1

Al-Mustaqbal University
Department of Medical Instrumentation Techniques Engineering
Class: Third
Subject: Medical Communication Systems
Lecturer: Prof. Dr. Bayan Mahdi Sabbar & M.Sc. Huda Wasfi Hassoon
Lecture:5

Lecture 5
Part 1
AM Modulation

Lecturer: Prof. Dr. Bayan Mahdi Sabbar

M.Sc. Huda Wasfi Hassoon

Email: [email protected]
 2
Al-Mustaqbal University
Department of Medical Instrumentation Techniques Engineering
Class: Third
Subject: Medical Communication Systems
Lecturer: Prof. Dr. Bayan Mahdi Sabbar & M.Sc. Huda Wasfi Hassoon
Lecture:5

Baseband vs. Passband Communication Systems:

Communication systems can be broadly categorized into two types based on the
frequency range used for transmitting information: baseband systems and
passband systems. This classification depends on whether the information signal is
transmitted directly or after frequency modification.

1. Baseband Transmission:
o In a baseband system, the information signal is sent directly, without any
modulation or frequency shifting. This means the signal retains its
original frequency range throughout transmission.
o Baseband signals are typically low-frequency signals, often close to zero.
Common examples include:
▪ Human voice signals, with frequencies ranging between 20 Hz and 5
kHz.
▪ Video signals from TV cameras, which range from 0 Hz up to about
5.5 MHz.
o Many systems use baseband transmission when transmitting signals
locally, such as in-home or office settings. For instance, in a telephone
system, local calls (e.g., calls within a neighborhood) transmit audio in
its baseband form without modification.
2. Passband Transmission:
o Passband transmission, on the other hand, involves shifting the original
signal to a higher frequency before transmission. This frequency-shifting

Email: [email protected]
 3
Al-Mustaqbal University
Department of Medical Instrumentation Techniques Engineering
Class: Third
Subject: Medical Communication Systems
Lecturer: Prof. Dr. Bayan Mahdi Sabbar & M.Sc. Huda Wasfi Hassoon
Lecture:5

process, known as modulation, is necessary when the signal must travel

long distances, especially over wireless mediums.
o In passband systems, the transmitted signal is modulated to fit within a
specific frequency band suitable for long-range transmission and is
demodulated back to its original form at the receiver.
o A common application of passband transmission is in long-distance
telephone calls. When a call is transmitted over microwave or satellite
links, the audio signal is modulated to a higher frequency to suit the
transmission medium. Similarly, transmitting a video signal from a
camera to a television through wires might use baseband transmission, but
if sent via satellite, the signal is converted to a passband frequency.

Modulation and Demodulation:

Modulation is the process of shifting a baseband signal to a higher frequency
range, known as the passband, to prepare it for transmission. Conversely,
demodulation is the process of converting this passband signal back to the baseband
frequency range at the receiver end. During modulation, one or more properties of a
carrier wave—typically a sinusoidal wave—are altered according to the information
signal intended for transmission. The carrier’s characteristics that can be modified
include amplitude, frequency, or phase, leading to different types of modulation:
 Amplitude Modulation (AM)
 Frequency Modulation (FM)
 Phase Modulation (PM).

Email: [email protected]
 4
Al-Mustaqbal University
Department of Medical Instrumentation Techniques Engineering
Class: Third
Subject: Medical Communication Systems
Lecturer: Prof. Dr. Bayan Mahdi Sabbar & M.Sc. Huda Wasfi Hassoon
Lecture:5

Amplitude Modulation (AM):

Amplitude Modulation (AM) is a technique in which the amplitude of a high-
frequency carrier signal is varied in direct proportion to the instantaneous value of
the information signal, while keeping the frequency and phase of the carrier constant.
In essence, AM works by changing the carrier wave's amplitude based on the
amplitude of the baseband or information signal, 𝑚(𝑡) around a constant average
value.
The AM process requires two inputs:
1. Carrier Signal: A high-frequency, constant-amplitude signal, usually a
sinusoidal wave, which serves as the primary medium for carrying the
information.

2. Information Signal: A lower-frequency signal containing the actual

information to be transmitted. This could be a simple sinusoidal wave or a
complex waveform with multiple frequencies, depending on the nature of the
data.
In AM, the carrier’s amplitude is adjusted in a linear relationship with the
amplitude of the information signal, effectively "embedding" the information within
the variations of the carrier's strength. This method makes it possible to transmit the
information signal across a communication channel using a high-frequency carrier
that can travel greater distances and penetrate obstacles more effectively than low-
frequency signals alone.

Email: [email protected]
 5
Al-Mustaqbal University
Department of Medical Instrumentation Techniques Engineering
Class: Third
Subject: Medical Communication Systems
Lecturer: Prof. Dr. Bayan Mahdi Sabbar & M.Sc. Huda Wasfi Hassoon
Lecture:5

Fig. 1: Block diagram of AM modulation.

Types of Amplitude Modulation (AM):

AM can be further classified into various types:
1. Double Sideband with Large Carrier (DSB-LC): This is the most
commonly used form of AM, especially for AM radio broadcasting, where
both sidebands and the full carrier signal are transmitted.
2. Double Sideband Suppressed Carrier (DSB-SC): Similar to DSB-LC, but
without transmitting the carrier signal, reducing power requirements.
3. Single Sideband (SSB): In this type, only one of the two sidebands from the
DSB-SC signal is transmitted, significantly saving bandwidth and power.
4. Vestigial Sideband (VSB): A modified form of SSB that transmits a portion
of the second sideband, simplifying the signal generation and reception
process, commonly used in TV broadcasting.

Email: [email protected]
 6
Al-Mustaqbal University
Department of Medical Instrumentation Techniques Engineering
Class: Third
Subject: Medical Communication Systems
Lecturer: Prof. Dr. Bayan Mahdi Sabbar & M.Sc. Huda Wasfi Hassoon
Lecture:5

Double Sideband Large Carrier (DSB-LC)

There are several types of amplitude modulation, with the most widely used
being the Double Sideband Large Carrier (DSB-LC) scheme, also known as
conventional AM. The figure below demonstrates the relationship between the
carrier signal, the modulating signal, and the resulting modulated signal in
conventional AM.

Fig. 2: Waveform of AM modulation.

Email: [email protected]
 7
Al-Mustaqbal University
Department of Medical Instrumentation Techniques Engineering
Class: Third
Subject: Medical Communication Systems
Lecturer: Prof. Dr. Bayan Mahdi Sabbar & M.Sc. Huda Wasfi Hassoon
Lecture:5

The expression of AM wave is given by:

𝐸𝐴𝑀 (𝑡) = [𝐸𝐶 + 𝑚(𝑡)]cos⁡(𝑤𝑐 𝑡)

𝐼𝐹⁡𝑚(𝑡) = 𝐸𝑚 cos⁡(𝑤𝑚 𝑡)
𝐸𝐴𝑀 (𝑡) = ⁡ 𝐸𝑐⁡ 𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝑤𝑐 𝑡) + 𝐸𝑚 cos(𝑤𝑚 𝑡) cos⁡(𝑤𝑐 𝑡)
𝐸𝑚 𝐸𝑚
𝐸𝐴𝑀 (𝑡) = 𝐸𝑐 cos(𝑤𝑐 𝑡) + ⁡cos(𝑤𝑐 − 𝑤𝑚 ) 𝑡 + ⁡cos⁡(𝑤𝑐 + 𝑤𝑚 )𝑡
2 2
Where:

𝐸𝑐⁡ : Carrier voltage

𝐸𝑚 : Modulating voltage
𝑚(𝑡): Modulating signal

Generation of Double Sideband Large Carrier (DSB-LC):

The generation of Double Sideband Large Carrier (DSB-LC) signals can be
achieved using a variety of techniques. The two main methods are Nonlinear
Modulation and Linear Modulation techniques.
The first type, Nonlinear Modulation, is the most commonly used and will
be the primary focus of this study. Nonlinear Modulation relies on the properties
of nonlinear devices, like diodes or transistors, to produce the modulated signal. It
includes methods like the Square-Law Modulator and Switching Modulator. These
techniques are valued for their simplicity and cost-effectiveness, especially in low-
power applications and basic communication systems.

Email: [email protected]
 8
Al-Mustaqbal University
Department of Medical Instrumentation Techniques Engineering
Class: Third
Subject: Medical Communication Systems
Lecturer: Prof. Dr. Bayan Mahdi Sabbar & M.Sc. Huda Wasfi Hassoon
Lecture:5

A. Square-Law Modulator: is a simple modulator type that relies on the nonlinear

properties of components like diodes. Both the carrier signal and
modulating signal are applied to the diode, producing an output with
sidebands (DSB) and the carrier frequency. A bandpass filter is then used to
remove unwanted frequencies, leaving only the modulated DSB-LC signal.
B. Switching Modulator: is a type of DSB-LC modulator that uses a switching
component, such as a diode or transistor, to alternately turn the carrier signal
on and off according to the modulating signal. This creates a product of the
carrier and message signals, generating both the carrier and sidebands.

Fig. 3: Generation of AM.

Email: [email protected]
 9
Al-Mustaqbal University
Department of Medical Instrumentation Techniques Engineering
Class: Third
Subject: Medical Communication Systems
Lecturer: Prof. Dr. Bayan Mahdi Sabbar & M.Sc. Huda Wasfi Hassoon
Lecture:5

Spectrum of DSB-LC:
Amplitude modulation (AM), specifically Double Sideband Large Carrier
(DSB-LC), effectively shifts the spectrum of the modulating signal 𝒎(𝒕) to align
with the carrier frequency 𝒇𝒄. This process results in a modulated signal that
contains three distinct frequency components:
i. Carrier Frequency 𝒇𝒄 : This is the central frequency of the transmitted signal,
which remains unchanged during modulation.
ii. Upper Sideband Frequency 𝒇𝒄 + 𝒇𝒎 : This component represents the carrier
frequency increased by the frequency of the modulating signal 𝒇𝒎 . It carries
the higher frequency information from the modulating signal.
iii. Lower Sideband Frequency 𝒇𝒄 − 𝒇𝒎 : : This component represents the
carrier frequency decreased by the frequency of the modulating signal 𝒇𝒎 . It
carries the lower frequency information from the modulating signal.
these three frequency components create the spectrum of the AM modulated wave
when the modulating signal consists of a single frequency. The presence of both
upper and lower sidebands ensures that the information contained in the
modulating signal is fully transmitted.
The bandwidth of the modulated signal is significant in determining how the signal
can be transmitted and received effectively. The bandwidth of the DSB-LC signal
is calculated as twice the frequency of the modulating signal:
𝐵𝑊 = 𝑀𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚⁡𝐹𝑟𝑒𝑞. −𝑀𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚⁡𝐹𝑟𝑒𝑞.
𝐵𝑊 = (𝑓𝑐 + 𝑓𝑚 ) − (𝑓𝑐 − 𝑓𝑚 )
𝐵𝑊 = 2𝑓𝑚

Email: [email protected]
 10
Al-Mustaqbal University
Department of Medical Instrumentation Techniques Engineering
Class: Third
Subject: Medical Communication Systems
Lecturer: Prof. Dr. Bayan Mahdi Sabbar & M.Sc. Huda Wasfi Hassoon
Lecture:5

Fig. 4: Frequency Spectrum of AM.

Modulation index:
The modulation index (or modulation depth) in Amplitude Modulation
(AM) quantifies the extent to which the carrier signal varies in response to the
modulating (message) signal. It’s an essential factor for ensuring signal fidelity and
efficient transmission. The modulation index is typically denoted as m and defined
as follows:
𝐸𝑚
𝑚=
𝐸𝑐

Email: [email protected]
 11
Al-Mustaqbal University
Department of Medical Instrumentation Techniques Engineering
Class: Third
Subject: Medical Communication Systems
Lecturer: Prof. Dr. Bayan Mahdi Sabbar & M.Sc. Huda Wasfi Hassoon
Lecture:5

where:
• 𝐸𝑚 is the amplitude of the modulating signal (message signal),
• 𝐸𝑐 ⁡is the amplitude of the carrier signal.
Ranges for the Modulation Index
The modulation index 𝑚 in amplitude modulation (AM) describes the
degree to which the carrier wave is modulated by the message signal, with ideal
values typically in the range from (0⁡to⁡1):
▪ 𝒎 = 𝟎: No modulation occurs. The carrier wave maintains a constant
amplitude 𝐸𝑐 ⁡without carrying any information from the message signal.
▪ 𝟎 < 𝒎 < 𝟏: This is the optimal range for modulation, where the carrier is
modulated without distortion. As 𝑚 increases toward 1, the modulation depth
increases, enhancing the clarity of the transmitted signal.
▪ 𝒎 = 𝟏: This represents the maximum modulation without distortion, where
the carrier is fully modulated to the maximum amplitude without overlapping
sidebands.
▪ 𝒎 > 𝟏: Known as overmodulation, this range results in distortion due to the
excessive amplitude of the message signal, causing overlapping of sidebands
and making it difficult to recover the original signal without distortion.
Alternate Expression Using Maximum and Minimum Amplitudes
The modulation index can also be derived using the maximum (𝑉𝑚𝑎𝑥 ) and
minimum (𝑉𝑚𝑖𝑛 ) envelope amplitudes of the modulated signal:

𝑉𝑚𝑎𝑥 − 𝑉𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝑚=
𝑉𝑚𝑎𝑥 + 𝑉𝑚𝑖𝑛

Email: [email protected]
 12
Al-Mustaqbal University
Department of Medical Instrumentation Techniques Engineering
Class: Third
Subject: Medical Communication Systems
Lecturer: Prof. Dr. Bayan Mahdi Sabbar & M.Sc. Huda Wasfi Hassoon
Lecture:5

Fig. 5: Modulation index of AM.

Power of DSB-LC
There are three components for any DSB-LC waveform, the upper
sideband, the lower sideband, and the carrier frequency. If the powers in the three of
these are added up, the total power in the modulated signal will be:
𝑃𝑡 = 𝑃𝑐 + 𝑃𝑈𝑆𝐵 + 𝑃𝐿𝑆𝐵
**Carrier Power (𝑷𝒄 ): The carrier power is given by:

Email: [email protected]
 13
Al-Mustaqbal University
Department of Medical Instrumentation Techniques Engineering
Class: Third
Subject: Medical Communication Systems
Lecturer: Prof. Dr. Bayan Mahdi Sabbar & M.Sc. Huda Wasfi Hassoon
Lecture:5

(𝐸𝑐 )2
𝑃𝑐 =
2𝑅
**Sideband Power: The power in each sideband is:
𝑚2 𝑃𝑐 𝑚2 𝑃𝑐
𝑃𝑈𝑆𝐵 = ⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡𝑃𝐿𝑆𝐵 =
4 4
the total sideband power is:
𝑚2 𝑃𝑐
𝑃𝑠 =
2

**Total transmitted power (𝑷𝒕 ): This total power is expressed as:

𝑚2 𝑃𝑐
𝑃𝑡 = 𝑃𝑐 +
2

𝑚2
𝑃𝑡 = 𝑃𝑐 (1 + )
2

Efficiency of DSB-LC:
The efficiency of Double Sideband-Large Carrier (DSB-LC) modulation
refers to the ratio of the power in the sidebands (which carry the information) to the
total transmitted power. Efficiency is an important metric because it indicates how
much of the transmitted power conveys the message, as opposed to being "wasted"
on the carrier.
𝑃𝑠
𝜂= × 100%
𝑃𝑡

Email: [email protected]
 14
Al-Mustaqbal University
Department of Medical Instrumentation Techniques Engineering
Class: Third
Subject: Medical Communication Systems
Lecturer: Prof. Dr. Bayan Mahdi Sabbar & M.Sc. Huda Wasfi Hassoon
Lecture:5

Demodulation of DSB-LC:
In Double Sideband-Large Carrier (DSB-LC) signals, the information-
carrying waveform is embedded within the envelope of the modulated signal.
Although synchronous detection can accurately retrieve this waveform, simpler and
more efficient methods are available for demodulating AM signals. The most
straightforward and widely used technique is the envelope detector, which directly
extracts the signal by detecting the envelope of the modulated waveform. This
approach is especially popular due to its simplicity and effectiveness in recovering
the original signal in DSB-LC systems.

Envelope Detector:
The Envelope Detector is a simple and widely-used circuit for demodulating
Amplitude Modulation (AM) signals, specifically in Double Sideband-Large
Carrier (DSB-LC) systems. Its purpose is to retrieve the original message signal
from the modulated waveform by capturing the amplitude variations in the carrier
wave, which represent the message signal.
How the Envelope Detector Works
An envelope detector typically consists of two main components:
1. Diode: The diode allows current to flow only in one direction, effectively
rectifying the modulated signal by removing one-half of the waveform.
2. RC Circuit (Resistor-Capacitor): This combination smooths out the
rectified waveform, producing a voltage that follows the peaks of the carrier
wave, thus forming the envelope of the original signal.

Email: [email protected]
 15
Al-Mustaqbal University
Department of Medical Instrumentation Techniques Engineering
Class: Third
Subject: Medical Communication Systems
Lecturer: Prof. Dr. Bayan Mahdi Sabbar & M.Sc. Huda Wasfi Hassoon
Lecture:5

Steps in Envelope Detection

1. Rectification: The diode rectifies the incoming AM signal, allowing only one
polarity to pass through, effectively "clipping" one-half of the signal.
2. Smoothing: The RC circuit smooths the rectified waveform by charging and
discharging in response to the changes in amplitude. This smoothing action
produces an output that closely follows the envelope of the input AM
waveform, effectively extracting the modulated message.

Fig. 6: The Envelope Detector.

Example:
An AM/DSB modulated signal is given by:
𝐸𝐴𝑀 (𝑡) ⁡ = ⁡3[⁡1⁡ + ⁡0. 5⁡𝑠𝑖𝑛(12. 566⁡ ∗ 103 ⁡𝑡)⁡]⁡𝑠𝑖𝑛(6. 28⁡ ∗ ⁡ 106 𝑡) Calculate the
following
a) Amplitude and frequency of each sideband.
b) Carrier power, sideband power, total power, and efficiency.

Email: [email protected]
 16
Al-Mustaqbal University
Department of Medical Instrumentation Techniques Engineering
Class: Third
Subject: Medical Communication Systems
Lecturer: Prof. Dr. Bayan Mahdi Sabbar & M.Sc. Huda Wasfi Hassoon
Lecture:5

Email: [email protected]