Communication Engineering [AGM]

Communication Engineering
UNIT I - Notes

AM Transmitters: 1. Modulation:

1.1 Definition

1.2 Types of signals in Modulation

2. Need of Modulation

3. Types of Modulation

4. Amplitude Modulation:

4.1 Mathematical Representation

4.2 Modulation Index (µ)

4.3 Frequency spectrum,

5. Principles of: 5.1 DSB-SC modulation

5.2 SSB-SC modulation

5.3 Comparison of DSB-FC, DSB-SC & SSB-SC

6. Details of AM or DSB-FC Transmitter,

7. Generation of DSB-SC by using balanced modulators [Diodes and FETs]

8. Generation of SSB-SC by phase shift method

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1. Modulation

A message signal cannot travel a long distance because of its low signal strength. In addition to this,
physical surroundings, the addition of external noise and travel distance will further reduce the signal
strength of a message signal. So in order to send the message signal to a long distance, we need to
increase the signal strength of a message signal. This can be achieved by using a high frequency or
high energy signal called carrier signal. A high energy signal can travel to a larger distance without
getting affected by external disturbances. We take the help of such high energy signal to transmit
the message signal. This high energy or high frequency signal is known as carrier signal.

The low energy message signal is mixed with the high energy or high frequency carrier signal to
produce a new high energy signal which carries information to a larger distance. The question arises
how the message signal should be added to the carrier signal. The solution lies in changing some
characteristics (amplitude, frequency or phase) of a carrier signal in accordance with the amplitude
of the message signal. This process is called modulation. Modulation means to “change”.

The Message signal contains information whereas the carrier signal contains no information. Carrier
signal is used just to transmit the information to a long distance. At the destination, the message
signal is consumed whereas the carrier signal is wasted. In modulation process, the characteristics of
the carrier signal are changed but the message signal characteristics will not be changed. The carrier
signal does not contain any information so even if we change the characteristics of the carrier signal,
the information contained in it will not be changed. However, the message signal contains
information so if we change the characteristics of the message signal, the information contained in it
will also changes. Therefore, we always change the characteristics of the carrier signal but not the
message signal. Modulation allows the transmission to occur at high frequency while it
simultaneously allows the carrying of the message signal.

1.1 Definition:

Modulation is the process of mixing a low energy message signal with the high energy carrier signal
to produce a new high energy signal which carries information to a long distance.
or
Modulation is the process of changing the characteristics (amplitude, frequency or phase) of the
carrier signal, in accordance with the amplitude of the message signal.

1.2 Types of Signals in Modulation

In modulation process, three types of signals are used to transmit information from source to
destination. They are:

1. Message signal
2. Carrier signal
3. Modulated signal

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1) Message signal
The signal which contains a message to be transmitted to the destination is called a message signal.
The message signal is also known as a modulating signal or baseband signal. The original frequency
range of a transmission signal is called baseband signal. The message signal or baseband signal
undergoes a process called modulation before it gets transmitted over the communication channel.
Hence, the message signal is also known as the modulating signal.

2) Carrier signal
The high energy or high frequency signal which has characteristics like amplitude, frequency, and
phase but contains no information is called a carrier signal. It is also simply referred to as a carrier.
Carrier signal is used to carry the message signal from transmitter to receiver. The carrier signal is
also sometimes referred to as an empty signal.

3) Modulated signal
When the message signal is mixed with the carrier signal, a new signal is produced. This new signal is
known as a modulated signal. The modulated signal is the combination of the carrier signal and
modulating signal.

2. Need for Modulation

Modulation is extremely necessary in communication system because of the following reasons:

1) Avoids mixing of signals

2) Increase the range of communication
3) Wireless communication
4) Reduces the effect of noise
5) Reduces height of antenna

1) Avoids mixing of signals

One of the basic challenges facing by the communication engineering is transmitting individual
messages simultaneously over a single communication channel. A method by which many signals or
multiple signals can be combined into one signal and transmitted over a single communication
channel is called multiplexing. If the multiple baseband sound signals of same frequency range
(I.e. 20 Hz to 20 KHz) are combined into one signal and transmitted over a single communication
channel without doing modulation, then all the signals get mixed together and the receiver cannot
separate them from each other. This problem can be easily overcome by using the modulation
technique.
By using modulation, the baseband sound signals of same frequency range (I.e. 20 Hz to 20
KHz) are shifted to different frequency ranges. Therefore, now each signal has its own frequency
range within the total bandwidth. After modulation, the multiple signals having different frequency
ranges can be easily transmitted over a single communication channel without any mixing and at the
receiver side, they can be easily separated.

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2) Increase the range of communication

The energy of a wave depends upon its frequency. Wave possesses greater energy at the higher
frequencies. The baseband audio signals frequency is very low so they cannot be transmitted over
large distances. On the other hand, the carrier signal has a high frequency or high energy. Therefore,
the carrier signal can travel large distances if radiated directly into space.
The only practical solution to transmit the baseband signal to a large distance is by mixing
the low energy baseband signal with the high energy carrier signal. When the low frequency or low
energy baseband signal is mixed with the high frequency or high energy carrier signal, the resultant
signal frequency will be shifted from low frequency to high frequency. Hence, it becomes possible to
transmit information over large distances. Therefore, the range of communication is increased.

3) Wireless communication
In radio communication, the signal is radiated directly into space. The baseband signals have very low
frequency range (I.e. 20 Hz to 20 KHz). So it is not possible to radiate baseband signals directly into
space because of its poor signal strength. However, by using the modulation technique, the
frequency of the baseband signal is shifted from low frequency to high frequency. Therefore, after
modulation, the signal can be directly radiated into space.

4) Reduces the effect of noise

Noise is an unwanted signal that enters the communication system via the communication channel
and interferes with the transmitted signal. A message signal cannot travel for a long distance
because of its low signal strength. Addition of external noise will further reduce the signal strength
of a message signal. So in order to send the message signal to a long distance, we need to increase
the signal strength of the message signal. This can be achieved by using a technique called
modulation. In modulation technique, a low energy or low frequency message signal is mixed with
the high energy or high frequency carrier signal to produce a new high energy signal which carries
information to a long distance without getting affected by the external noise.

5) Reduces height of antenna

When the transmission of a signal occurs over free space, the transmitting antenna radiates the
signal out and receiving antenna receives it. In order to effectively transmit and receive the signal,
the antenna height should be approximately equal to the wavelength of the signal to be transmitted.
Now,
Velocity (V) 3 × 108
Wavelength (λ) = = m
Frequency (C) freq. in Hz

The audio signal has a very low frequency (I.e. 20 Hz to 20 kHz) and longer wavelength, so if the
signal is transmitted directly into space, the length of the transmitting antenna required would be
extremely large. For instance, to radiate an audio signal frequency of 20 kHz directly into space, we
would need an antenna height of 15,000 meters.

Velocity (V) 3 × 108

Wavelength (λ) = = = 15000 m
Frequency (C) 20 × 103

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The antenna of this height is practically impossible to construct. On the other hand, if the audio
signal (20 Hz) has been modulated by a carrier wave of 200 MHz then, an antenna height of 1.5
meters is needed

Velocity (V) 3 × 108

Wavelength (λ) = = = 1.5 m
Frequency (C) 200 × 106

The antenna of this height is easy to construct.

3. Types of Modulation

Basically, the modulation is classified into two types: analog modulation and digital modulation.

Analog modulation
In analog modulation, the analog signal (sinusoidal signal) is used as a carrier signal that modulates
the analog message signal. In analog modulation, the characteristics (amplitude, frequency or phase)
of the carrier signal are varied in accordance with the amplitude of the message signal.
There are four basic types of analog modulation:

1) Amplitude modulation
2) Frequency modulation
3) Phase modulation
4) Analog pulse modulation

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1) Amplitude modulation
Amplitude modulation is a type of modulation where the amplitude of the carrier signal is varied
(changed) in accordance with the amplitude of the message signal while the frequency and phase of
carrier signal remain constant.

2) Frequency modulation
Frequency modulation is a type of modulation where the frequency of the carrier signal is varied
(changed) in accordance with the amplitude of the message signal while the amplitude and phase of
carrier signal remain constant.

3) Phase modulation
Phase modulation is a type of modulation where the phase of the carrier signal is varied (changed) in
accordance with the amplitude of the message signal while the amplitude of carrier signal remains
constant.

4) Analog pulse modulation

In amplitude, frequency and phase modulation techniques, the carrier and message signals are
continuous signals (sinusoidal signals). However, in analog pulse modulation, the carrier signal is a
discontinuous signal (series of pulses) and message signal is a continuous signal (sinusoidal signal).
Analog pulse modulation is the process of changing the characteristics (pulse amplitude, pulse width
or pulse position) of the carrier pulse, in accordance with the amplitude of the message signal.

The analog pulse modulation is again classified as,

1. Pulse amplitude modulation
2. Pulse width modulation
3. Pulse position modulation

Digital modulation
The digital modulation technique is employed for efficient communication. The main advantages of
the digital modulation over analog modulation include high noise immunity, available bandwidth,
and permissible power. In digital modulation, the modulating signal or message signal is converted
from analog to digital.

Pulse Code Modulation (PCM)

In digital modulation, the modulation technique used is Pulse Code Modulation (PCM). The pulse
code modulation is the method of converting an analog signal into a digital signal I.e. 1s and 0s. As
the resultant signal is a coded pulse train, this is called as pulse code modulation.

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4. Amplitude Modulation

Amplitude modulation is a type of modulation where the amplitude (signal strength) of the carrier
signal is varied in accordance with the amplitude (signal strength) of the message signal. In
amplitude modulation, only the amplitude of the carrier wave is changed while the frequency and
phase of the carrier wave remain constant.

The above figures show the amplitude modulation. The first figure shows the modulating signal or
message signal which contains information, the second figure shows the high frequency carrier
signal which contains no information and the last figure shows the resultant amplitude modulated
signal. The third figure shows that the amplitude of both the positive and negative half cycles of the
carrier wave is varied in accordance with the instant amplitude of the message signal. It can be
observed that the positive and negative peaks of the amplitude modulated (AM) wave are
interconnected with an imaginary line. This imaginary line on the AM wave is called envelope.

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The shape of the envelope of AM wave looks same as the message signal. Therefore, this envelope
helps in recreating the exact shape of the message signal. The carrier signal does not contain any
information so even if we change the amplitude of the carrier signal, no information loss will occur.
However, if we change the characteristics (amplitude, frequency, or phase) of the message signal,
information loss will occur because the message signal contains the information. So the
characteristics of the message signal should not be changed. Amplitude modulation was the earliest
modulation technique used to transmit voice signals by radio signals. Amplitude modulation is still
used in many forms of communication; for example, it is used in portable two-way radios, citizens
band radio, VHF aircraft radio, and in computer modems in the form of QAM (Quadrature Amplitude
Modulation).

4.1 Representation of AM Signal

In amplitude modulation, the message signal is an audio signal which represents sound, (or) a video
signal which represents the image. The carrier wave which has a much higher frequency than the
message signal carries the information. At the receiving station, the message signal is extracted from
the amplitude modulated wave by demodulation technique.

Mathematical Expression:
Consider a sinusoidal modulating signal or message signal m(t) of frequency (ωm) and amplitude
(Am) given by:
m(t) = Am cos ωmt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1)

and carrier wave c(t) of frequency (ωc) and amplitude (Ac) given by:

c(t) = Ac cos ωct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2)

where,
m(t) is the modulating signal or message signal
c(t) is the carrier signal
Am is the maximum amplitude of the message signal
Ac is the maximum amplitude of the carrier signal
ωm is the frequency of the message signal
ωc is the frequency of the carrier signal

Using the above mathematical expressions for message signal and the carrier signal, we can create a
new mathematical expression for the complete modulated wave.
The amplitude of modulated wave (A) is given as:
A = Ac + m(t) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . (3)

Put m(t) value from equation (1) into equation (3), then we get

A = Ac + Am cos ωmt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (4)

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The instantaneous value of the amplitude modulated wave s(t) can be given as:
s(t) = A cos θ
s(t) = A cos ωct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (5)

Put A value from equation (4) into equation (5), then we get

s(t) = (Ac + Am cos ωmt) cos ωct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (6)

This is an equation of amplitude modulated (AM) wave.

4.2 Modulation index of amplitude modulation:

Modulation index or modulation depth describes how the amplitude, frequency or phase of the
carrier signal and message signal affects the amplitude, frequency or phase of the modulated signal.
Amplitude modulation index describes how the amplitude of the carrier signal and message signal
affects the amplitude of the amplitude modulated (AM) signal. It is also defined as the ratio of the
maximum amplitude of message signal to the maximum amplitude of carrier signal. I.e.,

Am
modulation index, μ =
Ac
where,
Am is the maximum amplitude of the message signal
Ac is the maximum amplitude of the carrier signal

The maximum amplitude of the message signal must be less than the maximum amplitude of the
carrier signal to avoid any distortion in the modulated signal. For example, if the carrier signal
amplitude is 5 volts then the message signal amplitude must be less than 5 volts. The maximum value
of the modulation index will be equal to one when Am = Ac. The minimum value of the modulation
index will be zero. If modulation index is higher than 1, then it is called over modulation. In over
modulation, the data loss will occur. When modulation index is expressed in percentage, it is also
called percentage modulation.

Calculation of µ from Amplitude

Modulated waveform:

The figure shows the amplitude

modulated (AM) waveform
through which the modulation
index can be calculated. It is
clear from the below figure that
the modulating signal rides
above the carrier signal.

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From the above figure, we can write,

Amax − Amin
Am = … … … … … . (i)
2

Ac = Amax − Am … … … … … . (ii)

Put Am value from equation (i) into equation (ii), then we get

Amax − Amin
Ac = Amax −
2

Amax + Amin
Ac = … … … … . … (iii)
2

Taking the ratio of equation (i) and (iii), modulation index can be written as:

Amax − Amin
μ= … … . … (iv)
Amax + Amin

Modulation Index Examples

The maximum amplitude of the message signal must be less than (or equal to) the maximum
amplitude of the carrier signal to avoid any distortion in the modulated signal. Based on value of
modulation index, there are three types of modulation:
1. Perfect-Modulation
2. Under-Modulation
3. Over-Modulation

1. Perfect-Modulation:

Perfect-modulation occurs when the

maximum amplitude of the message
signal or modulating signal is exactly
equal to the maximum amplitude of the
carrier signal (Am = Ac). The modulation
index is the ratio of the maximum
amplitude of the message signal to the
maximum amplitude of carrier signal.
Therefore, the modulation index in
perfect-modulation is equal to one µ= 1.

The modulation index is also known as the modulation depth. The perfect-modulation has a
modulation depth of 100%. In perfect-modulation, the carrier level falls to zero. Perfect-modulation
causes no distortion.

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2. Under-Modulation:

Under-modulation occurs when the

maximum amplitude of the message
signal or modulating signal is less than
the maximum amplitude of the carrier
signal (Am < Ac). The modulation index
is the ratio of the maximum amplitude
of the message signal to the maximum
amplitude of carrier signal. Therefore,
the modulation index in under-
modulation is less than one (µ < 1). The
under-modulation has a modulation depth of less than 100%. In under-modulation, the carrier level
falls above zero. Under-modulation causes no distortion.

3. Over-Modulation:

Over-modulation occurs when the

maximum amplitude of the message
signal or modulating signal is greater
than the maximum amplitude of the
carrier signal (Am > Ac). The modulation
index is the ratio of the maximum
amplitude of the message signal to the
maximum amplitude of carrier signal.
Therefore, the modulation index in
over-modulation is greater than one
(µ > 1). The over-modulation has a
modulation depth of greater than 100%. In over-modulation, the carrier wave experiences 180° phase
reversals where the carrier level falls below the zero point.

Over-modulation causes severe distortion of the waveform of the message signal which results in
data loss. Over-modulation is one of the reasons why amplitude modulation is no longer used to
transmit high-quality sound signals. At the transmitter, limiters are included which prevent more
than 100% modulation.

4.3 Frequency Spectrum of Amplitude Modulation

The carrier is an un-modulated sine wave which has a single value of frequency (eg: 3 MHz) and
carries no useful information. When such a carrier is modulated with a message signal, other
frequencies can be detected in it. These new frequencies that are caused by modulation are called
sidebands. These sidebands are created above and below the carrier frequency.

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The sidebands that are created above the carrier frequency are called upper sidebands and the
sidebands that are created below the carrier frequency are called lower sidebands.

fUSB = fc + fm and fLSB = fc – fm

where, fc is the carrier frequency

fm is the message signal frequency
fLSB is lower sideband frequency
fUSB is upper sideband frequency

To see how it works, take the example of a

carrier of 800 kHz frequency which is modulated
by a message signal (audio signal) of 10 kHz
frequency. The process of modulating a carrier
signal with message signal is same as mixing two signals together. As a result of modulation, two
sideband frequencies are produced. One sideband frequencies are created above the carrier
frequency. These sidebands are known as upper sidebands or sum frequencies. The upper sidebands
are created due to the addition of carrier signal frequency (800 kHz) with the message signal
frequency (10 kHz) I.e. 800 kHz + 10 kHz = 810 kHz.

Another sideband frequency is created below the carrier frequency. These sidebands are known as
lower sidebands or difference frequencies. The lower sidebands are created due to the subtraction
of message signal frequency (10kHz) with the carrier signal frequency (800 kHz) I.e. 800 kHz – 10 kHz
= 790 kHz. I.e. 10 kHz frequency is produced above and below the carrier.

Consider the expression of AM (amplitude modulated) wave given by equation (6)

s(t) = (Ac + Am cos ωmt) cos ωct

We know that µ = Am / Ac. Hence we have Am = µ Ac.

Putting this value of Am in above equation we get,

s(t) = (Ac + µ Ac cos ωmt) cos ωct

s(t) = Ac (1 + µ cos ωmt) cos ωct
s(t) = Ac cos ωct + Ac µ cos ωmt cos ωct
we know that,
1 1
cos(A)cos(B) = cos(A − B) + cos(A + B)
2 2

Applying this result to term in equation above, we get

μAc μAc
s(t) = Ac cosωc t + cos(ωc − ωm )t + cos(ωc + ωm )t
2 2

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In the above equation, the first term represents unmodulated carrier, the second term represents
lower sideband and the last term represents upper sideband.

Note that ωc = 2πfc and ωm = 2πfm.

Hence, the above equation can also be written as:

μAc μAc
s(t) = Ac cos2πfc t + cos 2π(fc − fm )t + cos2π(fc + fm )t
2 2

μAc μAc
s(t) = Ac cos2πfc t + cos 2πfLSB t + cos2πfUSB t
2 2

The frequency spectrum of AM wave is shown in the figure.

The spectrum consists of full carrier and both the sidebands. Hence, it is also called Double Sideband
Full Carrier (DSB-FC) system.

 Bandwidth of Amplitude Modulation

The bandwidth of the signal can be obtained by taking the difference between the highest and
lowest frequencies of the signal. From the above figure, we can obtain the bandwidth of AM wave
as, BW = fUSB – fLSB
BW = (fc + fm) – (fc – fm)
BW = 2 fm

 Power Calculations of AM Wave

Consider the following equation of amplitude modulated wave

μAc μAc
s(t) = Ac cos2πfc t + cos 2π(fc − fm )t + cos2π(fc + fm )t
2 2

Power of AM wave is equal to the sum of powers of carrier, upper sideband, and lower sideband
frequency components.
Pt = Pc + PUSB + PLSB

We know that the standard formula for power of cos signal is

2
Vrms 2 (Vm ⁄√2)
P= =
R R
where,
Vrms = RMS value of cos signal. Vm = peak value of cos signal.

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First, let us find the powers of the carrier, the upper and lower sideband one by one.
1. Carrier power (Pc ):
2
(Ac ⁄√2) Ac 2
Pc = =
R 2R
2. Upper sideband power (PUSB):
2
(μ Ac ⁄2√2) μ2 Ac 2
PUSB = =
R 8R

3. Lower sideband power will be same as that of the upper side band power
μ2 Ac 2
PLSB =
8R

Now, adding these three powers in order to get the total power (Pt ) of AM wave

Ac 2 μ2 Ac 2 μ2 Ac 2
Pt = + +
2R 8R 8R

Ac 2 μ2 μ2
Pt = ( ) (1 + + )
2R 4 4

μ2
Pt = Pc (1 + )
2

Above formula can be used to calculate the power of AM wave, when the carrier power and the
modulation index are known. If the modulation index μ=1 then the power of AM wave is equal to 1.5
times the carrier power [Pt = 1.5 Pc]. So, the power required for transmitting an AM wave is 1.5 times
the carrier power for a perfect modulation.

Note: Power Efficiency of AM Signal is given by:

𝑷𝑼𝑺𝑩 + 𝑷𝑳𝑺𝑩 𝝁𝟐
𝜼=( ) × 𝟏𝟎𝟎% = ( 𝟐 ) × 𝟏𝟎𝟎%
𝑷𝒄 + 𝑷𝑼𝑺𝑩 + 𝑷𝑳𝑺𝑩 𝝁 +𝟐

Maximum Efficiency of AM wave is calculated at 𝝁 = 𝟏. Its value is 𝜼𝒎𝒂𝒙 = 𝟑𝟑%

 Advantages of Amplitude Modulation:

1. Few components needed: At the receiver side, the original signal is extracted (demodulated) using
a circuit consisting of very few components.
2. Low cost: The components used in amplitude modulation are very cheap. So the AM transmitter
and AM receiver build at low cost.
3. It is simple to implement.
4. Long distance communication: Amplitude modulated waves can travel a longer distance.
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 Disadvantages of Amplitude Modulation:

1. Amplitude modulation is inefficient in terms of its power usage since most of the power is
concentrated in the carrier signal which contains no information. At the receiver side, the power
consumed by the carrier wave is wasted.
2. It requires high bandwidth: The amplitude modulation is not efficient in terms of its use of
bandwidth. It requires a bandwidth equal to twice that of the highest audio signal frequency.
3. This type of transmission can be easily affected by the external radiation.
4. Amplitude modulation cannot be used for transmission of sensitive information like in the army,
where interpretation or loss or disruption during transmission is not an option.

 Applications of Amplitude Modulation:

1. Air band radio: The amplitude modulation is extensively used in aerospace industry. The VHF (Very
High Frequency) transmissions made by the airborne equipment still use amplitude modulation. The
radio contact between ground to ground and also ground to air use amplitude modulated signals.
2. Broadcast transmission: Amplitude modulation is still widely used for broadcasting either short or
medium or long wave bands.
3. Quadrature amplitude modulation: Amplitude modulation is used in the transmission of data of
almost everything, from short-range transmission such as Wi-Fi to cellular communications.
Quadrature amplitude modulation is formed by mixing two carriers that are out of phase by 90°.
4. Single sideband: The amplitude modulation (AM) in the form of single sideband is still used for HF
(High Frequency) radio links.

5.1 Principle of Double Side Band Suppressed Carrier [DSB-SC] Modulation

Bandwidth and power are two most important resources in any communication system. The
minimum usage of these two resources ensures efficient system. In the process of amplitude
modulation, modulated wave consists of the carrier wave and two side bands. The transmission of
signals which contains a carrier along with two sidebands can be termed as Double Sideband Full
Carrier [DSB-FC] system. However, such transmission is inefficient in terms of its power usage since
most of the power is concentrated in the carrier signal which contains no information. At receiver
side, the power consumed by the carrier wave is wasted. This wastage of power can be prevented by
suppressing the carrier wave. The modulation scheme which utilizes this concept is known as
‘Double Side band Suppressed Carrier [DSB-SC] Modulation.’

Mathematical Expression and Spectrum for DSB-SC Modulation:

Consider a sinusoidal modulating signal and carrier wave is given by: m(t) = Am cos ωmt and
c(t) = Ac cos ωct

Mathematically, DSB-SC can be represented as the product of modulating and carrier signals:

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i. e. , s(t) = m(t) c(t)

∴ s(t) = (Am cos 2πfm t). (Ac cos 2πfc t)

∴ s(t) = Am Ac cos(2πfm t) cos(2πfc t)

We know that,
1 1
cos(A)cos(B) = cos(A − B) + cos(A + B)
2 2

Am Ac Am Ac
s(t) = cos[2π(fc + fm )t] + cos[2π(fc − fm )t]
2 2

This is the equation of DSB-SC modulated wave. From above equation, it is observed that DSB-SC
modulated wave has only two sideband frequencies: fUSB = fc + fm and fLSB = fc – fm
Spectrum of the DSB-SC modulated wave is shown in the figure.

 Bandwidth of DSB-SC Modulation

The bandwidth of the signal can be obtained by taking the difference between the highest and
lowest frequencies of the signal. From the above figure, we can obtain the bandwidth of wave as,
BW = fUSB – fLSB
BW = (fc + fm) – (fc – fm)
BW = 2 fm

 Power Calculations of AM Wave

Consider the following equation of DSB-SC modulated wave

Am Ac Am Ac
s(t) = cos[2π(fc + fm )t] + cos[2π(fc − fm )t]
2 2

Power of modulated wave is equal to sum of powers upper & lower sideband frequency components

Pt = PUSB + PLSB

The standard formula for power of cos signal is

2
Vrms 2 (Vm ⁄√2)
P= =
R R

Am Ac 2 Am Ac 2
((2
)⁄√2) ((2
)⁄√2)
Pt = +
R R

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Am 2 Ac 2 Am 2 Ac 2
Pt = +
8R 8R

Am 2 Ac 2
∴ Pt =
4R

 Advantage of DSB-SC Modulation:

1. Consumption of Power is less since carrier is suppressed.
2. The modulation system is simple

 Disadvantages of DSB-SC Modulation:

1. Demodulation system becomes complex as compared to AM.

5.2 Principle of Single Side Band Suppressed Carrier [SSB-SC] Modulation

Bandwidth and power are two most important resources in any communication system. The
minimum usage of these two resources ensures efficient system. In the process of amplitude
modulation, modulated wave consists of the carrier wave and two side bands. However, such
transmission is inefficient in terms of its power usage since most of the power is concentrated in the
carrier signal which contains no information. Whereas, Double Side band Suppressed Carrier [DSB-
SC] Modulation has two sidebands. Since, both sidebands carry same information; there is no need
to transmit the both sidebands. The system becomes both power and bandwidth efficient when one
side band is suppressed. This process of suppressing one sideband along with the carrier and
transmitting a single sideband is called as Single Side Band Suppressed carrier [SSB-SC] modulation.

Mathematical Expression and Spectrum for SSB-SC Modulation:

Consider a sinusoidal modulating signal and carrier wave is given by:
m(t) = Am cos ωmt
c(t) = Ac cos ωct

Mathematically, SSB-SC modulated wave can be

represented by the equation:
For upper Sideband,
Am Ac
s(t) = cos[2π(fc + fm )t]
2

For Lower Sideband,

Am Ac
s(t) = cos[2π(fc − fm )t]
2

Spectrum of the SSB-SC modulated wave is shown in the figure.

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 Bandwidth of SSB-SC Modulation

We know that the DSBSC modulated wave contains two sidebands and its bandwidth is 2fm. Since
the SSBSC modulated wave contains only one sideband, its bandwidth is half of the bandwidth of
DSBSC modulated wave i.e., the bandwidth (BW) of SSB-SC signal = 2fm/2 = fm.

Therefore, the bandwidth of SSBSC modulated wave is fm and it is equal to the frequency of the
modulating signal.

 Power Calculations of SSB-SC Modulated Wave

Consider the following equation of DSB-SC modulated wave

Am Ac
s(t) = cos[2π(fc + fm )t] … … . For Upper Side Band
2

Am Ac
s(t) = cos[2π(fc − fm )t] … … . For Lower Side Band
2

Power of SSB-SC wave is equal to the power of any one sideband frequency components.

Pt = PUSB = PLSB

The standard formula for power of cos signal is

2
Vrms 2 (Vm ⁄√2)
P= =
R R

In this case, the power of upper side band is

Am 2 Ac 2
PUSB =
8R

Similarly, we will get the lower sideband power same as that of the upper side band power

Am 2 Ac 2
PLSB =
8R

Therefore, the power of SSB-SC modulated wave is given by

Am 2 Ac 2
Pt = PUSB = PLSB =
8R

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 Advantages of SSB-SC Modulation

1. Bandwidth or spectrum space occupied is lesser than AM and DSB signals.

2. Transmission of more number of signals is allowed.
3. Power is saved.
4. High power signal can be transmitted.
5. Less amount of noise is present.
6. Signal fading is less likely to occur.

 Disadvantages of SSB-SC Modulation

1. The generation and detection of SSB signal is a complex process.

2. Quality of the signal gets affected unless the SSB transmitter and receiver have excellent
frequency stability.

 Applications of SSB-SC Modulation:

1. for power saving requirements and low bandwidth requirements.

2. in land, air, and maritime mobile communications.
3. in point-to-point communications.
4. in radio communications.
5. in television, telemetry, and radar communications.
6. in military communications

5.3 Comparison of AM (DSB-FC), DSB-SC & SSB-SC

Sr.No. Parameter AM (DSB-FC) DSB-SC SSB-SC

1. Components Carrier wave and No Carrier wave. No Carrier wave.

of modulated two sidebands Two Side Bands Only one sideband
wave (upper side band and (upper side band and (upper side band or
lower side band) lower side band) Lower side band
2. Transmitted μ2 Am 2 Ac 2 Am 2 Ac 2
Pt = Pc (1 + ) Pt = Pt =
power (Pt) 2 4R 8R

3. Bandwidth 2fm 2fm fm

4. Spectrum

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6. Details of AM Transmitter
AM transmitter takes the audio signal as an input and delivers amplitude modulated wave to the
antenna as an output to be transmitted. Block diagram of a typical amplitude modulation transmitter
is shown in the figure below:

The working of AM transmitter can be explained as follows:

 Sound wave produced by speech or music strike the diaphragm of microphone that converts
them into a tiny varying current.
 The audio frequency output of microphone is amplified by a low level audio amplifier and
finally by a power amplifier.
 On the other side, the carrier waves of radio frequency are generated by a crystal oscillator.
 These carrier waves are applied to a tuned buffer amplifier and finally to an RF output
amplifier which is nothing but modulator.
 Buffer amplifier is used to isolate the RF oscillator and amplifier stage.
 The amplified audio signal is then combined with the carrier to give a modulated carrier wave
which is fed to the transmitter antenna.

7. Generation of DSB-SC by using balanced modulators

Double Sideband Suppressed Carrier (DSB-SC) is an amplitude modulation technique in which the
modulated wave contains both the sidebands along with the suppressed carrier. Conventional AM
consists of the two sidebands and a carrier where the major transmitted power is concentrated in
the carrier which contains no information. Thus, to increase the efficiency and to save power, the
carrier is suppressed in DSB-SC system.

7.1 Balanced modulators using Diodes:

The DSB-SC generation using balanced modulator based on nonlinear resistance characteristics of
diode is given below in Figure. The diode in the balanced modulator use the nonlinear resistance
property for producing modulated signals. Carrier voltage is applied in phase at both the diodes,
while modulating voltage appears 180° out of phase at the diode inputs as they are at opposite ends

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of a center tapped transformer. The modulated output currents of the two diodes are combined in
the center tapped primary of the output transformer, which then gets subtracted.

Figure: Balanced Modulator using Diodes

The modulating signal x(t) is applied equally with 180o phase reversal at the inputs of both the
diodes through the input center tapped transformer . The carrier is applied to the center tap of the
secondary. Voltages e1 and e2 are expressed as:
e1 = coswc t + x(t) ……..(1)
e2 = coswc t − x(t) ……..(2)
The parallel RLC circuits on the output side form the band pass filters .

Analysis: The diode current i1 and i2 are given by :

i1 = ae1 + be1 2
i1 = a[coswc t + x(t)] + b[coswc t + x(t)]2
i1 = acoswc t + ax(t) + bcos 2 wc t + 2bx(t)coswc t + bx(t)2 …(3)

Similarly, i2 = ae2 + be2 2

i2 = a[coswc t − x(t)] + b[coswc t − x(t)]2
i2 = acoswc t − ax(t) + bcos 2 wc t − 2bx(t)coswc t + bx(t)2 …(4)

The voltage vo at the input of band pass filter is given by : vo = i1 R − i2 R

Substituting the expression for i1 and i2 from equations (3) and (4), we get

vo = 2ax(t)R + 4bRx(t)coswc t

Hence, the output voltage contains a modulating signal term and the DSB-SC signal. The modulating
signal term [2ax(t)R] is eliminated and the second term is allowed to pass through to the output by
the LC band pass filter section. Therefore, final output = 4 b R x(t) cos ωct = K x(t) cos ωct

Thus, the diode balanced modulator produces the DSB-SC signal at its output.

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7.2 Balanced modulator using FETs:

The circuit shows the diagram of balanced modulator using FETs. There are three transformers T1, T2
and T3 . The carrier signal is applied to the center taps of input transformer T1 and output
transformer T3 through the transformer T2. Modulating signal is applied to the input transformer T1.
The carrier signal is applied to primary of transformer T2. This signal is further applied to two gates of
FETs in phase through the secondary of T2. The modulating voltage appears 180 degrees out of
phase at the gates, since these are the opposite ends of the centre taped transformer.

Consider that there is no modulating signal applied .Then FET currents due to carrier signal are equal
in amplitude but opposite in the directions. These opposite and equal currents at the primary of the
output transformer cancel each other. Hence, no output is produced at the secondary of T3. Thus
carrier is suppressed. When modulating signal is applied, the currents id1 and id2 flow in the primary
of T3 due to carrier signal as well as the modulating signal.

The FET currents due to carrier are equal and opposite and cancel each other. Since the modulating
signal is applied 180 degrees out of phase at the gates, the FET currents due to modulating signal are
equal but not opposite, hence do not cancel each other. Therefore, output is produced at the
secondary of the transformer T3 .Thus DSB output is produced by FET balanced modulator.

8. Generation of SSB-SC by Phase Shift Method

Figure below shows the block diagram for the phase shift method of SSB-SC generation. This system
is used for the suppression of upper sideband [USB]. This system uses two balanced modulators
M1 and M2 and two 90o phase shifting networks as shown in figure.

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Figure: SSB generation using Phase Shift Method

Working Operation:

It uses two balanced modulators. The balanced modulators effectively eliminates carrier. The carrier
oscillator is applied directly to the upper balanced modulator M1 along with modulating signal x(t).
Then, both carrier and modulating signal is shifted by 90o and applied to the lower balanced
modulator M2. Two balanced modulator output then added together algebraically. The phase
shifting action causes one sideband to cancel out when two balanced outputs are combined.

The carrier signal is Vc cos(2πfc t) and modulating signal is Vm cos(2πfm t).

The balanced modulator M1 produces product of these two signal as: Vc cos(2πfc t). Vm cos(2πfm t)
Applying trigonometric identity, it becomes Vc Vm /2[ cos2π(fc + fm )t + cos2π(fc − fm )t]
Note that this is addition of upper and lower sideband components.

Similarly,
The balanced modulator M2 produces product of these two signal as: Vc sin(2πfc t). Vm sin(2πfm t)
Applying trigonometric identity, it becomes Vc Vm /2[ cos2π(fc − fm )t − cos2π(fc + fm )t]
Note that this is difference of upper and lower sideband components.

The outputs of M1 and M2 are applied to adder. Therefore, upper sideband components will cancel
each other and we will get only lower side band component in the output. In this way, SSB-SC signal
is generated using Phase Shift Method.

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IMPORTANT QUESTIONS ON UNIT-I

[ Following questions are asked in previous university exams : W2017, S2018, W2018, S2019 & W2019]

Q1. What is Communication? Explain the communication system with its elements.
Q2. What is Modulation? Explain the need of Modulation in brief.
Q3. Derive an expression for AM signal with suitable waveform. Also draw its frequency spectrum.
Q4. Explain the working of ‘balance modulator using diodes’ for the generation of DSB-SC.
Q5. Explain the generation of SSB-SC by Phase Shift Method.
Q6. Derive the relation between carrier power and total power in AM signal.
Q7. An audio frequency signal 20sin2π800t is used to modulate a carrier of 100sin2π105 t. Calculate:
a. Modulation index
b. Side band frequency
c. Amplitude of each side band frequency
d. Bandwidth required
Q8. An audio frequency signal 10sin2π700t is used to modulate a carrier of 70sin2π104 t. Calculate:
a. Modulation index
b. Side band frequency
c. Amplitude of each side band
d. Bandwidth required
Q9. Calculate percentage power saving when carrier and one of the sideband is suppressed in an AM
signal modulated to a depth of i) 100% ii) 50%

UNIT I: NOTES Page 24