LESSON 9: ANALOG TRANSMISSION

Learning Objectives:
❖ By the end of this lesson, students should be able to:
❖ Define analog transmission and its role in communication systems.
❖ Differentiate between digital-to-analog and analog-to-analog conversion methods.
❖ Describe and compare key digital-to-analog modulation techniques: ASK, FSK, PSK,
and QAM.
❖ Explain analog-to-analog modulation methods: AM, FM, and PM.
❖ Evaluate the advantages, limitations, and applications of each modulation
technique.

Introduction:
In modern communication systems, not all data is transmitted in purely digital form. Often,
digital data must be transmitted over analog mediums like radio waves. To bridge this gap,
analog transmission techniques are employed. Whether converting digital signals into
analog form or modulating one analog signal with another, understanding these processes
is crucial to the design of efficient communication systems. This lesson explores two major
domains of analog transmission: Digital-to-Analog Conversion and Analog-to-Analog
Conversion, detailing their core techniques and practical relevance.

Converting digital data into a bandpass analog signal is traditionally known as digital-to-
analog conversion. Conversely, transforming a low-pass analog signal into a bandpass
analog signal is typically referred to as analog-to-analog conversion.

9.1 DIGITAL-TO-ANALOG CONVERSION

Digital-to-analog conversion transforms

digital data (bits) into analog signals for
transmission over analog mediums. This
process involves varying a characteristic
of a carrier signal—amplitude, frequency,
or phase—based on digital input.

9.1.1 Aspects of Digital-to-Analog Conversion

Before diving into specific digital-to-analog modulation schemes, it's important to
understand the key aspects that govern how digital signals are converted into analog
waveforms for transmission.

1. Data Element vs. Signal Element

❖ Data Element: The smallest unit of information in a digital signal, usually
represented as a bit (0 or 1).
 ❖ Signal Element: The smallest part of a signal that represents a data element or
group of data elements.

Note: In digital-to-analog conversion, one signal element (e.g., one change in

amplitude, frequency, or phase) may represent one or more data elements
depending on the modulation technique (e.g., QPSK = 2 bits per symbol).

2. Data Rate vs. Signal Rate

❖ Data Rate (measured in bits per second, bps): The speed at which data
elements are transmitted.
❖ Signal Rate (measured in baud): The rate at which signal elements are sent
over the channel.

Relationship:
1
𝑆 = 𝑁𝑥 𝑏𝑎𝑢𝑑
𝑟

Where 𝑆 is the signal rate, 𝑁 is the data rate (bps) and 𝑟 is number of data elements
(bits) carried in one signal element. The value of 𝑟 in analog transmission 𝑟 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔 2𝐿,
where 𝐿 is the number of different signal elements. The same nomenclature is used
simplify the comparisons.

Note: In analog transmission of the digital data, the baud rate is less than or equal to
bit rate.

Example No. 1: If QAM sends 4 bits per symbol (signal element) at 1000 baud, What
is the data rate?

𝑠𝑦𝑚𝑏𝑜𝑙 𝑏𝑖𝑡𝑠
𝑁 = 𝑆 𝑥 𝑟 = 1000 (4 ) = 4000 𝑏𝑝𝑠
𝑠𝑒𝑐 𝑠𝑦𝑚𝑏𝑜𝑙

Example No. 2: An analog signal has a bit rate of 8000 bps and a baud rate of 1000
baud. How many data elements are carried by each signal element? How many signal
elements do we need?
𝑁 8000 𝑏𝑖𝑡/𝑠𝑒𝑐
𝑟= = = 𝟖 𝒃𝒊𝒕𝒔/𝒔𝒚𝒎𝒃𝒐𝒍
𝑆 1000 𝑠𝑦𝑚𝑏𝑜𝑙/𝑠𝑒𝑐

𝐿 = 2𝑛 = 28 = 𝟐𝟓𝟔 𝒔𝒊𝒈𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔

3. Bandwidth
❖ Bandwidth is the range of frequencies a signal occupies on the analog
medium (measured in Hz).
 ❖ Higher bandwidth allows more complex modulation (e.g., higher-order QAM)
and higher data rates.
❖ Each modulation technique (ASK, FSK, PSK, QAM) has its own bandwidth
requirements depending on the signal rate and spectral efficiency.
❖ The bandwidth required for analog transmission of digital data is generally
proportional to the data rate, except in the case of FSK, where the difference
between the carrier signals adds to the total bandwidth.

4. Carrier Signal
❖ A carrier signal is a high-frequency analog waveform (usually sinusoidal)
that acts as a base for transmitting digital data. Digital information then
changes the carrier signal by modifying one or more of its characteristics.
This kind of modification is called modulation (shift keying).
❖ Digital-to-analog conversion works by modulating this carrier's:
❖ Amplitude (ASK)
❖ Frequency (FSK)
❖ Phase (PSK)
❖ Both amplitude and phase (QAM)
❖ Carrier signals make it possible to transmit digital data over analog channels,
such as radio waves, coaxial cables, or fiber optics.

9.1.2 Types of Digital-to-Analog Conversion

1. Amplitude Shift Keying (ASK)

❖ In ASK, the amplitude of the carrier signal is varied to represent binary data.
Bit 1 → High amplitude
Bit 0 → Zero or low amplitude
❖ The frequency and phase remain constant.
❖ Advantages: Simple to implement
❖ Disadvantages: Highly susceptible to noise (since amplitude is easily
affected)

2. Frequency Shift Keying (FSK)

 ❖ Frequency changes represent binary values.
❖ More noise-resistant than ASK; used in radio and modem technologies.

3. Phase Shift Keying (PSK)

❖ Carrier’s phase is shifted in response to the digital signal.
❖ Offers better performance in noisy environments; common in Wi-Fi and
satellite communication.

4. Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM)

❖ Combines amplitude and phase modulation.
❖ High data rate transmission; widely used in modems, 4G/5G, and digital TV.

9.1.3. Amplitude Shift (ASK)

Amplitude Shift Keying (ASK) is a form of digital-to-analog modulation where the amplitude
of a carrier wave is varied to represent binary data (0s and 1s). The frequency and phase
remain constant.

Binary ASK (BASK):

Also known as On-Off Keying
(OOK), BASK is the simplest form of ASK:
❖ Bit 1 is represented by the
presence of a carrier
signal (e.g., high
amplitude).
❖ Bit 0 is represented by the
absence of a carrier signal
(zero amplitude).

Bandwidth for ASK:

ASK requires a minimum bandwidth that depends on the bit rate and the pulse shaping:

𝐵 = (1 + 𝑑)𝑥 𝑆

Where S is the signal rate and B is the bandwidth. The value of d is between 0 and 1.
The formula shows that the required bandwidth has a minimum value of 𝑆 and a maximum
value of 2𝑆.

Example no. 1: We have an available bandwidth of 100 kHz which spans from 200 to 300 kHz.
What are the carrier frequency and the bit rate if we modulated our data by using ASK with d
= 1?

The middle of the bandwidth is located at 250 kHz. This means that our carrier frequency
can be at fc = 250 kHz.
 𝐵 100 𝑘𝐻𝑧
𝑆= = = 50 𝑘𝐵𝑎𝑢𝑑
1+𝑑 1+1
In ASK, 1 bit per symbol (𝑟 = 1)
𝑁 = 𝑟 𝑥 𝑆 = (1)(50 𝑘𝐵𝑎𝑢𝑑) = 𝟓𝟎 𝒌𝒃𝒑𝒔

Example no. 2: In data communications, we normally use full-duplex links with

communication in both directions. We need to divide the bandwidth into two with two carrier
frequencies, as shown in the figure. The figure shows the positions of two carrier frequencies
and the bandwidths. The available bandwidth for each direction is now 50 kHz, which leaves
us with a data rate of 25 kbps in each direction.

Implementation:

Multilevel ASK:
In multilevel ASK, more than two amplitudes are used to represent multiple bits per symbol.
We can use 4, 8, 16, or more different amplitudes for the signal and modulate the data using
2, 3, 4, or more bits at a time. In these cases, r = 2, r = 3, r = 4, and so on.
Examples:
4-ASK: 2 bits per symbol
8-ASK: 3 bits per symbol

Advantages:
❖ Higher data rates (more bits per symbol)
Disadvantages:
❖ More susceptible to noise (since amplitudes are closer together)
❖ Requires better signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)
9.1.4. Frequency Shift (FSK)

Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) is a type of digital-to-analog modulation where two or more
frequencies are used to represent binary or multilevel data. The amplitude and phase remain
constant, and only the frequency of the carrier changes.

Binary FSK (BFSK):

Binary FSK uses two distinct carrier frequencies to represent binary values:
❖ Bit 0 → Frequency 𝑓1
❖ Bit 1 → Frequency 𝑓2

The first carrier frequency if the data bit is 0, and the second if the data bit is 1. However, this
example is simplified and primarily for demonstration—typically, carrier frequencies are very
high, and the difference between them is very small.

❖ As figure shows, the middle of one bandwidth is 𝑓1 and the middle of the other is 𝑓2 .
Both 𝑓1 and 𝑓2 are ∆𝑓 apart from the midpoint between the two bands. The difference
between the two frequencies is 2∆𝑓.

Bandwidth:
The required bandwidth for BFSK is approximately:
𝐵 = (1 + 𝑑)𝑥 𝑆 + 2∆𝑓

Where S is the signal rate, B is the bandwidth, and 𝛥𝑓 = frequency separation between 𝑓1 and
𝑓2 . The value of d is between 0 and 1.

Example Npo. 1. We have an available bandwidth of 100 kHz which spans from 200 to 300
kHz. What should be the carrier frequency and the bit rate if we modulated our data by using
FSK with d = 1?

The midpoint of the band is at 250 kHz. We choose 2Δf to be 50 kHz; this means:
𝐵 = (1 + 𝑑)𝑥 𝑆 + 2∆𝑓
100 𝑘𝐻𝑧 = (1 + 1)𝑥 𝑆 + 50 𝑘𝐻𝑧
𝑺 = 𝟐𝟓 𝟓 𝒌𝒃𝒂𝒖𝒅
 𝑵 = 𝟐𝟓 𝒌𝒃𝒑𝒔

Comparison: Bit rate for ASK is 50 kbps while the bit rate for FSK is 25 kbps.

Implementation:
There are two types of BFSK: noncoherent and coherent. In noncoherent BFSK, the phase
may jump when switching signals, while in coherent BFSK, the phase continues smoothly
across signal boundaries.
• Noncoherent BFSK can be made by treating it as two ASK modulations with two
different carrier frequencies.
• Coherent BFSK uses a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) that adjusts its frequency
based on the input. When the input (unipolar NRZ signal) is zero amplitude, the
oscillator stays at its regular frequency. When it's positive, the frequency increases.

Multilevel FSK:
Multilevel modulation (MFSK) is not uncommon with the FSK method. Multilevel FSK uses
more than two frequencies, allowing multiple bits per symbol. For example, we can use four
different frequencies 𝑓1 , 𝑓2 , 𝑓3 , and 𝑓4 to send 2 bits at a time. To send 3 bits at a time, we can
use eight frequencies. And so on. However, we need to remember that the frequencies need
to be 2𝛥𝑓 apart.
❖ 4-FSK: 2 bits per symbol
❖ 8-FSK: 3 bits per symbol

Advantages:
❖ Higher data throughput
Disadvantages:
❖ Requires greater bandwidth
❖ Needs more complex receivers
❖ Increased susceptibility to frequency-selective fading

𝐵 = (1 + 𝑑)𝑥 𝑆 + (𝐿 − 1)2∆𝑓
Example no. 2. We need to send data 3 bits at a time at a bit rate of 3 Mbps. The carrier
frequency is 10 MHz. Calculate the number of levels (different frequencies), the baud rate,
and the bandwidth.

Solution: L = 23 = 8. The baud rate is S = N/r = 3 MHz/3 = 1 Mbaud.

This means that the carrier frequencies must be 1 MHz apart (2Δf = 1 MHz). The bandwidth
is B = 8 × 1 = 8 MHz. Figure shows the allocation of frequencies and bandwidth.

9.1.5. Phase Shift Keying (PSK)

Phase Shift Keying (PSK) is a digital-to-analog modulation technique in which the phase of
a constant-frequency carrier signal is varied to represent digital data. The amplitude and
frequency remain constant.

Binary PSK (BPSK):

Binary PSK uses two distinct phases to represent binary values:
• Bit 0 → Phase shift of 0°
• Bit 1 → Phase shift of 180°

Bandwidth:
The bandwidth is the same as that for binary ASK, but less than that for BFSK. No bandwidth
is wasted for separating two carrier signals.
𝐵 = (1 + 𝑑)𝑥 𝑆

Implementation:
Implementing BPSK is as straightforward as ASK because a phase of 180° can be seen as the
complement of a 0° phase. This guides us to use a similar approach but with a polar NRZ
signal instead of a unipolar one, as shown in the figure below. The polar NRZ signal is
multiplied by the carrier:
• Bit 1 (positive voltage): phase starts at 0°
• Bit 0 (negative voltage): phase starts at 180°
Binary PSK (BPSK):
• Bit 0 → 0° phase shift
• Bit 1 → 180° phase shift

Quadrature PSK (QPSK)

Because BPSK is simple, designers began using 2 bits at once in each signal element to
reduce the baud rate and bandwidth. This method is called quadrature PSK (QPSK)
because it combines two BPSK signals: one in-phase and one quadrature (out-of-phase).
The incoming bits are split into two streams using serial-to-parallel conversion—one bit goes
to each modulator. If each original bit lasts time T, the bits sent to each BPSK modulator last
2T. This means each BPSK signal operates at half the frequency of the original data.

The two sine waves from the multipliers have the same frequency but different phases.
When added, they create a wave with one of four phases: 45°, -45°, 135°, or -135°. So, there
are four signal types, and you can send 2 bits with each one.
Example No.1 Find the bandwidth for a signal transmitting at 12 Mbps for QPSK. The value
of d = 0.
Solution: For QPSK, 2 bits are carried by one signal element. This means that r = 2. So the
signal rate (baud rate) is S = N × (1/r) = 6 Mbaud. With a value of d = 0, we have B = S = 6 MHz.

9.1.6. Constellation Diagram:

A constellation diagram is a graphical representation of a digitally modulated signal in the
complex plane. Each point on the diagram represents a unique symbol that corresponds to
a particular amplitude and phase of a signal.

Purpose and Importance:

❖ Visualizes modulation schemes such as ASK, PSK, and QAM.
❖ Helps analyze signal quality and modulation accuracy.
❖ Identifies noise effects, distortion, and inter-symbol interference (ISI).

Components:
❖ X-axis (In-phase, I component): Represents the in-
phase carrier signal.
❖ Y-axis (Quadrature, Q component): Represents the
quadrature carrier signal.
❖ Points (symbols): Represent signal states
(combination of phase and amplitude).

Interpretation:
Each dot in the diagram corresponds to a unique binary pattern (symbol). For example:
❖ In BPSK, there are 2 points on opposite sides of the origin.
❖ In QPSK, there are 4 points spaced 90° apart.
❖ In 16-QAM, there are 16 points in a grid pattern, combining different amplitudes and
phases.

Constellation diagrams for ASK (OOK), BPSK, and QPSK signals:

ASK:
Uses only an in-phase carrier, with points along the x-axis.
• Binary 0: amplitude 0 V (at the origin)
• Binary 1: amplitude 1 V (at 1 unit on the x-axis)
BPSK:
Also uses only an in-phase carrier, but with two signal states:
• Amplitude +1 V (0° phase)
• Amplitude -1 V (180° phase)
QPSK:
Uses two carriers: in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q).
• Each 2-bit symbol is represented by combining two signal elements: one with in-
phase and one with quadrature.
• The point representing 11 is made of two combined signal elements, both with an
amplitude of 1 V. One element is represented by an in-phase carrier, the other
element by a quadrature carrier. The amplitude of the final signal element sent for this
2-bit data element is 21/2( 1.41 V) and the phase is 45°.
• The amplitude is about 1.41 V, with phase angles of 45°, 135°, -135°, or -45°.
• They can also be scaled to have a final amplitude of 1 V for simplicity.

9.1.7. Quadrature Amplitude Modulation

Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) is a modulation technique that combines both
amplitude shift keying (ASK) and phase shift keying (PSK). It varies both the amplitude and
the phase of a carrier signal to represent digital data.

QAM modulates two carriers:

❖ One in-phase (I) carrier (cosine wave)
❖ One quadrature (Q) carrier (sine wave)
❖ These two are combined, and their amplitude and phase values are varied to create
unique signal points in a constellation diagram.
Advantages:
❖ High data rate at a given bandwidth
❖ Efficient use of frequency spectrum
❖ Widely used in modern digital communications
Disadvantages:
❖ Requires linear amplifiers
❖ More susceptible to noise and distortion at higher QAM levels
❖ Complex receiver design needed for accurate demodulation
QAM has many forms. Figure shows some examples:
❖ A. The simplest 4-QAM using a unipolar NRZ signal to modulate each carrier. This is
the same method used in ASK (OOK).
❖ B. Another 4-QAM with polar NRZ, which is the same as QPSK.
❖ C. A 4-QAM where each carrier is modulated with a signal having two positive levels.
❖ D. A 16-QAM constellation with eight levels: four positive and four negative.
• 16 unique symbols = 4 bits per symbol
• Each symbol has a distinct amplitude and phase
• Appears as a 4x4 grid in a constellation diagram

Bandwidth for QAM

The minimum bandwidth required for QAM transmission is the same as that required
for ASK and PSK transmission. QAM has the same advantages as PSK over ASK.

9.2 ANALOG-TO-ANALOG CONVERSION

Analog-to-analog conversion modulates one analog signal (usually a message or baseband

signal) onto another analog signal (carrier).

1. Amplitude Modulation (AM)

❖ Carrier’s amplitude varies according to the baseband signal.
❖ Simple but inefficient in power and bandwidth.

2. Frequency Modulation (FM)

❖ Carrier’s frequency varies with the analog message signal.
❖ Offers better sound quality and noise resistance than AM.

3. Phase Modulation (PM)

❖ Phase of the carrier is modified by the input analog signal.
❖ Similar to FM in performance and used in certain communication systems.

9.2.1 Amplitude Modulation (AM)

Amplitude Modulation (AM) is a technique in which the amplitude of a high-frequency carrier
wave is varied proportional to the instantaneous value of the analog message signal
(modulating signal).
❖ The carrier frequency remains constant.
❖ The amplitude of the carrier changes according to the information (audio/video/data)
signal.

The modulated signal contains:

❖ The carrier frequency
❖ The upper sideband (USB): 𝑓𝑢𝑠𝑏 = 𝑓𝑐 + 𝑓𝑚
❖ The lower sideband (LSB): 𝑓𝑢𝑠𝑏 = 𝑓𝑐 − 𝑓𝑚
Where:
𝑓𝑐 = Carrier frequency
𝑓𝑚 = Maximum modulating frequency

AM Bandwidth:
The total bandwidth required for AM is twice the bandwidth of the message signal:
𝐵𝐴𝑀 = 2𝐵 = 2𝑓𝑚

Example: If a signal with a maximum frequency of 5 kHz is transmitted, the AM signal will
require a bandwidth of 10 kHz.

Standard Bandwidth Allocation for AM Radio:

• AM Radio Band: 530 kHz to 1700 kHz (in most regions)
• Channel Spacing: 10 kHz (Americas) or 9 kHz (Europe, Asia)
• Modulation Bandwidth: Typically, each AM radio station transmits audio
frequencies up to 5 kHz, thus requiring a 10 kHz bandwidth (due to sidebands).
Advantages of AM:
❖ Simple to implement and demodulate
❖ Low-cost receivers
❖ Suitable for voice transmission

Disadvantages of AM:
❖ Susceptible to noise (since amplitude can be affected by electrical interference)
❖ Inefficient in power and bandwidth usage
❖ Not ideal for high-fidelity audio

9.2.2 Frequency Modulation (FM)

Frequency Modulation (FM) is a type of analog modulation in which the frequency of the
carrier signal is varied based on the instantaneous amplitude of the modulating (message)
signal. The amplitude of the carrier remains constant.

❖ The instantaneous frequency of the carrier increases when the modulating signal is
positive and decreases when it's negative.
❖ The amount of frequency shift from the center frequency is called frequency
deviation.
❖ This method is highly resistant to noise and interference because amplitude is not
used to carry information, unlike AM.

FM Bandwidth:

FM signals typically require more

bandwidth than AM due to continuous
frequency variation.

Carson’s Rule:
The approximate bandwidth needed for an
FM signal is calculated using Carson's
Rule:
𝐵𝑊𝐹𝑀 = 2(∆𝑓 + 𝑓𝑚 )
Where 𝛥𝑓 = Maximum frequency deviation
𝑓𝑚 = Maximum modulating frequency

Example: For an FM signal with:

𝛥𝑓 = 75 kHz
𝑓𝑚 = 15 kHz
𝐵𝑊𝐹𝑀 = 2(∆𝑓 + 𝑓𝑚 )
𝐵𝑊𝐹𝑀 = 2(75 𝑘𝐻𝑧 + 15 𝑘𝐻𝑧) = 𝟏𝟖𝟎 𝒌𝑯𝒛

Note: The actual FM transmission must reserve more bandwidth than the message signal
due to sidebands created by frequency shifts.

Standard Bandwidth Allocation for FM Radio:

Parameter Value
Frequency Band 88 MHz – 108 MHz (VHF band)
Channel Spacing 200 kHz
Maximum Deviation ±75 kHz
Audio Frequency Range Up to 15 kHz

Channel Bandwidth 200 kHz

Each FM station is assigned a 200 kHz channel, allowing enough bandwidth for:
• Audio signal
• Sidebands from modulation
• Guard band to reduce interference

Stations must be separated by at least 200 kHz to keep their band widths from overlapping.

9.2.3 Phase Modulation (PM)

In phase modulation (PM), the carrier's phase changes according to the amplitude of the
modulating signal. The carrier's peak amplitude and frequency stay constant, but as the
modulating signal's amplitude varies, the phase of the carrier shifts accordingly.

Mathematically, PM is similar to frequency modulation (FM) but with a key difference:

 • In FM, the instantaneous frequency change is proportional to the modulating signal's
amplitude.
• In PM, the frequency change is proportional to the rate of change (derivative) of the
modulating signal's amplitude.

Figure below illustrates the relationship

between the modulating signal, the
carrier, and the resulting PM signal. PM
is typically implemented using a
voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) with
a differentiator. The oscillator's
frequency varies based on the
derivative (rate of change) of the input
voltage, which corresponds to the
amplitude of the modulating signal.

Comparison with FM:

Frequency Phase
Feature
Modulation (FM) Modulation (PM)
Carrier property
Frequency Phase
modified
Amplitude affected by
No No
signal?
Frequency and
Frequency deviation Amplitude of
amplitude of
depends on message signal
message
Demodulation
Moderate Moderate
complexity
Bandwidth High (similar to
High (wideband)
requirement FM)

PM Bandwidth:
The exact bandwidth is hard to determine precisely, but it is generally several times larger
than that of the original analog signal. Although the formulas suggest similar bandwidths for
both FM and PM, the modulation index β is lower in PM—about 1 for narrowband and around
3 for wideband PM. Also estimated by Carson's Rule due to similar behavior to FM.
ASSESSMENT:

I. Direction: Choose the letter of the correct answer.

1. What does ASK stand for? A) ASK

A) Amplitude Signal Keying B) BPSK
B) Amplitude Shift Keying C) FM
C) Analog Signal Keying D) AM
D) Amplitude Stream Keying Answer: C
Answer: B 8. Which is more resistant to noise?
2. Which of the following is used in BPSK? A) ASK
A) Amplitude change B) FSK
B) Frequency change C) BPSK
C) Phase change D) AM
D) Wavelength change Answer: C
Answer: C 9. What does the carrier signal do?
3. In FSK, what changes to represent data? A) Filters data
A) Amplitude B) Stores data
B) Frequency C) Carries the modulated signal
C) Phase D) Measures noise
D) Power Answer: C
Answer: B 10. What is the bandwidth for AM with 5
4. A constellation diagram is used to kHz modulating signal?
represent: A) 5 kHz
A) Amplitude only B) 10 kHz
B) Phase only C) 15 kHz
C) Signal constellations for modulation D) 20 kHz
D) Data rate only Answer: B
Answer: C 11. What determines FM bandwidth?
5. What is the main drawback of ASK? A) Modulating amplitude only
A) Requires high bandwidth B) Modulating frequency only
B) Susceptible to noise C) Frequency deviation and modulating
C) Complex implementation frequency
D) Low data rate D) Bit rate
Answer: B Answer: C
6. Which modulation technique combines 12. What type of modulation is used in
ASK and PSK? traditional radio broadcasting?
A) QPSK A) QAM
B) FSK B) ASK
C) QAM C) AM/FM
D) AM D) BPSK
Answer: C Answer: C
7. Which has the highest bandwidth 13. In QAM, the number of constellation
requirement? points depends on:
A) Bit rate A) Signal rate
B) Number of amplitude levels B) Frequency deviation
C) Phase and amplitude combinations C) Modulation index
D) Frequency D) Bandwidth for FM/PM
Answer: C Answer: D
14. A key advantage of QAM is: 18. What is the typical FM radio channel
A) High resistance to noise bandwidth?
B) Higher data rates A) 10 kHz
C) Less bandwidth B) 50 kHz
D) Simpler circuitry C) 200 kHz
Answer: B D) 500 kHz
15. Which digital-to-analog modulation Answer: C
technique combines both amplitude and 19. Which modulation technique changes
phase variations to encode data? both amplitude and phase?
A. Amplitude Shift Keying (ASK) A) QAM
B. Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) B) FSK
C. Phase Shift Keying (PSK) C) AM
D. Quadrature Amplitude Modulation D) PM
(QAM) Answer: A
Answer: D. QAM) 20. In AM, what changes with the message
16. BPSK uses how many distinct phases? signal?
A) 1 A) Phase
B) 2 B) Frequency
C) 4 C) Amplitude
D) 8 D) Bit rate
Answer: B Answer: C
17. What does Carson's Rule estimate?

II. Direction: Fill in the blank with the correct answer.

1. In digital-to-analog conversion, a ________ signal is modulated based on digital data.

Answer: carrier
2. The digital modulation technique that varies the amplitude of the carrier signal is called
________.
Answer: Amplitude Shift Keying (ASK)
3. In ________, the frequency of the carrier signal is changed to represent data.
Answer: Frequency Shift Keying (FSK)
4. ________ is a digital modulation technique that varies the phase of the carrier signal to
represent digital bits.
Answer: Phase Shift Keying (PSK)
5. ________ combines both amplitude and phase variations to encode more bits per symbol.
Answer: Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM)
6. The diagram that represents modulation techniques in the I/Q plane is called a ________
diagram.
Answer: constellation
7. In analog-to-analog conversion, amplitude, frequency, or phase of the ________ signal is
varied.
Answer: analog carrier
8. In ________ modulation, the amplitude of the carrier changes with the message signal.
Answer: Amplitude
9. In ________ modulation, the frequency of the carrier changes with the message signal.
Answer: Frequency
10. The total bandwidth required for FM depends on the ________ rule.
Answer: Carson’s
11. AM radio typically uses a ________ kHz bandwidth per station.
Answer: 10
12. FM radio typically uses a bandwidth of ________ kHz per station.
Answer: 200
13. In phase modulation, the ________ of the carrier signal changes according to the message
signal.
Answer: phase
14. In QAM, two carrier waves that are ________ degrees out of phase are used.
Answer: 90
15. In PSK, the number of distinct _______determines the level or order of the modulation.
Answer: phases

REFERENCE:
❖ Forouzan, B. A. (2013). Data Communications and Networking (5th ed.). page 135 –
152.

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The contents of this module were taken directly from the references and are owned
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