Amplitude Modulation

Amplitude modulation is a process by which the wave signal is transmitted by

modulating the amplitude of the signal. It is often called AM and is commonly
used in transmitting a piece of information through a radio carrier wave. Amplitude
modulation is mostly used in the form of electronic communication.

Currently, this technique is used in many areas of communication, such as in

portable two-way radios, citizens band radios, VHF aircraft radios and in modems
for computers. Amplitude modulation is also used to refer to mediumwave AM
radio broadcasting.

What Is Amplitude Modulation?

Amplitude modulation, or just AM, is one of the earliest modulation methods that
is used in transmitting information over the radio. This technique was devised in
the 20th century at a time when Landell de Moura and Reginald Fessenden were
conducting experiments using a radiotelephone in the 1900s. After successful
attempts, the modulation technique was established and used in electronic
communication.

In general, amplitude modulation definition is given as a type of modulation where

the amplitude of the carrier wave varies in some proportion with respect to the
modulating data or the signal.

As for the mechanism, when amplitude modulation is used, there is a variation in

the amplitude of the carrier. Here, the voltage or the power level of the information
signal changes the amplitude of the carrier. In AM, the carrier does not vary in
amplitude. However, the modulating data is in the form of signal components
consisting of frequencies either higher or lower than that of the carrier. The signal
components are known as sidebands, and the sideband power is responsible for the
variations in the overall amplitude of the signal.

The AM technique is totally different from frequency modulation and phase

modulation, where the frequency of the carrier signal is varied in the first case and
in the second one, the phase is varied.
Types of Amplitude Modulation
There are three main types of amplitude modulation. They are

 Double Sideband-suppressed Carrier Modulation (DSB-SC)

 Single Sideband Modulation (SSB)
 Vestigial Sideband Modulation (VSB)

Communication Systems and Modulation

We are studying modulation under communication systems. They are used to
transmit and receive messages (information) from one place to another place in the
form of electronic signals, and they are carried out in two different ways.

(i) Analog signal transmission

(ii) Digital signal transmission

So, we can represent an analogue electronic signal (information) as follows:

We can represent the analogue electronic signal either as a sine (or) cosine wave.
Every wave will have an amplitude and phase.

Where m(t) = Modulating signal (input signal) or baseband signal

Am = Amplitude of the modulating signal

(ωmt + Ɵ) = Phase of the signal phase contains both frequency (ωmt) ad angle (Ɵ)
term

What Is Modulation?

Basically, it is a process in a communication system. For communication, we need

some fundamental elements. One is the high-frequency carrier wave, and the other
is the information that has to be transmitted (modulating signal) or input signal.
These are essential for communication which is done using a device from one
place to another. All in all, we need the help of the communication system.

An electronic communication system converts our message (information) into an

electronic signal, and the electronic signal is carried out by carrier waves to the
destination.

Message (information)

or

Modulating signal

The superposition of modulating signal onto a carrier wave is known as

modulation.
Modulation is defined as,

Varying any one of the fundamental parameters of a carrier wave in accordance

with the modulating signal. A carrier wave can be represented as a sine or cosine.

C(t) = Ac sin (ωct + Ɵ)

Amplitude Phase
If we vary the amplitude of the carrier wave in accordance with the modulating
signal (input signal), it is known as amplitude modulation.

Similarly, it can be frequency modulation and phase modulation, too. In other

words, modulation is the phenomenon of “superimposition of the modulating
signal (input signal) into the carrier wave”.

Why Do We Need Modulation?

Practically speaking, modulation is required for

 High range transmission

 Quality of transmission
 To avoid the overlapping of signals

High Range Transmission: (Effective Length of Antenna)

For effective communication, the length of the antenna should be λ/4 times the
modulating signal.

Hmin = λ/4

λ – Wavelength of the modulating signal or transmitting signal H> λ/4

For example, if I need to transmit a signal of a frequency of f = 20 kHz

As we know, c = f λ
Hmin = 3750 m is practically impossible; for that, we can transmit our modulating
signal onto a carrier wave of frequency 1MHz. What we did here is we raised our
transmission frequency from 20kHz to 1mHz.

Now, let us find out what the Hmin is needed for good transmission.

c = fλ

3 × 108 = 1×106 (λ)

If we increase the transmitting frequency, wavelengths

This is practically possible, so we need modulation to increase the transmission

frequency to transmit a low-frequency signal.

Quality of Transmission: (Power of Transmission by Antenna)

Since, from the Q-factor, we know sharpness or quality is maximum when power
is maximum.

Sharpness or quality α power

Power radiated by a linear antenna is

Avoiding the Overlapping of Signals

Two different transmitting stations transmit signals of the same frequency. They
will get mixed up or overlap one another. To avoid this, we need to modulate these
signals by different carrier waves.

When we talk about amplitude modulation, it is a technique that is used to vary the
amplitude of the high-frequency carrier wave in accordance with the amplitude of
the modulating signal. But the frequency of the carrier wave remains constant.
Now, let us see what carrier waves and modulating signals are.

Common Terms
Carrier Wave (High Frequency)
The amplitude and frequency of a carrier wave remain constant. Generally, it will
be high frequency, and it will be a sine or cosine wave of electronic signal; it can
be represented as

C(t) = Ac sin wct ……………. 1

Modulating Signal

The modulating signal is nothing but the input signal (electronic signal), which has
to be transmitted. It is also a sine or cosine wave; it can be represented as

m(t) = Am sin wmt

Where

Ac and Am = Amplitude of the carrier wave and the modulating signal

sin wct = Phase of the carrier wave

sin wmt = Phase of the modulating signal

Expression for Amplitude Modulated Wave
We have carrier wave and modulating signals,

m(t) = Modulating signal

c(t) = Carrier wave

Am and Ac are the amplitude of modulating signal and carrier wave, respectively,
in amplitude modulation. We are superimposing modulating signal into a carrier
wave and also varying the amplitude of the carrier wave in accordance with the
amplitude of the modulating signal, and the amplitude-modulated wave Cm(t) will
be

Cm(t) = (Ac + Am sin ωmt) sin ωct ……………….. 2

This is the general form of an amplitude-modulated wave.

Cm(t) is the amplitude-modulated wave

Where,

A = Ac + Am sin ωmt = Amplitude of the modulated wave

sin wct = Phase of modulated wave

Frequencies of Amplitude Modulated Wave
There are three frequencies in amplitude modulated wave – f1, f2 and f3 –
corresponding to ωc, ωc + ωm and ωc – ωm, respectively.

ω1 = ωc → it is corresponding f1 = fc

ω2 = ωc + ωm → it is corresponding f2 = fc + fm

ω3 = ωc – ωm → it is corresponding f3 = fc – fm

Where fc → Carrier wave frequency

fc + fm → Upper side band frequency

fc – fm → Lower side band frequency

fm → Modulating signal frequency

In general, fc > > fm

Bandwidth: (BW) It is the difference between the highest and lowest frequencies
of the signal.

BW = Upper sideband frequency – Lower sideband frequency (fc – fm)

Or

BW=fmax−fmin
BW = fc + fm – fc + fm = 2 fm

BW = 2fm = Twice the frequency of the modulating signal

Modulation Index

It is the ratio of the amplitude of the modulating signal to the amplitude of the
carrier wave.

Amplitude Modulated Waveform

The waveform representation of amplitude modulated wave is given below.
1. Carrier wave

2. Modulating signal

3. Superposition of the carrier wave and modulating signal

4. Amplitude modulated wave

Summary:

Carrier wave, c(t) = Ac sin wct

Modulating single m(t) = Am sin wmt

Amplitude modulate wave (m(t) = (Ac + Am sin ωmt) sin ωct

Advantages and Disadvantages of Amplitude Modulation

Advantages Disadvantages

Amplitude modulation is easier to When it comes to power usage, it is not

implement. efficient.

Demodulation can be done using a It requires a very high bandwidth that is

few components and a circuit. equivalent to that of the highest audio
frequency.

The receiver used for AM is very Noise interference is highly noticeable.

cheap.

Applications of Amplitude Modulation

While amplitude modulation use has decreased over the years, it is still present and
has several applications in certain transmission areas. We will look at them below.

 Broadcast Transmissions: AM is used in broadcasting transmission over the

short, medium and long wavebands. Since AM is easy to demodulate, radio
receivers for amplitude modulation are, therefore, easier and cheaper to
manufacture.
 Air-band Radio: AM is used in VHF transmissions for many airborne
applications, such as ground-to-air radio communications or two-way radio
links, for ground staff personnel.
  Single Sideband: Amplitude modulation in this form is used for HF radio
links or point-to-point HF links. AM uses a lower bandwidth and provides
more effective use of the transmitted power.
 Quadrature Amplitude Modulation: AM is used extensively in transmitting
data in several ways, including short-range wireless links, such as Wi-Fi to
cellular telecommunications and others.
These are some of the important applications of amplitude modulation.

Demodulation Methods
The most simple AM demodulator is made up of a diode that acts as an envelope
detector. The product detector, which is another type of demodulator, can offer
better-quality demodulation but with a complex additional circuit.

Question 1:

A carrier wave of frequency f = 1mHz with a pack voltage of 20V is used to

modulate a signal of frequency 1kHz with a pack voltage of 10v. Find out the
following:

(i) μ

(ii) Frequencies of the modulated wave

(iii) Bandwidth

Solution:

(i)
(ii) Frequencies of modulated wave

f → fc, fc + fm and fc – fm

fc = 1mHz, fm = 1kHz

fc + fm = 1×106 + 1×103 = 1001 ×103 = 1001 kHz

fc – fm = 1×106 – 1×103 = 999 × 103 = 999 kHz

(iii) Bandwidth: (W)

 (W) = Upper side band frequency – Lower side band frequency

= fc + fm – (fc – fm)

= 2fm = 1001 kHz – 999 kHz = 2 kHz

Question 2:

y = 10 cos (1800 πt) + 20 cos 2000 πt + 10 cos 2200 πt. Find the modulation index
(μ) of the given wave.

Solution:

As we know, the expression for amplitude modulated wave is

Cm(t) = (Ac + Am cos ωmt) cos ωct ……………… 1

So, we have to bring the given wave equation into the known form

y = 10 [cos(1800 πt) + cos (2200πt)] + 20 cos 2000 πt

We can rewrite the above equation as

(ii) Frequencies off the modulated wave

We know frequencies are fc, fc + fm and fc – fm from the modulated wave

expression.

Comparing equations 3 and 4, we get

cos ωmt = cos (200 πt)

ωm = 200 π

2 πfm = 200 π

fm = 100 Hz

Similarly,

cos ωct = cos 2000 πt

ωc = 2000 π

2πfc = 2000 π

fc = 1000 Hz

fc, fc + fm and fc – fm, respectively, 1000 Hz, 1100 Hz and 900 Hz.

(iii) Bandwidth (W)

W = fc + fm – (fc – fm) = 2fm

W = 200 Hz

3. What happens if μ > 1?

As we know, the range of modulation index (μ) should be 0 < μ < 1 if μ > 1.
It is said to be over-modulated, and distortion will take place in the modulated
signal.
4. Why do we need modulation?

Answer:

1. To transmit the low-frequency signal to a longer distance.

2. To reduce the length of the antenna.
3. Power radiated by the antenna will be high for high frequency (small
wavelength).
4. To avoid the overlapping of modulating signals.
5. Why is the amplitude of the modulating signal kept less than the amplitude
of the carrier wave?

Answer:

To avoid overmodulation. Typically, in overmodulation, the negative half cycle of

the modulating signal will be distorted.

6.

Answer: Given, the equation of modulating signal as

We know the standard equation of modulating signal as

7.

Answer:
8. The maximum peak-to-peak voltage of an AM wave is 16 mV and the
minimum peak-to-peak voltage is 4 mV. Calculate the modulation factor.
9. A carrier of 100V and 1200 kHz is modulated by a 50 V, 1000 Hz sine
wave signal. Find the modulation factor.

10. An AM wave is represented by the expression :

v = 5 (1 + 0.6 cos 6280 t) sin 211 × 104 t volts
(i) What are the minimum and maximum amplitudes of the AM
wave?
(ii) What frequency components are contained in the modulated wave
and what is the amplitude
of each component?
11. A sinusoidal carrier voltage of frequency 1 MHz and amplitude 100
volts is amplitude modulated by the sinusoidal voltage of frequency 5 kHz
producing 50% modulation. Calculate the frequency and amplitude of
lower and upper sideband terms.
Frequency Modulation
Frequency Modulation is the encoding of information in a carrier wave by varying
the frequency of the carrier wave at that instant corresponding to the variation of
the base waveform to be transmitted.

Amplitude Modulation
Amplitude Modulation is an electronic communication systems technique wherein
the baseband signal is superimposed with the amplitude of the carrier wave i.e the
amplitude of the carrier wave is varying with proportion to the base waveform
being transmitted.

Advantages of Frequency Modulation over Amplitude Modulation

 The amplitude of an FM wave remains constant over time. This allows the
encoders and decoders the freedom to remove the noise from the received
signal. This is done with the assistance of a filter that removes signal of
wavelength greater than that of the transmitted signal thereby removing the
noise. FM systems are noise immune systems. Since the AM signal
transferred information using the amplitude, the envelope of the waveform
cannot be altered.

 In AM systems, the power consumption for signal transmission is higher

than compared to FM systems. In AM systems, the power depends on the
modulation index also called „MA‟. When MA reaches unity, the power
consumption is 100%. In FM systems, the power of the transmitted signal is
proportional to the amplitude of the unmodulated carrier signal and it is
constant. Therefore, FM is usually more power-efficient than AM systems.
  In FM systems, the frequency deviation of the signal is related to the noise
ratio. A higher frequency deviation means that the baseband signal can be
easily retrieved from the FM signals, whereas less deviation means it is
harder to separate the data from the noise. In AM systems, the only method
of reducing noise in the transmission is the increase in the transmitted power
of the signal. This increases the cost of operation of the AM system.

 In an AM system, there is no guard band in between two adjacent channels.

This seriously increases the occurrence of interference of AM radio stations
unless one signal is strong enough to overpower the other. Whereas in the
case of FM signal, the adjacent FM channels are separated by guard bands
which results in very little interference between adjacent FM channels.

Disadvantages of Frequency Modulation over Amplitude Modulation

 The equipment needed for FM and AM systems is different. The equipment

cost of an FM channel is more since the equipment is much more complex
and involves complicated circuitry. As a result FM systems are costlier than
AM systems.

 FM systems work using a line of sight propagation whereas AM systems

use skywave propagation. Consequently, the receiving area of an FM system
is much smaller than that of an AM system. The antennae for FM systems
need to be close by whereas AM systems can communicate with other
systems throughout the world by reflecting signals off the ionosphere.

 In an FM system, there is an infinite number of sidebands resulting in a

theoretical bandwidth of an FM signal being infinite. This bandwidth is
limited by Carson‟s rule but it is still much larger than that of an AM
system. In an AM system, the bandwidth is only twice the modulation
frequency. This is another reason why FM systems are costlier than AM
systems.