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Lab7 - AM RFFE

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Lab7 - AM RFFE

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bhuvanbharadwaj29
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ECEN 489 - RF Circuits for Wireless Communication

Lab 7: AM Radio Frequency Front End


In this lab, we will discuss the final block of the radio and the front end of the AM radio, the AM converter. This
circuit combines the functionality of both a local oscillator and a mixer. The idea behind the converter is to make a
smaller circuit that can be mass produced much easier than separate mixer and oscillator circuits; however, in
practice, the converter is typically best suited for lower frequency radios which is why the mixer and oscillator are
separate in FM radios.

Figure 7-1: AM Converter

The oscillator part of the circuit is created by the positive feedback loop that exists from L5 to the emitter of Q7 and
fed back to L5 through C31. The LC network is set by the rightmost tunable gang capacitor which sets the
oscillation frequency of the converter. L4 acts as the antenna which receives AM signals. The leftmost gang
capacitor works to tune the antenna LC network and set the station frequency that is received. This signal is then
sent into the base of Q7. With the oscillator signal at the emitter and the RF input at the base, Q7 can now mix the
two signals to a 455 kHz IF signal which is picked up by T6 and rejects all other frequency components. This mixed
signal is then sent to the first IF amplifier for further processing.

In order to find the frequency of oscillation and its amplitude (x) of the converter, we short the input to avoid its
contribution:
1
⍵0 = 𝐿$% = 𝐿&1 + 𝐿&2
!"!" ##
'$ ()) '% ,-2 '&
+$
= -+ 𝑛 = 𝑀12 /𝐿$% 𝛼 = 𝛽/(𝛽 + 1)
$ (.!",( /"!" 1 -/2)
where 𝐶) is value of the rightmost gang capacitor, 𝐿*+ is total inductance of the tapped primary, 𝑀*+,, is the mutual
inductance between the primary and the secondary, and 𝑀12 is the mutual inductance between the tapped primaries
of L5. From here, x can be solved for and hence the driving voltage of the oscillation. In order to find the output, the
IF component of the collector current needs to be found with respect to the input voltage into the base.
𝑣3 (𝑡) = (𝑀14,24 /𝐿14 )𝑣6- (𝑡) 𝑖78 (𝑡) = 𝛼𝑣𝐵 (𝑡)𝑔𝑖𝑛 𝐼1 (𝑥)/𝐼0 (𝑥)
where 𝑀1-,2- is the mutual inductance of the antenna coils, 𝐿1- is the primary of the antenna coil which is in parallel
with the leftmost gang capacitor, 𝐿1. is the secondary of the antenna coil which feeds into the base of the transistor.
The output voltage can then be found as function of these parameters:
𝑣< (𝑡) = 𝑉= − 𝐼#,>? 𝑅38 − 𝑍",@A) 𝑖78 (𝑡)
where 𝑍/,012 is the input impedance into the tank T6 at the resonant frequency.

Deliverables: Read over all parts before starting.


Part 1:
a) To simplify the simulation, construct the converter in Multisim to perform the mixing operation. Remove L5 and
the feedback path as well as the gang capacitors. Insert an independent voltage source at the emitter to model the LO
and another independent voltage source at the antenna with an LC circuit tuned to 1000 kHz to provide selectivity to
the tuned station frequency. What desired IF frequency needs to be extracted at the tank and why? What transformer
needs to be used?
b) Provide the desired frequency of LO at the corresponding independent voltage source based on a). Use small
signals to model the amplitude.
c) Run a transient simulation for 500 us and measure the frequency of the resultant signal.
d) Provide all calculations and simulation plots in the report.

Part 2:
a) Read Section 5 of the radio kit manual.
b) Construct the converter on your PCB and ensure its correct operation. Measure the output waveform and its
frequency with a 1000 kHz signal at the antenna. Align the antenna and converter to the best of your ability.
c) Provide images of your measurements in your lab report.

Part 3:
a) To characterize the AM radio, hold a wire loop close to the antenna with a frequency of 1000 kHz carrier with 1
kHz intelligence at 80% modulation and play the 1 kHz tone at the speaker. Repeat with 400 Hz intelligence.
b) (Optional) Tune into any AM radio station and play the audio at the speaker.

Be sure to make a table of the values you obtained in this lab. Ask your TA for help if needed with simulations
and/or measurement equipment operation. Provide a conclusion.

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