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Experiment 15: Frequency Modulation: Purpose and Discussion

This document describes an experiment using Multisim to simulate frequency modulation (FM). FM uses variations in the frequency of the carrier signal to transmit the message signal, whereas AM uses amplitude variations. FM is more resistant to noise than AM. The experiment connects an FM modulator and measures the output waveform on an oscilloscope and frequency spectrum on a spectrum analyzer. It explores how changing the modulation index affects the output spectrum by creating different numbers of sideband frequencies around the carrier.

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hamizan maulana
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80 views4 pages

Experiment 15: Frequency Modulation: Purpose and Discussion

This document describes an experiment using Multisim to simulate frequency modulation (FM). FM uses variations in the frequency of the carrier signal to transmit the message signal, whereas AM uses amplitude variations. FM is more resistant to noise than AM. The experiment connects an FM modulator and measures the output waveform on an oscilloscope and frequency spectrum on a spectrum analyzer. It explores how changing the modulation index affects the output spectrum by creating different numbers of sideband frequencies around the carrier.

Uploaded by

hamizan maulana
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Experiment 15: Frequency Modulation

Purpose and Discussion


The purpose of this simulation is to demonstrate the characteristics and operation of
frequency modulation using Multisim’s Frequency Modulator. In frequency
modulation (FM), variations in the frequency of the modulated wave are observed
with changes in the message signal. Amplitude modulation is easily affected by
noises in the atmosphere as well as any other interference from sources of close
proximity that generate frequencies in the range of the modulating signal. These
spurious frequencies ride upon the modulated signal even after demodulation and
appear as static. Noise also amplitude modulates FM signals but since the modulating
relationship results in frequency variations, not amplitude variations, the interference
has virtually no affect and is easily removed in the demodulation process. Even when
the noise falls between the sine waves of the carrier, thus potentially affecting the
frequency, almost complete noise suppression is possible by ensuring a large carrier
deviation. Frequency deviation is the amount that the frequency deviates from that of
the carrier frequency. FM broadcasting limits the maximum frequency deviation to
75 kHz.

A large amplitude modulating signal results in a large maximum frequency deviation.


A low amplitude modulating signal results in a small maximum frequency deviation.
The amplitude of the modulated wave is not affected by the amplitude of the message
signal. The modulation index m is established by the maximum frequency carrier
deviation divided by the frequency of the modulating signal which produces the
deviation m = ∆f/fm.

Since amplitude variations directly affect frequency deviation in FM, it follows that a
lower frequency modulating signal will cause a slower rate of frequency deviation
since the FM signal will be subjected to less message signal amplitude variations per
second than that of a higher frequency message signal. Hence, it is important to note
that the rate of frequency deviation is dependant upon the frequency of the message
signal. FM broadcasting regulations limit the maximum audio frequency to 15 kHz.
The bandwidth W of an FM signal is dependant on the number of sideband pairs
which are not more than 20 dB down from the height of the highest spectral line.
These sideband pairs are the most significant and represent approximately 98% of the
total power. The number of sideband pairs is dependant on the modulation index and
its value is predictable. For example, for a modulation index of 3, six significant
sideband pairs are expected.

Associated time domain variations can be observed using the oscilloscope. Recall that
in the frequency spectrum of an AM wave, two sideband frequencies are produced for
every modulating signal. One sideband frequency is equal to fc - fm and is below the
carrier frequency. The other sideband is equal to fc + fm and is above the carrier
frequency. In FM, however, in addition to the basic pair of sideband frequencies
produced by a single modulating signal, an infinite number of sideband frequencies

69
70 Understanding RF Circuits with Multisim

are also produced. fc - 3fm, fc - 2fm, fc - fm, fc, fc + fm, fc + 2fm, fc + 3fm are only a few
of the spectral lines that are observed in the frequency domain. The spectral lines
decrease in power as they move further from the center frequency. As the modulation
index is increased, the power is distributed over more spectral lines.

Parts
FM Modulator

Test Equipment
• Oscilloscope
• Spectrum Analyzer

Formulae

Bandwidth

6 significant sideband pairs @ m = 3,

W = 2(# significant sideband pairs)fm


Equation 15-1

Modulation Index

m = ∆f/fm
Equation 15-2

Procedure

Figure 15-1 VCO AM Modulator Example


Frequency Modulation 71

1. Connect the circuit as illustrated in Figure 15-1.


2. Double-click the FM Modulator to set its parameters. Set Voltage Amplitude =
10 V, Carrier Frequency = 100 kHz, Modulation Index = 5 and Signal Frequency
= 10 kHz.
3. Double-click the Oscilloscope to view its display. Set the time base to 20 us/Div
and Channel A to 10 V/Div. Select Auto triggering and DC coupling.
4. Start the simulation and observe the frequency modulated signal in the time
versus amplitude domain. Draw the associated output waveform in the Data
section of this experiment.
5. Double-click the FM Modulator and change the Modulation Index to 3.
6. Double-click the Spectrum Analyzer to view its display. Select Set Span. Set Span
= 125 kHz and Center = 100 kHz. Press Enter. This will allow us to view the
carrier frequency along with several sideband sets. Calculate and note the
expected frequency deviation.
7. Observe the frequency spectrum. Use the red vertical marker to locate the carrier
frequency of 100 kHz. Verify that the upper and lower sideband frequencies
correspond with fc - 3fm, fc - 2fm, fc - fm, fc, fc + fm, fc + 2fm, fc + 3fm etc. Move the
red marker over the carrier to determine its position.
8. Noting the amplitude of each spectral line, find the highest line to the right of the
carrier. Note its amplitude and count the number of spectral lines to the right of
the carrier which are no more than 20 dB down from the highest line. Calculate
the bandwidth W in the Data section of this experiment.
9. Change the modulation index to 5, run the simulation and observe the spectrum.
Change the modulation index to 1.5 and describe what you are observing.

Expected Outcome

Figure 15-2 Frequency Spectrum of an FM Signal


72 Understanding RF Circuits with Multisim

Data for Experiment 15

FM time versus amplitude sketch

∆f @ (m = 3calculated, fm = 10 kHz) =

Bandwidth W @ (m = 3, fm = 10 kHz) =

Describe the difference in the frequency spectrum between a modulation index of 5


and a modulation index of 1.5:

Additional Challenge
Double-click on the FM Modulator and change the modulation index to 2.4. Run the
simulation. Describe the spectrum and explain the characteristics noted (refer to
Bessel Coefficients for your explanation).

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