Group 4
Group 4
INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION
Group members Id
The purpose of this mini project is to design and construct a Frequency Modulation
(FM) transmitter using basic electronic components. Frequency Modulation (FM)
radio is a widely used communication technology that transmits audio signals by
varying the frequency of a carrier wave. This method provides superior audio quality
compared to Amplitude Modulation (AM) due to its greater immunity to noise and
interference.
2. Project Scope
This project aims to design and build a simple FM transmitter using discrete
electronic components like resistors, capacitors, inductors, and transistors. The
transmitter should be capable of broadcasting an audio signal within the standard FM
radio broadcast band (88 MHz to 108 MHz). The transmitted signal should be
receivable on a nearby FM radio receiver, such as an FM radio app on a smartphone.
3. Significance
4. Design Concept
Circuit Topology
A LC oscillator was chosen as the core of the transmitter due to its relative simplicity and
stability
Breadboard: Used for assembling the circuit without soldering, allowing for
easy modifications and troubleshooting.
Microphone (Mic): Captures sound waves and converts them into an electrical
audio signal.
Resistors:
• 220 ohm resistor: Used to limit current and set biasing conditions for the transistor.
Capacitors:
• 2*8pF capacitor: Used for coupling the audio signal to the base of the transistor.
Frequency Calculation
To calculate the oscillation frequency (f) of the Colpitts oscillator, we use the formula:
Where:
For our design, we selected an inductor value of 10 µH and capacitors of 100 nF each,
leading to:
L=142.77
Cₜₒₜₐₗ =1/ C₁ + 1/C₂ = 1/10+1/8
=4.4pf
f = f = 1 / 2π √(142.77*10^-9*4.4*10^-12)
≈ 2.2 MHz
Amplification: The transistor amplifies the audio signal. The 10k ohm resistor is used
to set the biasing of the transistor, while the 470 ohm resistor ensures stability.
Output: The modulated signal can be transmitted through an antenna connected to the
collector of the transistor.
6. Working principle
When sound waves hit the microphone, they create variations in voltage that
correspond to the sound wave’s amplitude and frequency. This audio signal is coupled
in to the base of the transistor, where it modulates a higher frequency carrier wave
produced by the LC tank circuit. As a result,the output from the collector is an FM-
signal that can be transmitted through space and received by an FM radio.
7. Conclusion
The construction of an FM transmitter using basic electronic components has
provided valuable insights into the principles of frequency modulation and radio
communication. This project demonstrates how simple circuits can be used to transmit
audio signals wirelessly, laying the groundwork for further exploration into more
complex communication systems.