaring_Loop,
SW8=BIT, ATT=min, NOISE=min, as in fig.980.10)
• set an alternated data sequence 00/11 and push START
• connect the oscilloscope to TP6 and TP16 and examine the data
signal and the 2-PSK signal. Adjust PHASE to invert the phase of the
carrier in correspondence to 0°. Wave-forms are obtained similar to
the ones of fig.980.9

Q1 Examine the carrier at the input TP12) and the output (TP16) of the
modulator. What can you note?

SET
A B
1 2 the modulated signal takes two different frequencies, 1200 Hz
with phase 0° and 1200 Hz with phase 90°
2 5 the modulated signal has a frequency 1800 Hz when the input
datum is “1”
3 4 the frequency of the modulated signal is 1800 Hz. Its phase is
0° with input datum “0”, 180° with input datum “1”
4 1 the frequency of the modulated is 1200 Hz. Its phase is 0°
with input datum “1”, 180° with input datum “0”
5 3 the frequency of the modulated signal is 1200 Hz. Its phase is
0° with input datum “0”, 180° with input datum “1”

Fig.980.9

- 53 -
Lesson 980: PSK Modulation

Fig.980.10

- 54 -
 Lesson 980: PSK Modulation

980.2.2 Wave-forms of the 2-PSK demodulator

• Keep the last conditions (J1c-J3b-J4-J5-J6c; SW2=Normal,
SW3=24_bit, SW4=1200, SW6=PSK, SW7=Squaring_Loop,
SW8=BIT, ATT=min, NOISE=min, as in fig.980.10)
• set an alternated data sequence 00/11 and push START
• connect the oscilloscope to TP16 and TP20, to examine the PSK
signal before and after the communication channel (fig.980.11)
• observe the effect of the communication channel on the PSK signal.
As the communication channel is limited band, the phase transitions
of the output PSK signal are slightly beveled
• the PSK demodulator (indicated on the diagram as I_DEM) consists
in a double sampler, which samples the positive and negative half-
waves of the incoming PSK signal. The sampling clock consists in
the carrier regenerated by the Carrier Recovery section
• across TP21 you can note a rectangular signal which samples the
negative half-wave of the PSK signal. The frequency of the sampling
signal is equal to the frequency of the PSK carrier (1200 Hz), the
sampling duration is equal to ¼ the period

Q2 What kind of signal can you see on the demodulator output (TP23) ?

SET
A B
1 2 the PSK signal rectified in both half-waves
2 1 the wave-form consisting of half-waves of the PSK incoming
signal. The envelope of this wave-form is the demodulated
signal
3 4 the wave-form consisting in half half-waves of the incoming
PSK PSK signal. The envelope of the wave-form is the
demodulated signal
4 3 the envelope of the demodulated signal

• the signal supplied by the PSK demodulator passes a low pass filter,
which eliminates the residuals of the 1200-Hz carrier. Across the
filter’s output (TP24, fig.980.11) you get the wave-form of the
detected data signal
• it can happen that the received signals are inverted in respect to the
transmitted ones. This can be understood as the demodulator does not
know which of the coming phases is 0° or 180°, and this ambiguity
can take to the inversion of the demodulated data. The ambiguity is
overcome carrying out a data differential coding before the
modulation. In case push Phase Sync to obtain data with proper sign
• the squared data signal can be detected across TP31. See on the
oscilloscope the correspondence between the transmitted data (TP6)
and the received ones (TP31)
• across TP32 see the reception clock (rectangular wave at 600 Hz),
reconstructed starting from the data signal and used to re-time the
same data

- 55 -
Lesson 980: PSK Modulation

Fig.980.11 PSK wave-forms

Fig.980.12 Wave-forms of the carrier regenerator

- 56 -
 Lesson 980: PSK Modulation

 SIS1 / S Turn ON switch S9

 SIS2 Push INS

Q3 The data received on TP29 are not correct. Which is the reason why ?

SET
A B
1 3 the data signal is missing in transmission
2 4 the Squarer circuits of the Carrier Recovery section supply no
signal
3 1 the frequency divider of the Carrier Recovery section does
not operate properly
4 2 the PSK modulator supplies a wrong signal
5 6 the low pass filter supplies no signal
6 5 the PLL of the Carrier Recovery section supplies the signal
having four times the carrier frequency

 SIS1 / S Turn OFF switch S9

• set now a data sequence with few alternances, e.g. all “1” and a
single “0”, and push START
• examine the signals across TP4 (transmitted data), TP31 (received
data), TP32 (reception clock). Eventually push Phase Sync to obtain
the data with proper sign across TP31
• it can happen that the reception clock (TP32) is not stable, and that
the received data (TP31) are some times different from the
transmitted ones (TP4). This is due to a bad operation of the PLL
which regenerates the reception clock
• the Manchester coding of the data to be transmitted ensures there are
always alternances in the transmitted signal, facilitating in this way
the clock extraction by the PLL
• supply the 2-PSK modulator with the Manchester coded data
(disconnect J1c and connect J1d)
• the Received Data and the Reception Clock are now available after
the Manchester coder (TP9 and TP10)
• keep the same data sequence of the last case and see that:
− the clock is now regenerated properly
− the received data are equal to the transmitted ones.

- 57 -
Lesson 980: PSK Modulation

980.2.3 PSK differential

The differential coding of the data to be transmitted makes the bit "1" to
be transformed into carrier phase variation. In this way the receiver
recognizes one bit "1" at a time which detects a phase shift of the modu-
lated carrier, independently from its absolute phase. In this way the PSK
absolute modulation, which can take to the inversion of the demodulated
data, is overcome.
• Carry out a 2-PSK (non differential) connection as described in the
last chapter (J1c-J3b-J4-J5-J6c; SW2=Normal, SW3=24_bit,
SW4=1200, SW6=PSK, SW7=Squaring_Loop, SW8=BIT,
ATT=min, NOISE=min, as in fig.980.10)
• set a cyclic data sequence 00.01.00.01 and push START
• on the oscilloscope examine the transmitted data (TP4, before the
differential coder) and the received ones (TP9, after the differential
decoder)
• push Phase Sync (or cut off the line by disconnectinng and
connecting J5) and observe that the received data can be inverted in
respect to the transmitted ones
• select the differential operating mode (SW2=Differential)
• note that the received data (TP9) are now without sign ambiguity and
are always equal to the transmitted ones (TP4), even if the line is
momentarily cut off (disconnect and connect J5)

980.2.4 Demodulation PSK with Costas Loop circuit

• Set the circuit in PSK mode and the Costas Loop demodulator (J1c-
J3b-J4-J5-J6c; SW2=Normal, SW3=24_bit, SW4=1200, SW6=PSK,
SW7=Costas_Loop, SW8=BIT, ATT=min, NOISE=min, fig.980.13)
• the Costas-Loop demodulator consists in 2 sections: the first (I-
DEM) demodulates the signal, the second (including Q-DEM, the
multiplier and the VCO) provides to keep aligned the locally
regenerated carried and the one coming
• the demodulation section operates as the coherent demodulator
examined before: across TP23 there is a wave-form consisting in
half-waves of the incoming PSK signal. The envelope of this wave-
form (TP24) is the demodulated signal

Q4 In balance conditions, i.e. when the carrier generated by the VCO is

perfectly coherent with the PSK signal, what can you obtain across
TP26 ?
SET
A B
1 3 a null voltage
2 4 the demodulated signal
3 1 the regenerated carrier
4 2 the data clock

- 58 -
 Lesson 980: PSK Modulation

• adjust the PHASE to obtain the nearest condition to the last answer

Q5 Which signals are present across TP21 and TP22 ?

SET
A B
1 3 the regenerated carrier: 2400-Hz sine-waves shifted of 90°
between them
2 4 the data clock: 2400-Hz square-waves shifted of 90° between
them
3 1 the data clock: 1200-Hz square-waves shifted of 90° between
them
4 2 the regenerated carrier: 1200-Hz rectangular waves shifted of
90° between them
5 6 the data signal: 2400-Hz rectangular waves shifted of 90°
between them
6 5 a positive and a negative voltage

• the recevied data wave-form can be detected in TP9. Note on the

oscilloscope the correspondence between the transmitted (TP4) and
the received data (TP9) (N.B. the received data are delayed in
respect to the transmitted ones)
• it can happen that the received data are inverted in respect to the
transmitted ones (diconnect and connect J5). This can be understand
as the demodulator does not know which of the coming phases is 0°
or 180°, and this ambiguity can take to the inversion of the
demodulated data.

Q6 How is it possible to remove such ambiguity ?

SET
A B
1 3 using Manchester coding (insert J1 to the position d
2 4 it is not possible
3 1 using the demodulator coherent with carrier recovery (set
SW7=Squaring_Loop)
4 5 using the differential coding (set SW2=Differential)
5 2 using the QAM Modulation

• set the circuit according to the last answer, and see that the received
data (TP9) are without sign ambiguity and are always equal to the
transmitted ones (TP4), even though the line is momentarily cut off
(disconnect and connnect J5).

- 59 -
Lesson 980: PSK Modulation

Fig.980.13

- 60 -
 Lesson 980: PSK Modulation

980.3 QUESTIONS

Q7 The following statements are referred to 2-PSK modulation. Which of

them is true ?

SET
A B
1 2 the carrier is a sine-wave, which is transmitted with 2
different frequencies as function of the input bit
the modulation can be carried out with a balanced modulator;
the carrier must be regenerated in the receiver if an envelope
detector demodulator is used;
it is actually much used for high speed data transmission
systems
2 3 the carrier is a sine-wave, which is transmitted with data bits
"1" and reset with data bits "0";
the modulation can be carried out with a balanced modulator;
the carrier must be regenerated in the receiver if a coherent
demodulator is used;
it is actually used not much for low speed data transmission
systems
3 4 the carrier is a sine-wave, which is transmitted with 2
different frequencies as function of the input bit
the modulator can be carried out with a voltage controlled
oscillator (VCO);
the demodulator can be carried out with a PLL;
it is actually used not much for low speed data transmission
systems
4 5 the carrier is a sine-wave, which is transmitted with 2
different frequencies as function of the input bit
the modulation can be carried out with a balanced modulator;
it is not necessary to regenerate the carrier in the receiver;
it is actually used for average speed data transmission systems
5 1 the carrier is a sine-wave, which is transmitted with 2
different frequencies as function of the input bit
the modulation can be carried out with a balanced modulator;
the carrier must be regenerated in the receiver;

- 61 -
Lesson 980: PSK Modulation

Q8 How is the carrier in the PSK receiver regenerated ?

SET
A B
1 2 with a regeneration circuit with quadratic law, followed by a
frequency multiplier; with Costas Loop circuit
2 6 with a frequency division regeneration circuit; with Phase
Loop circuit
3 1 with a regeneration circuit with quadratic law, followed by a
PLL; with Current Loop circuit
4 5 with a regeneration circuit with quadratic law, followed by a
PLL; with Costas Loop circuit
5 3 with a regeneration circuit with quadratic law, followed by a
frequency multiplier; with Product Loop circuit
6 4 no regeneration is necessary

Q9 Which is the purpose of PSK differential modulation?

SET
A B
1 3 to remove the carrier in transmission
2 1 to ease the reception clock recovery
3 5 to remove the sign ambiguità of the demodulated data signal
4 2 to reduce the transmission speed of the symbols (Baud)
5 4 to increase the bit transmission speed

Q10 The PSK demodulation is carried out by :

SET
A B
1 4 envelope detector
2 1 sum of the PSK received signal and the carrier regenerated in
the receiver
3 5 product of the PSK received signal and the data clock
regenerated in the receiver
4 3 product of the PSK received signal and the carrier regenrated
in the receiver
5 2 PLL frequency detector

- 62 -
 Lesson 981: 4-PSK Modulation (I)

LESSON 981: 4-PSK MODULATION (I)

Objectives
• To describe the 4-phase PSK (Phase Shift Keying), absolute and
differential, modulation
• to describe the N-phase PSK (Phase Shift Keying) Modulation
• to examine the wave-forms of the 4-PSK modulator.

Material
• Power unit PSU or PS1
• module holder base
• Individual Control Unit SIS1, SIS2 or SIS3 (or switches S)
• experiment module MCM31
• oscilloscope.

981.1 THEORETICAL NOTIONS

981.1.1 4-phase PSK modulation

In this modulation, called 4-PSK, or Quadrature PSK (QPSK), the sine

carrier takes 4 phase values, separated of 90° and determined by the
combinations of bit pairs (Dibit) of the binary data signal. Fig.981.1
shows an example of correspondence between Dibit and phase. The data
are coded into Dibit by a circuit generating:
• a data signal I (In_phase) consisting in voltage levels corresponding
to the value of the first bit of the considered pair, for a duration
equal to 2 bit intervals
• a data signal Q (in_Quadrature) consisting in voltage levels
corresponding to the value of the second bit of the pair, for a
duration equal to 2 bit intervals.

Main aspects The main factors characterizing the QPSK are:

• applications in data transmission modems (ITU-T V22/V26, BELL
201) and digital radio transmission
• it needs circuits of high complexity
• possibility of error lower than FSK but higher than 2-PSK
• called Fb the bit transmission speed, the minimum spectrum Bw of
the modulated signal is equal to Fb/2
• the transmission efficiency, defined as the ratio between Fb and Bw,
is equal to 2
 chap.976.3 • the Baud or Baud rate, defined as the modulation speed or symbol
speed, is equal to Fb/2.

- 63 -
Lesson 981: 4-PSK Modulation (I)

981.1.2 4-PSK Modulator

The 4 phases of the sine carrier can be obtained via the sum of 2 sine
waves with the same frequency and shifted of 90° between them. We
can call the sine waves respectively Φ0 and Φ90:

• Φ0 = sin(wC·t)
• Φ90 = cos(wC·t)

By adding respectively Φ0 and Φ90 direct or inverted:

Φ0+Φ90 -Φ0+Φ90 Φ0-Φ90 -Φ0-Φ90

you obtain the 4 phases for the QPSK signal. The modulator is carried
out with two multipliers used as 2-PSK modulators, which supply the
modulated PSKI and PSKQ signals. The sum of the two generates the
PSK signal with the 4 possible phases.

The block diagram of the modulator used on the module is shown in

fig.981.2. Two 1200-Hz sine carriers, shifted between them of 90°, are
separately applied to 2 balanced modulators. The data (signals I and Q)
reach the two modulators from the Dibit generator. Each modulator
provides the direct sine-wave when the data signal is to low level (bit
"0"), the inverted sine-wave (shifted of 180°) when the bit is "1". By
adding the two outputs you get a 1200-Hz sine signal, which phase can
take 4 different values separated of 90° between them.

Fig.981.1 4-PSK Modulation

- 64 -
 Lesson 981: 4-PSK Modulation (I)

fig.981.2 4-PSK modulator mounted on the module

981.1.3 4-PSK Differential Modulation

In 4-phase PSK differential modulation, the phase of the sine carrier is

changed of 0°, 90°, 180°, 270° as function of the pair of data bit (Dibit).
The correspondence (one among those used) between Dibit and phase
shifts is shown in fig.981.3, with an example.

The modulator is the same used for 4-PSK absolute. Before entering the
modulator the data are coded so to generate two "differential" signals we
can call ID and QD. These consider the variations of the bit pairs, in
respect to the pairs just before, to properly drive the sign of Φ0 and Φ90
and, so, obtain the phase shifts of the carrier shown in the table of
fig.981.3.

DIBIT PHASE SHIFT

0 0 0°
1 0 +90°
1 1 +180°
0 1 +270°

Fig.981.3 4-PSK differential modulation

- 65 -
Lesson 981: 4-PSK Modulation (I)

981.1.4 N-phase PSK Modulation

8-PSK The sine carrier takes 8 phase values, separated of 45° and determined
by the combinations of pairs of 3 bits (Tribit) of the binary data signal.
Fig.981.4 shows an example of correspondence between Tribit and
phase. The main factors characterizing the 8-PSK are:
• applications in the modems for data transmission (ITU-T V27, BELL
208) and in digital radio transmission
• it needs circuits of high complexity
• possibility of error higher than 4-PSK
• called Fb the bit transmission speed, the minimum spectrum Bw of
the modulated signal is equal to Fb/3
• the transmission efficiency, defined as the ratio between Fb and Bw,
is equal to 3
• the Baud or Baud rate, defined as the modulation speed or symbol
speed, is equal to Fb/3.

16-PSK The sine carrier takes 16 phase values, separated of 22.5° and
determined by the combinations of groups of 4 bits (Quadbit) of the
binary data signal. Fig.981.4 shows an example of correspondence
between Quadbit and phase. The main factors characterizing the 16-
PSK are:
• applications in digital radio transmission
• it needs circuits of high complexity
• possibility of error higher than 8-PSK
• called Fb the bit transmission speed, the minimum spectrum Bw of
the modulated signal is equal to Fb/4
• the transmission efficiency, defined as the ratio between Fb and Bw,
is equal to 4
• the Baud or Baud rate, defined as the modulation speed or symbol
speed, is equal to Fb/4.

Fig.981.4 Constellation diagram of 8-PSK and 16-PSK signals

- 66 -
 Lesson 981: 4-PSK Modulation (I)

981.2 EXERCISES

 MCM31 Disconnect all jumpers

 SIS1 / S Turn OFF all switches

 SIS2 Insert lesson code: 981

981.2.1 Wave-forms of the 4-PSK modulator

• Power the module

• set the circuit in 4-PSK absolute mode, with 24-bit data source and
without data coding (connect J1b-J3c-J4-J5-J6c; set SW2=Normal,
SW3=24_bit, SW4=1200, SW5=1200/90°, SW6=QPSK, as in
fig.981.5)
• set a cyclic data sequence 11.00.01.10 (this facilitates the
identification of the phases on the wave-form detected by the
oscilloscope), and push START
• connect the oscilloscope to TP4 and TP16 and examine the Data
signal and the 4-PSK signal. Adjust the PHASE to obtain phase shifts
of the carrier at 0/90/180/270°. You get wave-forms similar to those
of fig.981.6

Fig.981.5

- 67 -
Lesson 981: 4-PSK Modulation (I)

Q1 Examine the wave-forms on TP4, TP6 and TP7. What can you say ?
SET
A B
1 4 there is a signal “I” across TP6 and the signal “Q” across TP7,
both supplied by the Dibit generator. “I” and “Q” are equal
2 1 there is the 1200Hz/0°-carrier across TP6, the 1200Hz/90°
carrier across TP7
3 2 there is the signal “I” across TP6 and the signal “Q” across
TP7 both supplied by the Dibit generator. Considering the
input data signal (TP4) divided into pair of bits, the signal “I”
takes the value of the first bit of the pair and the signal “Q”
takes the value of the second bit
4 3 there is the signal “I” across TP6 and the signal “Q” TP7 both
supplied by the Dibit generator. The signal “I” is equal to the
input data signal (TP4), the signal “Q” is always to logic level
“1”

Q2 Examine the modulated signal (TP16). What can you state ?

SET
A B
1 4 the modulated carrier takes 4 phase values. Each phase is a
transmitted symbol. Each data bit corresponds to a phase
2 1 the modulated carrier takes 2 phase values. Each phase is a
transmitted symbol. Each data bit corresponds to a phase
3 2 the modulated carrier takes 4 phase values. Each phase is a
transmitted symbol. There is a determinated phase (symbol)
for each pair of bits. The symbol transmission speed (Baud) is
double the data transmission speed (bit/s)
4 3 the modulated carrier takes 4 phase values. Each phase is a
transmitted symbol. There is a determinated phase (symbol)
for each pair of bits. The symbol transmission speed (Baud) is
half the data transmission speed (bit/s)

Q3 Examine the wave-forms across TP14 and TP15. What can you state ?

SET
A B
1 2 TP14 is the output of the modulator 1, TP15 the output of the
modulator 2. There is a 2-PSK signal across TP14, a FSK
signal across TP15. The sum of the two produces a 4-PSK
signal
2 31 there is a 2-PSK signal across TP14 and TP15. The carriers of
the two signals are shifted between them of 180°
3 4 there is a 2-PSK signal across TP14 and TP15. The carriers of
the two signals have the same phase
4 1 there is a 2-PSK signal across TP14 and TP15. The carriers of
the two signals are shifted between them of 90°

- 68 -
 Lesson 981: 4-PSK Modulation (I)

Fig.981.6 4-PSK modulator wave-forms

- 69 -
Lesson 981: 4-PSK Modulation (I)

981.2.2 Wave-forms of the 4-PSK Differential Modulator

• Set the circuit in 4-PSK differential mode, with 24-bit data source
and without data coding (J1b-J3c-J4-J5-J6c; SW2=Differential,
SW3=DS, SW4=1200, SW5=1200/90°, SW6=QPSK, as in fig.981.5
with SW2=Differential)
• set a data sequence 00 10 11 01 00 10 11 01 00 00 00 00 (this will
ease the phases identification on the wave-form detected on the
oscilloscope), and push START
• connect the oscilloscope to TP4 and TP16 and examine the data
signal and the 4-PSK differential signal. Adjust PHASE to obtain
phase shifts of the carrier in correspondence to 0/90/180/270°
• wave-forms are obtained similar to those of fig.981.7. The phase
shifts introduced on the carrier will be, in sequence: 0°, 90°, 180°,
270°, etc.
• Set all data bits to “1”, and push START. Select absolute modulation
(SW2=Normal) or differential modulation (SW2=Differential) more
times, and see the 4-PSK signal (TP16) in the two cases

Q4 What can you state ?

SET
A B
1 2 absolute modulation: the 4-PSK signal changes of 90° at each
bit interval. Differential modulation: the 4-PSK signal does
never change phase
2 5 absolute modulation: the 4-PSK signal changes of 180° at
each data bit pair. Differential modulation: the 4-PSK signal
changes of 180° at each bit interval
3 4 absolute modulation: the 4-PSK signal does never change
phase. Differential modulation: the 4-PSK signal changes of
180° at each bit interval
4 1 absolute modulation: the 4-PSK signal changes of 180° at
each data bit pair. Differential modulation: the 4-PSK signal
does never change phase
5 3 absolute modulation: the 4-PSK signal does never change
phase. Differential modulation: the 4-PSK signal changes of
180° at each data bit pair

Fig.981.7

- 70 -
 Lesson 981: 4-PSK Modulation (I)

 SIS1 / S Turn ON switch S11

 SIS2 Push INS

Q5 The 4-PSK signal across TP16 is not correct. Which is the reason why ?

SET
A B
1 3 the Modulator 1 supplies no signal
2 4 at 1800 Hz the carrier is missing
3 1 at 1200 Hz / 0° the carrier is missing
4 2 the data signal is missing
5 6 at 1200 Hz / 90° the carrier is missing
6 5 the clock signal is missing

 SIS1 / S Turn OFF switch S11

- 71 -
Lesson 981: 4-PSK Modulation (I)

981.3 QUESTIONS

Q6 The following statements are referred to 4-PSK modulation. Which of

them is true ?

SET
A B
1 5 the carrier is a sine wave, which is transmitted with 4
different phases as function of the input bit pair
2 carriers (same frequency and shifted of 180°) must be
regenerated in the receiver;
it is used for average speed data transmission systems
2 1 the carrier is a sine wave, which is transmitted with 4
different phases as function of the input bit pair
2 carriers (same frequency and shifted of 90°) must be
regenerated in the receiver;
it is used for average speed data transmission systems
3 2 the carrier is a sine wave, which is transmitted with 2
different frequencies as function of the input bit
the demodulator can be carried out with a PLL;
it is not used much, for low speed data transmission systems
4 3 the carrier is a sine wave, which is transmitted with 2
different phases as function of the input bit
the modulation can be carried out with a balanced modulator;
it is not necessary to regenerate the carrier;
it is used for average speed data transmission systems
5 4 the carrier is a sine wave, which is transmitted with 2
different phases as function of the input bit
the carrier must be regenerated in the receiver;
it is used for average speed data transmission systems

Q7 Which of the following data transmission modems uses the 4-PSK

modulation?

SET
A B
1 2 ITU-T V21, ITU-T V34, BELL 103
2 3 ITU-T V22, ITU-T V32, BELL 103
3 4 ITU-T V22, ITU-T V26, BELL 201
4 5 BELL V21, BELL V23, ITU-T 201
5 1 ITU-T V22bis, ITU-T V22, BELL 209

- 72 -
 Lesson 982: 4-PSK Modulation (II)

LESSON 982: 4-PSK MODULATION (II)

Objectives
• To carry out a 4-PSK connection, with absolute and differential
modulation
• to examine the wave-forms of the demodulator
• to observe the noise effect on the connection
• to examine the constellation diagram

Material
• Power unit PSU or PS1 with module holder base
• Individual Control Unit SIS1, SIS2 or SIS3 (or switches S)
• experiment module MCM31
• oscilloscope.

982.1 THEORETICAL NOTIONS

982.1.1 4-PSK demodulation

The demodulation of a 4-PSK signal is made via 2 product

demodulators, which are reached by the 4-PSK signal and 2 separate
carriers with the same frequency used in transmission, and shifted
between them of 90°. The carriers are detected by the 4-PSK signal as
described in chapt.982.1.2.

Fig.982.1 shows a block diagram of the 4-PSK demodulator, with the

mathematical relations explaining how the demodulation process occurs
as an example. In the example we suppose to have a 4-PSK instant
signal obtained by the sum of the sine waves -Φ0 [-sin(wC·t)] and +Φ90
[cos(wC·t)], generated by a bit pair "Q=1" and "I=0".

Fig.982.1 4-PSK demodulation

- 73 -
Lesson 982: 4-PSK Modulation (II)

982.1.2 Carrier regeneration

The carrier regeneration circuit must extract a signal coherent (same

frequency and phase) with the carrier from the 4-PSK signal, and,
besides, generate a second sine wave shifted of 90° in respect to the first
one. A method used is the following (fig.982.2):
• a double squarer circuit removes the 180° phase shifts present in the
modulated carrier, to facilitate the same carrier regeneration by a next
PLL circuit
• the PLL generates a square-wave signal with frequency four time the
one of the 4-PSK
• a shifter circuit enables to properly adjust the phase of the
regenerated carrier
• a frequency divider divides by 2 the square-wave supplied by the
PLL, generating two square-waves in phase opposition between them
• two frequency dividers divide by 2 the last wave-forms, and so the
two regenerated carriers are obtained, shifted between them of 90°.

Fig.982.2 Carriers regeneration from 4-PSK signal

982.1.3 Demodulator 4-PSK

The block diagram of the 4-PSK demodulator is shown in fig.982.3,

while fig.982.4 points out the module sections used on this purpose. The
demodulator includes the following circuits:
• the carrier regenerator described before
• two 2-PSK demodulators (indicated on the diagram as I-DEM and Q-
DEM), each consisting of a double sampler. If the phases of the
regenerated carriers are correct, the output of the samplers contain
only half-positive half-waves when the 4-PSK signal has a certain
phase, only half-negative half-waves when the phase is opposed
• two low pass filters
• a clock extraction circuit and two data re-timing circuits. The signals
I and Q are supplied across the outputs TP31 and TP35.

- 74 -
 Lesson 982: 4-PSK Modulation (II)

fig.982.3 Block diagram of the 4-PSK demodulator

fig.982.4 4-PSK demodulator mounted on the module

- 75 -
Lesson 982: 4-PSK Modulation (II)

982.2 EXERCISES

 MCM31 Disconnect all jumpers

 SIS1 / S Turn OFF all switches

 SIS2 Insert lesson code: 982

982.2.1 Wave-forms del 4-PSK demodulator

• Power the module

• set the circuit in 4-PSK absolute mode, with 24-bit data source and
without data coding (connect J1b-J3c-J4-J5-J6c; set SW2=Normal,
SW3=24_bit, SW4=1200, SW5=1200/90°, SW6=QPSK,
SW7=Squaring_Loop, SW8=DiBit, ATT=min, NOISE=min, as in
fig.982.5)
• set a cyclic data sequence 11.00.01.10 (this facilitates the
identification of the phases on the wave-form detected by the
oscilloscope), and push START
• connect the oscilloscope to TP16 e TP20, to examine the 4-PSK
signal before and after the communication channel. Adjust PHASE to
obtain the phase shifts of the carrier at 0/90/180/270°. Wave-forms
are obtained similar to those of fig.982.6
• see the effect of the communication channel on the 4-PSK signal. As
the communication channel is limited band, the phase transitions of
the 4-PSK output channel are slightly beveled
• the 4-PSK demodulation is made with two PSK, I-DEM and Q-DEM
demodulators. Each PSK demodulator consists in a double sampler,
which samples the positive and negative half-waves of the input 4-
PSK signal. The sampling clock consists in the 1200-Hz carriers
regenerated in the Carrier Recovery section

Q1 How are the regenerated carriers examined across TP21 and TP22 ?

SET
A B
1 3 2400-Hz sine-waves shifted of 90° between them
2 4 1200-Hz sine waves shifted of 180° between them
3 1 1200-Hz square-waves in phase opposition
4 2 1200-Hz rectangular waves shifted of 90° between them
5 6 2400-Hz rectangular waves shifted of 90° between them
6 5 1200-Hz rectangular waves shifted of 180°

• the signals supplied by the 2-PSK demodulators (TP23 and TP25)

crosses low pass filters, removing the residuals of the 1200-Hz
carrier. At the filters’output there is the wave-form of the detected
signals “I” and “Q” (TP24 and TP26)

- 76 -
 Lesson 982: 4-PSK Modulation (II)

• it can happen that the received signals “I” and “Q” are exchanged (or
of opposed sign) in respect to the transmitted ones. This can be
understand as the demodulator does not know which of the coming
phases is 0° or 180°, and this ambiguity can take to the inversion of
the demodulated data. The ambiguity is overcome by carrying out a
data differential coding before the modulation. In case push Phase
Sync to obtain the signals “I” and “Q” with proper sign

Q2 On which measurement point you get the received data signal ?

SET
A B
1 5 in TP29, after the threshold circuit squaring the data signal
from the low pass filter
2 4 in TP35, after the threshold circuit squaring the data signal
I+Q
3 1 in TP10, after the circuit recombining the Dibit (signals “I”
adn “Q”) into bit flow
4 2 in TP9, after the circuit adding the voltages of the signals “I”
and “Q”
5 3 in TP9, after the circuit recombining the Dibit (signals “I” adn
“Q”) into bit flow
• push Phase Sync to obtain the received data equal to the transmitted
ones (TP4)

 SIS1 / S Turn ON switch S6

 SIS2 Push INS

Q3 The data received in TP9 are not correct. Which is the reason why ?

SET
A B
1 3 the regenerated carriers are not shifted of 90° between them.
The PLL of the Carrier Recovery section does not supply the
signal with frequency four times the carrier 2
2 4 the 1200Hz/0° component is missing in transmission
3 1 the demodulator “I” does not operate properly
4 2 the modulator “Q” (Modulator 2) supplies an error signal
5 6 the low pass filter of the demodulator “I” supplies no signal
6 5 the demodulator “Q” supplies no signal

 SIS1 / S Turn OFF switch S6

- 77 -
Lesson 982: 4-PSK Modulation (II)

Fig.982.5

- 78 -
 Lesson 982: 4-PSK Modulation (II)

Fig.982.6 4-PSK Demodulator Fig.982.7 4-PSK carrier regenerator

- 79 -
Lesson 982: 4-PSK Modulation (II)

982.2.2 4-PSK differential

The differential coding of the data to be transmitted makes the “bit

pairs” to be transformed into phase variation of the carrier. In this way
the receiver recognizes the pair each time it detects a phase shift of the
modulated carrier, independently from its absolute phase. The ambiguity
of the 4-PSK absolute modulation, which can take to the demodulated
data inversion, is solved in this way.
• Carry out a 4-PSK (non differential) connection as described in the
last chapter (J1b-J3c-J4-J5-J6c; SW2=Normal, SW3=24_bit,
SW4=1200, SW5=1200/90°, SW6=QPSK, SW7=Squaring_Loop,
SW8=DiBit, ATT=min, NOISE=min, as in fig.982.5)
• set a cyclic data sequence 11.00.01.10 (this facilitates the
identification of the phases on the wave-form detected by the
oscilloscope), and push START
• on the oscilloscope examine the transmitted data (TP4, before the
differential coder) and the received ones (TP9, after the differential
decoder)
• push Phase Sync (or cut off the line disconnecting and connecting
J5) and note that the received data can be inverted (or completely
different) from the transmitted ones
• select the differential operating mode (SW2=Differential)
• see that the received data (TP9) are now without sign ambiguity and
are always equal to the transmitted ones (TP4), even if the line is
momentarily disconnected (disconnect and connect J5)

 SIS1 / S Turn ON switch S3

 SIS2 Push INS

Q4 The received data are not correct in TP9. Which is the reason why ?

SET
A B
1 3 the data signal is missing in transmission
2 4 the squarer circuits of the Carrier Recovery section supply no
signal
3 1 the frequency divider of the Carrier Recovery section does
not operate properly
4 2 the 4-PSK Modulator supplies a wrong signal
5 6 the low pass filter of the channel “I” supplies no signal
6 5 the squarer of channel “I” supplies no signal

 SIS1 / S Turn OFF switch S3

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 Lesson 982: 4-PSK Modulation (II)

982.2.3 Constellation diagram and noise effect

• Keep the conditions in the last exercise (J1b-J3c-J4-J5-J6c;

SW2=Differential, SW3=24_bit, SW4=1200, SW5=1200/90°,
SW6=QPSK, SW7=Squaring_Loop, SW8=DiBit, ATT=min,
NOISE=min, cyclic data sequence 00110110)
• set the oscilloscope as follows:
− X-Y mode
− DC inputs, 1V/div sensibility
• connect TP27 and TP28 to the inputs X and Y of the oscilloscope
• on the oscilloscope compare the constellation of the 4-PSK signal
(fig.982.8)
• gradually insert the noise (NOISE)

Q5 Why do the constellation points move when there is noise ?

SET
A B
1 2 the noise causes amplitude variations of the 4-PSK signal
2 1 the noise causes amplitude and phase variations of the 4-PSK
signal. The amplitude variation moves the points sideways,
the phase variation moves the points diagonally
3 4 the noise causes amplitude and phase variations of the 4-PSK
signal. The phase variation moves the points sideways, the
amplitude variation moves the points diagonally
4 3 there is no shift on the constellation points

Q6 Which reception circuit are negatively affected by noise?

SET
A B
1 4 only the analog carrier regenerator at 1200 Hz (TP21 and
TP22)
2 1 only the data clock regenerator (TP33)
3 2 only the demodulators “I” and “Q”
4 3 all the last circuits

Fig.982.8 4-PSK constellation(with and without noise)

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Lesson 983: QAM Modulation

LESSON 983: QAM MODULATION

Objectives
• To describe the QAM modulation and demodulation
• to carry out a 8-QAM connection
• to examine the noise effect on the connection

Material
• Power unit PSU or PS1, with module holder base
• Individual Control Unit SIS1, SIS2 or SIS3 (or switches S)
• experiment module MCM31
• oscilloscope.

983.1 THEORETICAL NOTIONS

983.1.1 Quadrature Amplitude Modulation - QAM

The QAM is a digital modulation where the information is contained

into the phase as well as the amplitude of the transmitted carrier.

8-QAM In the 8-QAM the data are divided into groups of 3 bits (Tribit), one of
which varies the amplitude of the carrier, the last two the phase. The
modulated signal can take 4 different phases and 2 different amplitudes,
for a total of 8 different states (fig.983.1).

16-QAM In the 16-QAM the data are divided into groups of 4 bits (Quadbit). The
16 possible combinations change amplitude and phase of the carrier,
which can take 16 different states (fig.983.1).

n-QAM At the moment we reach to a data subdivision into groups of 9 bits,

obtaining constellations with 512 modulation points.

Main aspects The main aspects characterizing the QAM are:

• applications in modems for high speed data transmission (ITU-T
V22bis, V29, V32, V32bis, V33, V34, V34bis, BELL 209) and
digital radio transmission
• it needs circuits of high complexity
• possibility of error higher than the PSK
• called Fb the bit transmission speed and "n" the number of bits
considered for the modulation, the minimum spectrum Bw of the
modulated signal is equal to Fb/n
• the transmission efficiency, defined as the ratio between Fb and Bw,
is equal to “n”
 chapt.976.3 • the Baud or Baud rate, defined as the modulation speed or symbol
speed, is equal to Fb/n.

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 Lesson 983: QAM Modulation

Fig.983.1 Constellation diagram of 8-QAM and 16-QAM signals

fig.983.2 Functional diagram of the 8- QAM modulator

fig.983.3 8-QAM modulator mounted on the module

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Lesson 983: QAM Modulation

983.1.2 Modulator 8-QAM

The functional diagram of a 8-QAM modulator is shown in fig.983.2,

while the block diagram of the modulator mounted on the module is
shown in fig.983.3.

The 8-QAM signal can be seen as 4-PSK signal which amplitude can
take 2 different values. In this way, each "modulation interval" depends
on the state of 3 data bits ("I", "Q", "C"): the first 2 ("I" and "Q")
determine the phase of the output signal, the third ("C") the amplitude.

In the example on the module the amplitude of the 4-PSK signal,

generated as seen in lesson 981, is reduced to half by an output
attenuator, activated when the bit "C" is "1". The carrier, as in case of
the 4-PSK, is 1200 Hz.

983.1.3 8-QAM Demodulator

The 8-QAM demodulator mounted on the module uses the 4-PSK

demodulator to detect the signals “I” and “Q”, while the signal “C” is
obtained detecting the amplitude of the positive values of the signal “I”.
This amplitude can take 2 positive and two negative values, as function
of the value of the signal “C” in transmission. The demodulator “C”
detects which of the two levels is present in the coming signal. If the
level is the highest you obtain the value “1”, if the value is the lowest
you obtain the value “0”.

The block diagram of the 8-QAM demodulator is shown in fig.983.4,

while fig.983.5 points out the section of the module used on this
purpose. The demodulator includes the following circuits:
• the regenerator of the carriers at 0° and 90° (the same of the 4-PSK
demodulator)
• two 2-PSK demodulators (indicated on the diagram as I-DEM and Q-
DEM)
• two low pass filters
• a circuit discriminating the amplitude of the signal “I”. This enables
to obtain the signal “C”
• a data clock extraction circuit and three data re-timing circuits. The
signals “I”, “Q” and “C” are supplied across the outputs TP31, TP35
and TP39.

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 Lesson 983: QAM Modulation

fig.983.4 Block diagram of the 8-QAM demodulator

fig.983.5 8-QAM Demodulator mounted on the module

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Lesson 983: QAM Modulation

983.2 EXERCISES

 MCM31 Disconnect all jumpers

 SIS1 / S Turn OFF all switches

 SIS2 Insert lesson code: 983

983.2.1 Wave-forms of the 8-QAM Modulator

• Power the module

• set the circuit in 8-QAM absolute mode, with 24 bit data source and
without data coding (connect J1a-J3c-J4-J5-J6c; set SW2=Normal,
SW3=24_bit, SW4=1200, SW5=1200/90°, SW6=QAM,
SW7=Squaring_Loop, SW8=TriBit, ATT=min, NOISE=min, as in
fig.983.6)
• set a cyclic data sequence 111.001.010.011.100.101.110. (this
facilitates the identification of the phases on the wave-form detected
by the oscilloscope), and push START
• connect the oscilloscope to TP4 e TP16 and examine the data signal
and the 8-QAM signal. Adjust PHASE to obtain phase shifts of the
carrier in correspondence to 0/90/180/270°. Wave-forms are obtained
similar to those of fig.983.7

Q1 Examine the wave-forms across TP4, TP6, TP7 e TP8. What can you
note?

SET
A B
1 4 there is the signal “I” across TP6 and the signal “C” across
TP7 both supplied by the Tribit generator. “I” and “C” are
equal
2 3 there is the 1200Hz/0° carrier across TP6, the 1200Hz/90°
carrier across TP7
3 2 there is the signal “I” across TP6, the signal “Q” across TP7,
the signal “C” across TP8, all supplied by the Tribit generator.
Considering the input data signal (TP4) divided into groups of
three bits, the signal “I” takes the value of the first bit of the
three bits, the signal “Q” takes the value of the second bit, the
signal “C” is always to logic level “1”
4 1 there is the signal “I” across TP6, the signal “Q” across TP7,
the signal “C” across TP8, all supplied by the Tribit generator.
Considering the input data signal (TP4) divided into groups of
three bits, the signal “I” takes the value of the first bit of the
three bits, the signal “Q” takes the value of the second bit, the
signal “C” takes the value of the third bit

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 Lesson 983: QAM Modulation

Fig.983.6

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Lesson 983: QAM Modulation

Q2 Examine the modulated signal (TP16). What can you note ?

SET
A B
1 5 the modulated carrier takes 8 phase values. Each phase is a
transmitted symbol. Each data bit corresponds to a phase
2 1 the modulated carrier takes 8 amplitude values. Each
amplitude is a transmitted symbol. Each three data bits
correspond to an amplitude
3 2 the modulated carrier takes 4 phase and 2 amplitude values.
Each combination of phase and amplitude is a transmitted
symbol. There is particular combination (symbol) for each
group of three bits. The symbol transmission speed (Baud) is
three times the data transmission speed (bit/s)
4 3 the modulated carrier takes 4 phase and 2 amplitude values.
Each combination of phase and amplitude is a transmitted
symbol. There is particular combination (symbol) for each
group of three bits. The symbol transmission speed (Baud) is
one third the data transmission speed (bit/s)
5 4 the modulated carrier takes 4 amplitude and 2 phase values.
Each combination of phase and amplitude is a transmitted
symbol. There is a particular combination (symbol) for each
group of three bits. The symbol transmission speed (Baud) is
one third the data transmission speed (bit/s)

Q3 Which is the duration of 1 bit and of 1 symbol ?

SET
A B
1 5 bit ≈ 1.1ms; symbol ≈ 3.33ms
2 1 symbol ≈ 0.55ms; bit ≈ 1.67ms
3 2 bit ≈ 1800ms; symbol ≈ 600ms
4 3 bit ≈ 0.55ms; symbol ≈ 1.67ms
5 4 bit ≈ 0.55Hz; symbol ≈ 1.67Hz

983.2.2 Wave-form of the 8-QAM demodulator

• Keep the last conditions (J1a-J3c-J4-J5-J6c; SW2=Normal,

SW3=24_bit, SW4=1200, SW5=1200/90°, SW6=QAM,
SW7=Squaring_Loop, SW8=TriBit, ATT=min, NOISE=min, as in
fig.983.6)
• set a cyclic data sequence 111.001.010.011.100.101.110. 000, and
push START
• connect the oscilloscope to TP16 e TP20, to examine the 8-QAM
signal before and after the communication channel. Adjust PHASE to
obtain the phase shifts of the carrier in correspondence to
0/90/180/270°

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 Lesson 983: QAM Modulation

Fig.983.7 8-QAM Modulator and demodulator wave-forms

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Lesson 983: QAM Modulation

• observe the effect of the communication channel on the 8-QAM

signal. As the communication channel is limited band, the phase
transition of the output 8-QAM signal are slightly beveled
• the 8-QAM demodulator uses the 4-PSK demodulator to detectg the
signals “I” and “Q”, while the signal “C” is obtained by detecting the
amplitude of the positive values of the same signal “I”. This
amplitude can take 2 positive and two negative values, as function of
the value of the signal “C” in transmission. The demodulator “C”
detects which of the two values is present in the coming signal. If the
level is the highest you get the value “1”, if the value is the lowest
you get the value “0”
• in details:
− the demodulator I-DEM, consisting in a double sampler which
samples the positive and negative half-waves of the coming 8-
QAM signal, supplies the signal of fig.983.7 (TP23). The
sampling clock consists in the 1200-Hz regenerated carrier in the
Carrier Recovery section
− the low pass filter removes the residuals of the 1200-Hz carrier.
At the filter’s output (TP24) you get a signal with 4 possible
amplitudes, 2 positive and 2 negative ones
− the next circuit samples the signal at the centre of the symbol
interval. You get a square wave-form, always with 4 amplitude
levels (TP27)
− the signal “I” (TP31) is detected by a threshold circuit, which
supplies a high signal (bit “1”) when there is positive voltage
across TP27, a low level (bit “0”) when there is negative voltage
across TP27
− the signal “C” (TP30) is obtained by a detector followed by a
threshold circuit. These supply a high level (bit “1”) when the
voltage across TP24 is the highest, a low level (bit “0”) when the
voltage is the lowest
− the signal “Q” is taken analogously to signal “I”, using the Q-
DEM demodulator and the next circuits

Q4 Which is the sampling clock of the received symbol? Which is the bit
clock?

SET
A B
1 2 symbol clock = 1800 Hz, TP32; bit clock = 600 Hz, TP34
2 5 symbol clock = 600 Hz, TP32; bit clock = 1800 Hz, TP34
3 1 symbol clock = 600 Hz, TP32; bit clock = 1200 Hz, TP33
4 3 symbol clock = 1200 Hz, TP33; bit clock = 600 Hz, TP32
5 4 symbol clock = bit clock = 600 Hz, TP32

• it can happen that the received signals “I” and “Q” are exchanged (or
of opposed sign) in respect to the transmitted ones. This can be
understood as the demodulator does not know which of the coming
phases is 0° or 180°, and this ambiguity can take to the inversion of

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 Lesson 983: QAM Modulation

the demodulated data. The ambiguity is overcome by carrying out a

data differential coding before the modulation. In case push Phase
Sync to obtain the signals “I” and “Q” with proper sign
• examine the data received across TP9. Push Phase Sync to obtain the
received data equal to the transmitted ones (TP4)

 SIS1 / S Turn ON switch S19

 SIS2 Push INS

Q5 The data received on TP9 are not correct. Which is the reason why ?

SET
A B
1 3 the regenerated carriers are not shifted of 90° between them.
The PLL of the Carrier Recovery section does not supply the
signal with quadruple frequency than the carrier
2 4 the 1200Hz/0° component is missing in transmission
3 1 the demodulator “I” does not operate properly
4 2 the Modulator “Q” (Modulator 2) supplies a wrong signal
5 6 the transmitter supplies no signal
6 5 the demodulator “C” supplies no signal

 SIS1 / S Turn OFF switch S19

983.2.3 8-QAM differential

The differential coding of the data to be transmitted makes the “bit

pairs” are to be transformed into carrier phase variation. In this way the
receiver detects the couple each time it detects a phase shift of the
modulated carrier, indipendently from its absolute phase. The ambiguity
of the absolute phase modulation, which can take to the demodulated
data inversion, is overcome.

• Carry out a 8-QAM (non differential) connection as described in the

last chapter (J1a-J3c-J4-J5-J6c; SW2=Normal, SW3=24_bit,
SW4=1200, SW5=1200/90°, SW6=QAM, SW7=Squaring_Loop,
SW8=TriBit, ATT=min, NOISE=min, as in fig.983.6)
• set a cyclic data sequence 111.001.010.011.100.101.110. 000, and
push START
• examine the transmitted data on the oscilloscope (TP4, before the
differential coder) and the received ones (TP9, after the differential
decoder)
• push Phase Sync (or cut off the line by disconnecting and connecting
J5) and see that the received data can be inverted (or completely

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Lesson 983: QAM Modulation

different) in respect to the transmitted ones

• select the differential operating mode (SW2=Differential)
• see that the received data (TP9) are now without sign ambiguity and
are always equal to the transmitted ones (TP4), even thought the line
is momentarily cut off (disconnect and connect J5).

983.2.4 Constellation Diagram and Noise Effect

• Keep the conditions of the last exercise (J1a-J3c-J4-J5-J6c;

SW2=Normal, SW3=24_bit, SW4=1200, SW5=1200/90°,
SW6=QAM, SW7=Squaring_Loop, SW8=TriBit, ATT=min,
NOISE=min, as in fig.983.6)
• set a cyclic data sequence 111.001.010.011.100.101.110. 000, and
push START
• turn the oscilloscope as follows:
− X-Y mode
− DC inputs, 1V/div sensitivity
• connect TP27 and TP28 to the inputs X and Y of oscilloscope
• the constellation of the signal 8-QAM appears on the oscilloscope
(fig.983.8)
• gradually increase (NOISE) and check the shift of the constellation
points

Q6 How can the circuits be set to carry out an error rate measurement on
the QAM communication system?

SET
A B
1 2 J1a-J3c-J4-J5-J6c; SW2=Normal, SW3=24_bit, SW4=1800,
SW5=1200/90°, SW6=QAM, SW7=Squaring_Loop,
SW8=TriBit, SW9=Read, ATT=min, NOISE=min, push START
2 3 J1a-J3c-J4-J5-J6c; SW2=Differential, SW3=24_bit, SW4=1200,
SW5=1200/90°, SW6=QAM, SW7=Squaring_Loop,
SW8=DiBit, SW9=Read, ATT=min, NOISE=min, push START
3 4 J1a-J3c-J4-J5-J6a; SW2=Differential, SW3=64_bit, SW4=1200,
SW5=1200/90°, SW6=QAM, SW7=Costas_Loop, SW8=TriBit,
SW9=Read, ATT=min, NOISE=min, push START
4 1 J1a-J3c-J4-J5-J6c; SW2=Differential, SW3=64_bit, SW4=1200,
SW5=1200/90°, SW6=QAM, SW7=Squaring_Loop,
SW8=TriBit, SW9=Read, ATT=min, NOISE=min, push START
• set the circuits according to the last answer
• gradually increase the noise
• check the movement of the constellation points, and the
simultaneous increase of the error bits in reception

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 Lesson 983: QAM Modulation

 SIS1 / S Turn ON switch S17

 SIS2 Push INS

Q7 The data received across TP9 are not correct. Which is the reason why?

SET
A B
1 3 the regenerated carriers are not shifted of 90° between them.
The PLL of the Carrier Recovery section does not supply the
signal with quandruple frequency than the carrier
2 4 the 1200Hz/0° component is missing in transmission
3 1 the demodulator “I” does not operate properly
4 2 the modulator “Q” (modulator 2) supplies a wrong signal
5 6 the transmitter does not supply any signal
6 5 the modulator “I” (modulator 1) supplies a wrong signal

 SIS1 / S Turn OFF switch S17

Fig.983.8 8-QAM constellation (with and without noise)

- 93 -
Lesson 984: Data Transmission

LESSON 984: DATA TRANSMISSION

Objectives
• To describe the main characteristics of the interface RS232C-V24
• to carry out a data transmission system between Personal Computers,
using the module circuits as modem equipment.

Material
• Power unit PSU or PS1
• module holder base
• Individual Control Unit SIS1, SIS2 or SIS3 (or switches S)
• experiment module MCM31
• oscilloscope
• Personal Computer.

984.1 THEORETICAL NOTIONS

984.1.1 Interface V24/RS232C

The serial interface V24/V28 (ITU name, International

Telecommunication Union) or RS232C (EIA name, Electronics
Industries Association) is used in data transmission (fig.984.1), to
connect terminal equipment (DTE, Data Terminal Equipment) and
transmission equipment (DCE, Data Communication Equipment). In the
V24/RS232D the binary data are represented by the following eletrical
levels:
• 0 logical = voltage ranging between +3 and +15V
• 1 logical = voltage ranging between -3 and -15V
The transmission equipment (DCE) normally uses TTL circuits (or
CMOS) inside. To transmit data of V24/RS232D kind, coming, e.g.
from a Personal Computer or a data terminal, it is necessary to transform
the levels V24/RS232C into TTL levels (“0” logical = 0V; “1” logical
= +5V), and vice versa. The matching of the V24/RS232C signals to the
TTL levels is carried out with the circuit of fig.984.2. On the interface
connector (+12V) the CTS (Clear To Send), DSR (Data Set Ready) and
DCD (Data Carrier Detect) circuits are fixed to high level, as it is
usually required by the DTE to carry out data transmission. The signals
related to the transmitted data (TD) and the received data (RD) are
translated of level by the integrated circuit. The first ones are
transformed, via inverting Line Receiver, from about +12/-12V to
0/+5V. The seconds are transformed, via inverting Line Driver, from
0/+5V to about +8/-8V.
For a detailed analysis on Data Transmission, refer to our Data
Transmission System and Multimedia Software for Data Transmission
and Telematics.

- 94 -
 Lesson 984: DataTransmission

984.1.2 Carrying out a Data Connection

The transmission equipment (DCE) used to carry out a data connection

passing across telephone lines are commonly known as Modem
(Modulator/demodulator).

As described in lesson 976, the main function developed by such

equipment is to translate the data signal inside the voice band, using the
ASK, FSK, PSK or QAM modulations on this purpose.

With the circuits mounted on the module you can implement a modem
for asynchronous data transmission, using the ASK or 2-PSK
modulation. It is possible to carry out a data connection between
terminal equipment (DTE).

fig.984.1 Data transmission system

fig.984.2 V24/RS232C Interface

- 95 -
Lesson 984: Data Transmission

984.2 EXERCISES

 MCM31 Disconnect all jumpers

 SIS1 / S Turn OFF all switches

 SIS2 Insert lesson code: 984

984.2.1 Transmission dati fra Personal Computer

The purpose of the exercise is to carry out an asynchornous data

transmission of V24/RS232C format. A Personal Computer is used as
transmitting/receiving terminal which:
• supplies the Transmitted Data across pin 3 of the serial connector
• receives the Received Data across pin 2.

The connection diagram in shown in fig.984.3. The path of the signals is

the following:
• The Data transmitted by the PC (TD, pin 3 of the serial connector)
are applied to a Line Receiver, which converts them into TTL
• the next modulator converts the +5V and 0V levels corresponding to
the data Bits of a modulated carrier
• the modulated signal is transmitted across a communication channel
• in reception, the demodulator detects the data signal and supplies it
into TTL
• the TTL data are converted into V24/RS232C format by the next
Line Driver, and supplied to the PC across pin 2 of the serial
connector (RD, Received Data).

fig.984.3 Data transmission between Personal Computer

- 96 -
 Lesson 984: DataTransmission

Carrying out • ASK or 2-PSK modulations can be used, with data speed to a max.
the connection of 1200 b/s. If the FSK is used, errors will be caused in reception;
the data (asynchronous) supplied by the PC are not tuned with
frequency variations of the FSK signal (there is not phase continuity
in the passage from a frequency to the other), and this compromises
the good operation of the PLL demodulator
• power the module
• set the circuit in ASK asynchronous mode (connect J1f-J3d-J4-J5-
J6a; set SW1=RS232, SW2=Normal, SW4=1200, SW6=ASK,
ATT=min, NOISE=min, as in fig.984.4) or in 2-PSK asynchronous
mode (connect J1f-J3b-J4-J5-J6c; set SW1=RS232, SW2=Normal,
SW4=1200, SW6=PSK, SW7=Squaring_Loop, ATT=min,
NOISE=min, as in fig.984.5)

Terminal • connect the serial port (9 pin) of the PC to the module MCM31
Set-up connector via a straight cable
• load a terminal emulation software into the PC (e.g. Terminal of
Windows)
• set the software to the following parameters: max. speed 1200 b/s;
flow control: none or RTS/CTS

Data exchange • now we can carry out the data transmission. Digit the characters on
the keyboards and check that the same characters are received (after
the whole path across the different circuits and the communication
channel) on the monitor
• if the 2-PSK modulation is used we can receive completely wrong
data. This can be due to the ambiguity in the regeneration of the
carrier in reception. Push Phase Sync up to obtain the proper data
• with the oscilloscope examine the wave-forms in:
− TP36: transmitted data signal (V24/RS232C format, amplitude
about +/-9V)
− TP4: transmitted data signal (TTL format, 0V/+5V amplitude)
− TP29: received data signal (TTL format, 0V/+5Vamplitude)
− TP37: received data signal (V24/RS232C format, amplitude about
+/-8V).

Noise effect • gradually increase the noise level until the receiving terminal
displays different characters than the transmitted ones. This indicates
that the noise is causing errors in the data

984.2.2 Synchronous data transmission

If the data source is a synchronous terminal, a clock inside the module is

used (TX CK, TP1) as transmission clock for the same terminal.

The module must be set with Jumper J1 to EXT_Data/Sync.

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Lesson 984: Data Transmission

Fig.984.4

- 98 -
 Lesson 984: DataTransmission

Fig.984.5

- 99 -
Lesson 984: Data Transmission

- 100 -