2024

Lab 5: AM Double Side Band Su

Objective:
The objective of this lab is to explore and understand Amplitude Modulation (AM), specifically
Double Side Band Suppressed Carrier (DSBSC) modulation, by examining its properties in both
the time and frequency domains. In this exercise, we analyze the message signal, carrier signal,
and the modulated AM DSBSC signal to observe their behaviors and characteristics.
Additionally, the lab will involve measuring the modulation index of an AM signal, a key factor
in determining signal quality and power efficiency in communication systems. This hands-on
approach allows for a comprehensive understanding of AM DSBSC modulation, enhancing
insight into its practical applications in signal processing and telecommunications.

Introduction:
In this lab, we will delve into the fundamentals of Amplitude Modulation (AM), with a specific
focus on Double Side Band Suppressed Carrier (DSBSC) modulation. Amplitude Modulation is
a widely used technique in communications that involves varying the amplitude of a high-
frequency carrier signal in accordance with a lower frequency message signal, effectively
embedding the information within the amplitude fluctuations of the carrier. The DSBSC variant
of AM differs from traditional AM as it suppresses the carrier component in the transmitted
signal, transmitting only the sidebands that contain the actual information. This approach
conserves power and bandwidth, making it efficient for certain applications, especially where
carrier regeneration is feasible at the receiver.
This lab involves examining three critical signals: the message signal, the carrier signal, and the
resulting AM DSBSC modulated signal. By observing these signals in the time domain, we can
visualize how modulation affects the waveform, seeing firsthand how the message signal
influences the amplitude of the carrier. Further, by analyzing the frequency domain
representation, we can see how the message signal components shift to higher frequencies
around the carrier, creating sidebands.
One of the key measurements in AM is the modulation index, which represents the extent to
which the carrier’s amplitude varies in response to the message signal. In this lab, we will
measure and interpret this index, as it is crucial for evaluating the efficiency and clarity of an
AM transmission. Overall, this lab provides hands-on experience with the principles of DSBSC
modulation and enhances understanding of its practical significance in signal processing and
communications systems.

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 Fig a: Mutisim block diagram

Procedure:
Implement the described lab procedure using mentioned parameter; we will create a simulation
for an AM modulator based on the equation provided. The simulation will generate a message
signal, a carrier signal, and the resulting DSBSC modulated signal. We will visualize the signals
using plots to compare the AM signal and the message signal.
This lab is based on the principles of Amplitude Modulation (AM) and specifically Double Side
Band Suppressed Carrier (DSBSC) modulation. In AM, a high-frequency carrier signal’s
amplitude is varied according to the amplitude of a lower-frequency message signal. The
resulting modulated waveform carries the information of the message signal within its amplitude
variations. In DSBSC, the carrier component is not transmitted; instead, only the sidebands are
sent, making this form of AM more power-efficient because energy is not wasted on transmitting
a continuous carrier.

The mathematical representation of the DSBSC signal is:

SAM (T) = Am cos(Wm t) + Ac cos(Wc t)
where:

• Am and Ac are the amplitude and angular frequency of the message signal, respectively.
• Am and Ac are the amplitude and angular frequency of the carrier signal, respectively.
This equation shows that the AM DSBSC signal consists of two sidebands centered around the
carrier frequency but does not include the carrier itself. In the time domain, the amplitude of the

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carrier oscillates with the message signal, producing an envelope that resembles the shape of the
message signal.
Procedure Steps and Theory
1. Message Signal Generation:
• The message signal is created as a single-tone sine wave with a frequency of 500 Hz.
This lower frequency reflects typical message signal characteristics, like audio signals, which
contain information.
2. Carrier Signal Generation:
• The carrier signal is a high-frequency sinusoidal waveform (10 kHz in this case) that
acts as the base signal, whose amplitude will be varied by the message signal. The frequency of
the carrier is chosen to be significantly higher than that of the message to enable effective
modulation and transmission.
3. Modulation Process (DSBSC):
• The modulation process involves multiplying the message signal by the carrier
signal to create the DSBSC waveform. This multiplication combines the frequencies of the
message and carrier, producing sidebands at frequencies f_c + f_m and f_c - f_m while
suppressing the original carrier component.
4. serving the Waveforms:
• By using an oscilloscope (in MATLAB or MultiSim), the DSBSC waveform can be
visualized alongside the message signal. The envelope of the AM signal should mirror the shape
of the message signal, allowing us to compare their forms directly and verify the successful
modulation.
5. Modulation Index and Signal Variation:
• The modulation index (m) is a measure of how deeply the carrier’s amplitude varies in
response to the message signal and is calculated as m = \frac{A_m}{A_c} . Changing the
amplitude of the message signal affects the modulation index, which in turn influences the
signal’s clarity and power efficiency.
This lab reinforces key AM concepts, enabling hands-on experimentation with DSBSC
modulation, the effects of the modulation index, and the visualization of AM signals.
Understanding these concepts is essential for efficient and effective communication system
design, where signal clarity and power efficiency are critical.

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Graph:

Fig a: AM DSBSC modulated signal

Fig b: signal with at different Am values.

In conclusion, this effectively demonstrates the principles of Amplitude Modulation (AM) with
Double Side Band Suppressed Carrier (DSBSC) by generating and analyzing a message signal, a
carrier signal, and the resulting DSBSC modulated signal. The code allows us to visualize these
signals in the time domain and understand the relationship between them.
The modulation index, a crucial parameter indicating the extent of modulation, is calculated and
observed to vary proportionally with changes in the message signal amplitude. By adjusting the
amplitude of the message signal, we can observe how this impacts the modulation index and the
waveform of the AM signal. This hands-on approach helps clarify how the modulation index
affects signal strength and efficiency in AM systems, providing valuable insights for practical
applications in communication systems.

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This code is designed to analyze and visualize the characteristics of Amplitude Modulation (AM)
by calculating the modulation index and percentage of modulation based on measurements from
an oscilloscope. The modulation index quantifies the extent of modulation applied to the carrier
wave, which is determined by the relationship between the peak and valley voltages of the
message signal. The percentage of modulation provides a clearer understanding of the
modulation depth and its impact on the signal quality. The code takes user inputs for peak and
valley measurements from both dual mode and XY mode oscilloscope displays, calculates the
respective modulation indices, and compares the results to identify any discrepancies.

In addition to numerical analysis, the code generates plots of the message signal, carrier signal,
and the resultant AM signal along with its envelope. By visualizing these signals, users can
better understand the effects of modulation on the carrier wave, observe the shape of the AM
signal, and evaluate the modulation depth. This comprehensive approach to both calculation and
visualization facilitates a deeper understanding of amplitude modulation principles, essential for
applications in communication systems where signal integrity and transmission efficiency are
critical.

Modulation Index: 0.5

Modulation Index for Am = 2 V: 0.2
Modulation Index for Am = 5 V: 0.5
Modulation Index for Am = 10 V: 1
Dual Mode Measurements:
Enter the peak measurement (A) from Channel A in Volts: 3
Enter the valley measurement (B) from Channel B in Volts: 2.5

Dual Mode Results:

Modulation Index (Dual Mode): 0.09
Percentage of Modulation (Dual Mode): 9.09%

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XY Mode Measurements:
Enter the peak measurement (A) from Channel A in Volts: 4
Enter the valley measurement (B) from Channel B in Volts: 2

XY Mode Results:
Modulation Index (XY Mode): 0.33
Percentage of Modulation (XY Mode): 33.33%

--- Comparison of Results ---

Difference in Modulation Index (Dual - XY): 0.24
Difference in Percentage of Modulation (Dual - XY): 24.24%
The modulation indices differ significantly.
In conclusion, it effectively demonstrates the process of analyzing and visualizing Amplitude
Modulation (AM) signals through practical measurements and calculations. By enabling users to
input peak and valley voltage measurements from an oscilloscope in both dual mode and XY
mode, the code calculates the modulation index and percentage of modulation, providing key
insights into the modulation depth and its implications for signal quality. The comparison of
results from different measurement modes helps in assessing the consistency and accuracy of the
modulation characteristics.
Moreover, the graphical representations of the message signal, carrier signal, and AM signal,
along with its envelope, enhance the understanding of the modulation process. This visual
approach reinforces theoretical concepts by illustrating how modulation affects the carrier wave,
thus allowing users to observe the impact of varying modulation indices on the AM signal’s
amplitude and shape. Overall, this code serves as a valuable educational tool, bridging theoretical
principles and practical applications in communication systems and signal processing.

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Frequency spectrum:

Fig d: frequency spectrum of AM signal at 2 V

Fig : frequency spectrum of AM signal at 0.5 V

The provided diagram as a simulation and analysis tool for studying Amplitude Modulation
(AM) signals and their frequency spectra. In the context of communications, AM is a technique
used to encode information in a carrier wave by varying its amplitude in accordance with the
message signal, which can be audio, video, or other data. This code highlights the fundamental
concepts of AM by generating a modulated signal, calculating its frequency components, and
visualizing the results.
Key Theoretical Concepts

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 1. Signal Generation:
• The code generates a message signal, typically a low-frequency sinusoidal wave, which
represents the information to be transmitted. This signal modulates a higher frequency carrier
wave, which is essential for long-distance transmission. The relationship between the amplitudes
of the message signal (A_m) and the carrier signal (A_c) determines the modulation depth,
quantified by the modulation index. A higher modulation index indicates a greater degree of
modulation, resulting in more pronounced sidebands in the frequency spectrum.
2. Amplitude Modulation:
• The modulation process is mathematically expressed as

S AM ( t )= Ac . ¿

, where S AM ( t ) is the AM signal, f_m is the message frequency, and f_c is the carrier frequency.
The modulation modifies the carrier signal’s amplitude in accordance with the instantaneous
value of the message signal, resulting in an envelope that carries the shape of the message.
3. Frequency Spectrum Analysis:
• By applying the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) to the generated AM signal, the code
provides insight into its frequency content. The resulting frequency spectrum reveals the
presence of the carrier frequency and its associated sidebands, which are critical for conveying
the information encoded in the message signal. In AM, the frequency spectrum typically shows a
central peak at the carrier frequency, with additional peaks at the frequencies f_c +- f_m (i.e., the
upper and lower sidebands). This characteristic allows for effective demodulation and recovery
of the original message signal at the receiver end.
4. Visualization and Analysis:
• The code includes plots of both the AM signal in the time domain and its frequency
spectrum, allowing users to visually analyze the effects of modulation. By observing how
variations in the message signal’s amplitude affect the spectral representation, users can gain a
deeper understanding of the relationship between modulation depth and the characteristics of the
transmitted signal.
Conclusion
Overall, this provides a comprehensive framework for studying amplitude modulation. By
generating signals, performing frequency analysis, and visualizing results, users can explore the
foundational principles of AM and its applications in communication systems. This theoretical
understanding is crucial for developing more advanced modulation techniques and for
optimizing the performance of communication networks.

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Analysis and discussion:
Analysis and Discussion for the Amplitude Modulation Lab
The Amplitude Modulation (AM) lab provides an in-depth exploration of the principles and
practical applications of AM signals. Through hands-on experimentation with various
components, including message signals, carrier signals, and spectrum analysis, the lab allows
participants to grasp both theoretical concepts and real-world implications of amplitude
modulation.
Key Observations and Results

1. Signal Generation and Characteristics:

• The generated AM signal effectively demonstrates the relationship between the carrier
and message signals. The carrier frequency (10 kHz) is significantly higher than the message
frequency (500 Hz), which is critical for efficient transmission over long distances. The
modulation process alters the amplitude of the carrier wave, producing a signal whose envelope
reflects the shape of the message signal.
2. Modulation Index and Its Impact:
• The modulation index, calculated from the amplitudes of the message and carrier
signals, serves as a vital parameter in assessing the extent of modulation. By varying the
amplitude of the message signal, we observed changes in the modulation index, which directly
influenced the height of the sidebands in the frequency spectrum. A higher modulation index
leads to a greater amplitude variation in the carrier signal, resulting in more significant sideband
peaks and improved transmission of the message information.
3. Frequency Spectrum Analysis:
• The frequency spectrum analysis conducted using a spectrum analyzer revealed distinct
peaks at the carrier frequency (10 kHz) and its sidebands (9.5 kHz and 10.5 kHz). This confirms
the theoretical expectation that amplitude modulation generates frequency components at the
carrier frequency and at frequencies offset by the message frequency. The ability to visualize
these components reinforces the understanding of how AM signals carry information.
4. Effects of Amplitude Variation:
• Varying the amplitude of the message signal provided valuable insights into how
modulation depth affects the frequency spectrum. As the amplitude increased, the sideband peaks
became more pronounced, illustrating how modulation depth impacts signal quality and
transmission capability. This emphasizes the importance of selecting appropriate modulation
levels to maintain signal integrity while maximizing the information transmitted.

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 5. Practical Implications:
• Understanding AM and its characteristics is crucial for numerous applications in
communications, including radio broadcasting, television transmission, and two-way radio
systems. The insights gained from this lab highlight the trade-offs involved in choosing
modulation parameters, such as bandwidth usage and signal robustness, which are essential for
effective communication system design.
The lab effectively integrates theoretical concepts of amplitude modulation with practical
experimentation and analysis. By generating AM signals, calculating modulation indices, and
performing frequency spectrum analysis, participants gain a comprehensive understanding of the
modulation process and its implications for communication systems. This hands-on experience is
instrumental in reinforcing theoretical knowledge and preparing students for further studies in
advanced modulation techniques and communication technologies.

Future work could involve exploring other modulation techniques, such as Frequency
Modulation (FM) and Phase Shift Keying (PSK), to compare their characteristics and
applications in various communication scenarios. Additionally, investigating the effects of noise
and interference on AM signals could provide a more complete picture of real-world
communication challenges and solutions

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this lab provided a comprehensive examination of Amplitude Modulation (AM)
and its fundamental principles through both theoretical analysis and practical experimentation.
By generating AM signals with a defined carrier and message frequency, participants observed
the direct relationship between the modulation index and the amplitude of the message signal.
The calculated modulation index and the subsequent frequency spectrum analysis confirmed the
presence of the carrier frequency and its associated sidebands, reinforcing the concept that AM
transmits information by varying the amplitude of a higher frequency carrier wave.
The insights gained from this lab highlight the critical role of modulation in communication
systems, demonstrating how variations in signal amplitude impact the quality and integrity of the
transmitted information. Participants also gained valuable experience in using tools such as
oscilloscopes and spectrum analyzers, which are essential for analyzing and visualizing signals
in real-world applications. Overall, this lab not only solidified the understanding of AM
principles but also emphasized the importance of choosing appropriate modulation parameters
for effective communication system design. Future investigations could extend to exploring other
modulation techniques and their respective impacts on signal transmission in diverse
communication scenarios.

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