EXPERIMENT NO.

6
AM MODULATOR

I. OBJECTIVES

1. To understand the structure of Amplitude Modulation.

2. To comprehend the various degrees of modulation (including under modulation,
ideal modulation, and overmodulation) and distinguish between them.
3. To gain knowledge about the distinctive features and qualities of Amplitude
Modulation.

II. DISCUSSION

AM modulation, or Amplitude Modulation, is a widely employed technique in

telecommunications and broadcasting for transmitting information via radio waves. In an AM
modulator, the carrier signal's amplitude changes based on the input signal, which carries the
intended information. Typically, the input signal is an audio signal, and the modulated carrier
signal is a high-frequency radio signal. An AM modulator comprises three key components: the
carrier signal, the modulating signal, and the modulated signal. The carrier signal acts as the
carrier wave and possesses a higher frequency than the modulating signal, carrying no
information by itself. The modulating signal, usually a low-frequency waveform like an audio
signal, contains the desired information. It modulates the carrier signal by varying its amplitude.
Consequently, the modulated signal is formed by combining the carrier and modulating signals,
carrying the information within its varied amplitude. AM modulation can be achieved using
diverse methods, with one common approach being the use of a linear amplifier in the modulator
circuit.

The modulating signal controls the amplifier's gain, thereby altering the carrier signal's
amplitude. This modulation process generates sidebands around the carrier frequency, which
contain the information from the modulating signal. AM modulation offers several advantages
and disadvantages. On the plus side, it is relatively simple to implement compared to other
modulation techniques, employing straightforward circuitry. Additionally, AM signals can travel
long distances and are less affected by obstacles when compared to higher frequency signals.
However, AM modulation is vulnerable to noise and interference, which can degrade the quality
of the transmitted signal. Moreover, it is less efficient in terms of spectrum utilization, requiring
a wider bandwidth compared to other modulation schemes. In conclusion, AM modulation finds
extensive use in applications such as AM radio broadcasting and two-way radio communication.
It serves as a foundational modulation technique that has shaped modern communication
systems.

III. MATERIALS

● Oscilloscope
● Two Function Generators
● Breadboard
● Connecting Wires
● Resistors
● 47KΩ
● 150Ω
● 22KΩ
● 66mH Inductor
● 10uF Capacitor-2
● 1uF Capacitor
● 47nF Capacitor
● 2N2222A Transistor

IV. PROCEDURE

1. Design a Amplitude Modulation in accordance with the given component values of the
Resonant Circuit.
2. The created Amplitude Modulation Circuit must generate a sinusoidal output signal.
3. Calculate the Theoretical Value using the given Component Values.
4. Measure the Frequency generated by the circuit and adjust the other components’ values
to produce the nearest value compared to the Theoretical/Calculated Value
V. DATA AND RESULTS: (MULTISIM)
● Under Modulation (m < 1)

● Ideal Modulation (m = 1)
● Over Modulation (m > 1)
VI. COMPUTATION: (MULTISIM)

Formula:
𝑉𝑚 𝑉𝑚
𝑚= 𝑉𝑐
𝑚% = 𝑉𝑐
× 100%

● Under Modulation (m < 1)

Vm = 2V
Vc=3V

2𝑉
m= 3𝑉
= 0.67
2𝑉
m% = 3𝑉
x 100% = 67% modulation

● Ideal Modulation (m = 1)

Vm = 3V
Vc=3V

3𝑉
m= 3𝑉
=1
3𝑉
m% = 3𝑉
x 100% = 100% modulation

● Over Modulation (m > 1)

Vm = 4V
Vc=3V

4𝑉
m= 3𝑉
= 1.33
4𝑉
m% = 3𝑉
x 100% = 133 % modulation
COMPUTATION: (ACTUAL)

Formula:
𝑉𝑚 𝑉𝑚
𝑚= 𝑉𝑐
𝑚% = 𝑉𝑐
× 100%

● Under Modulation (m < 1)

Vm = 3V
Vc=9V

3𝑉
m= 9𝑉
= 0.33
3𝑉
m% = 9𝑉
x 100% = 33% modulation

● Ideal Modulation (m = 1)

Vm = 9V
Vc=9V

9𝑉
m= 9𝑉
=1
9𝑉
m% = 9𝑉
x 100% = 100% modulation

● Over Modulation (m > 1)

Vm = 14V
Vc=9V

14𝑉
m= 9𝑉
= 1.55
14𝑉
m% = 9𝑉 x 100% = 155 % modulation
VII. DOCUMENTATION (MULTISIM)
● Under Modulation (m < 1)

● Ideal Modulation (m = 1)
● Over Modulation (m > 1)
DOCUMENTATION (ACTUAL)

Under Modulation ( m < 1 )

Ideal Modulation (m=1)
Overmodulation (m>1)
VIII. ANALYSIS

After conducting an experiment, the necessary components for constructing a circuit on a

breadboard were identified for three different types of modulation: under modulation, ideal
modulation, and over modulation. These components consist of 3 resistors, 4 capacitors, 1
inductor coil, and 2 AC supply. The modulating signal source is responsible for providing the
input signal that carries the information to be transmitted. This signal can be an analog signal,
such as speech or music, or any other type of signal that needs to be conveyed. Typically, the
modulating signal has a lower frequency than the carrier wave. For under modulation, the
Vm(RMS) is 2V and the Vc(RMS) is 3V. Using the formula m=Vm/Vc, the computed
modulation value is 0.67 and the percentage of modulation is 67%. For ideal modulation, the
Vm(RMS) is 1V, and Vc(RMS) is 1V, which yields a modulation percentage of 100%. For over
modulation, the Vm(RMS) is 4V, and Vc(RMS) is 3V, resulting in a modulation percentage of
133%. The resulting signal is called the modulated signal, which contains both the carrier wave
and the modulating signal.

IV. CONCLUSION:

The students gained a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of amplitude modulation
through the experiment with AM modulators. AM is an indispensable piece of Communication
because of its wide accessibility, similarity, and significant distance inclusion which contributes a
ton to its capacity to communicate data. As a result, the experiment helped the students gain a
deeper understanding of AM modulation. The three distinct types of modulation are
demonstrated in the experiment: under modulation, ideal modulation, and over modulation. In
order to guarantee that the sent information will be received without distortions, AM requires
these types of modulation. Therefore, it is much simpler to prevent distortion by determining the
types of circuit configurations that can trigger the modulations. Overall, the students gained
valuable knowledge that will serve them well in the workplace when they enter the field of
Electronics and Communications Engineering.
X. GUIDE QUESTIONS:

Concept:

In AM modulation, how does the modulation index affect the quality of the modulated
signal?

Answer: In AM modulation, the modulation index plays a crucial role in determining the
quality of the modulated signal. Over-modulation, which results in signal distortion, can
occur if the modulation index is too high. Under-modulation, which results in a weak and
noisy modulated signal, can occur if the modulation index is too low. When the
modulation index is just right, ideal modulation results in a clear and accurate
representation of the modulating signal.

1. What distinguishes an AM modulator from an FM modulator?

To amplify the carrier wave and encrypt the message signal, an AM (Amplitude
Modulation) modulator is used. As the instantaneous amplitude of the modulating signal
changes, so does the carrier wave's amplitude. An FM (Frequency Modulation)
modulator, on the other hand, modifies the carrier wave's frequency in order to encode
the message signal. As the instantaneous amplitude of the modulating signal changes, so
does the carrier wave's frequency.

2. What role does the modulator play in an AM transmitter?

In an AM transmitter, the moderator's role is to modulate the amplitude of the carrier

wave to encode the message signal. The modulated signal is then amplified by a power
amplifier and transmitted through the antenna.

3. Which is preferable, AM or FM, and why?

Both AM and FM have their advantages and disadvantages. AM is a simpler technology

and requires less bandwidth. It is often used for broadcasting audio signals over long
distances. However, AM signals are more susceptible to noise and interference, which
can result in poor audio quality. FM, on the other hand, is less susceptible to noise and
interference, and provides higher audio quality. It is often used for broadcasting music
and other high-fidelity audio signals. However, FM requires a larger bandwidth and is
more complex to implement.
X. Problem-Solving:

4. The maximum peak-to-peak voltage of an AM wave is 20 mV and the minimum

peak-to-peak voltage is 5 mV. Calculate the modulation factor and percentage
modulation.
Given:
𝑉𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 20𝑚𝑉
𝑉𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 5𝑚𝑉
Required:
m
m%
Solution:
𝑉𝑚𝑎𝑥− 𝑉𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝑚= 𝑉𝑚𝑎𝑥+ 𝑉𝑚𝑖𝑛
20−5
𝑚= 20+5
= 0. 6
𝑚% = 𝑚 × 100%
𝑚% = 0. 6 × 100% = 60%

5. The upper-side frequency is _______ kHz if a 1 MHz carrier is amplitude modulated with
a 5 kHz audio source.
M(mega) = Power of 10 is 6.

M = 1 MHZ.

i.e M = 1 k*k hz.

But k = 1000.

So for one k is replaced by 1000.

:1 M = 1000 k are the same.

6. The local oscillator frequency must change in an AM superheterodyne receiver if the IF

is 455 kHz and high-side tuning is employed.

The carrier frequency allocation range for AM signal is 550 kHz-1650 kHz

Hence,
(flo)min = 550+ 455 = 1005 kHz

And,

(ft)mar 1650+ 455 = 2105 kHz

The local oscillator frequency varies from 1005 kHz-2105 kHz