Analog Communication Question Bank

Dr. Sourav Chakraborty

Contents

1 Syllabus 2

2 Amplitude Modulation 6
2.1 Short Answer Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.2 Suggested Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
2.3 Numerical Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
2.4 MCQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

3 Frequency modulation 29
3.1 Short answer questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
3.2 MCQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

1
Chapter 1

Syllabus

Module 1: Introduction to Analog Communication (8L)

Elements of Communication System: Transmitters, Transmission channels, and re-
ceivers (1L), Concept of modulation, its needs (1L).
Continuous Wave Linear Modulation:

• Amplitude Modulation (AM-DSB/TC): Time domain representation of AM

signal (expression derived using a single-tone message), modulation index, fre-
quency domain (spectral) representations, illustration of the carrier and side-
band components; transmission bandwidth for AM; Phasor diagram of an AM
signal; Calculation of transmitted power & sideband power & efficiency; con-
cept of under, over, and critical modulation of AM-DSB-TC.

• Other Amplitude Modulations: Double sideband suppressed carrier (DSBSC)

modulation: time and frequency domain expressions, bandwidth, and trans-
mission power for DSB. Single sideband modulation (SSB) both TC & SC and
only the basic concept of VSB, spectra, and bandwidth.

Module 2: Generation & Detection of Amplitude Modu-

lation (8L)
Generation of AM: Concept of i) Gated and ii) Square law modulators, Balanced
Modulator.
Generation of SSB: Filter method, Phase shift method, and the Third method.
Demodulation for Linear Modulation:

2
Chapter 1: Syllabus

• Detection of AM signals: Detection of AM by envelope detector.

• Synchronous detection for AM-SC, Effects of Frequency & Phase mismatch,
Corrections.

• Principle of Superheterodyne receivers: Superheterodyning principle, interme-

diate frequency, Local oscillator frequency, image frequency.

Module 3: Angle Modulation (8L)

Frequency Modulation (FM) and Phase Modulation (PM): Time and Frequency do-
main representations, spectral representation of FM and PM for a single-tone mes-
sage, Bessel’s functions and Fourier series, Phasor diagram.
Generation of FM & PM: Narrow and Wide-band angle modulation, Basic block
diagram representation of generation of FM & PM, Concept of VCO & Reactance
modulator.
Demodulation of FM and PM: Concept of frequency discriminators, Phase Locked
Loop.

Module 4: Multiplexing (8L)

• Multiplexing Techniques: Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM), Time Di-
vision Multiplexing (TDM).
• Stereo - AM and FM: Basic concepts with block diagrams.

• Random Signals and Noise in Communication System:

– Noise in Communication systems - Internal & External noise, Noise Tem-
perature, Signal-to-Noise ratio, White noise, thermal noise, Figure of Merit.
– Noise performance in Analog Communication systems: SNR calculation
for DSB/TC, DSB-SC, SSB-TC, SSB-SC & FM.
• Statistical Analysis: Conditional probability, communication example, joint
probability, statistical independence, random variable-continuous and discrete,
cumulative distribution function, probability density function – Gaussian, Rayleigh,
and Rician.

3
Chapter 1: Syllabus

Text Books
1. S. Sharma, Analog Communication Systems - Katson Books.
2. Taub and Schilling, “Principles of Communication Systems”, 2nd ed., McGraw
Hill.
3. B.P. Lathi - Communication Systems - BS Publications.

References
1. Carlson—Communication System, 4/e, McGraw Hill.

2. Proakis & Salehi - Fundamentals of Communication Systems - Pearson.

3. Singh & Sapre—Communication Systems: 2/e, TMH.
4. P. K. Ghosh - Principles of Electrical Communications - University Press.

5. L.W. Couch II, “Digital and Analog Communication Systems”, 2/e, Macmillan
Publishing.
6. Blake, Electronic Communication Systems - Cengage Learning.

Learning Outcomes
• Module 1: The learner must be able to appreciate the need for modulation and
calculate the antenna size for different carrier frequencies. From the functional
representation of the modulated carrier wave, the learner must be able to iden-
tify the type of modulation, calculate the side-band frequencies, identify the
modulating & carrier frequencies, decide the type of generation method to be
adopted, and solve problems.
• Module 2: After understanding the basic concepts, the learner must be able to
compare between the different demodulation methods, design an envelope de-
tector, calculate the IF and image frequencies for the superheterodyne receivers
given the carrier and modulating frequencies, and calculate the oscillator fre-
quency.
• Module 3: From the functional representation of the modulated carrier wave,
the learner must be able to identify the type of modulation, calculate the side-
band frequencies, identify the modulating & carrier frequencies, decide the
type of generation method to be adopted, and solve problems.

4
Chapter 1: Syllabus

• Module 4: Appreciate the importance of Multiplexing, and find out its appli-
cation areas. The learner must be able to calculate the Noise temperature &
SNR for different systems and compare the performance of different modula-
tion methods by comparing their SNR. Also, understand the statistical analysis
of the Communication System.

5
Chapter 2

Amplitude Modulation

2.1 Short Answer Questions

1. Write the expression for AM wave.

The standard equation for an amplitude modulated (AM) wave is:

s(t) = [ A + x (t)] cos(ωc t)

2. What is the envelope of AM wave?

The expression for an AM wave is:

s(t) = A + x (t)] cos(ωc t)

The envelope E(t) of an AM wave is:

E(t) = A + x (t)

It consists of the baseband signal x (t). Hence, the modulating or baseband signal
may be recovered from an AM wave by detecting the envelope.

3. What is the bandwidth for AM wave?

The bandwidth B of an AM wave is given by:

B = 2 fm

6
Chapter 2: Amplitude Modulation

where f m is the maximum frequency of the modulating signal.

4. What are the frequency components in an single tone modulation AM

wave?

The AM signal has three frequency components:

• Carrier frequency f c
• Upper sideband frequency f c + f m
• Lower sideband frequency f c − f m

5. What is demodulation?

Demodulation is the process of extracting the original message signal from the
modulated wave.

6. Define transmission efficiency in an AM wave.

Transmission efficiency η is defined as:

Pm
η= × 100%
Pt
where Pm is the message power and Pt is the total transmitted power. [ Now do the
detail derivation]

7. What are the types of AM demodulators?

The two main types of AM demodulators are:

• Square-Law Detector
• Envelope Detector

8. How can you obtain a DSB-SC signal?

A Double Sideband Suppressed Carrier (DSB-SC) signal is obtained by multiply-

ing the modulating signal x (t) with the carrier signal cos(ωc t).

9. What is the bandwidth of a DSB-SC signal?

7
Chapter 2: Amplitude Modulation

The bandwidth of a DSB-SC signal is:

B = 2 fm

10. What are the demodulation methods for a DSB-SC signal?

A DSB-SC signal can be demodulated by:

• Synchronous detection method

• Using an envelope detector after carrier re-insertion

11. What are the generating methods for an SSB-SC signal?

The Single Sideband Suppressed Carrier (SSB-SC) signal can be generated using:
• Frequency discrimination method (filter method)

• Phase discrimination method (phase shift method)

12. What do you mean by multiplexing?

Multiplexing is a technique in which several message signals are combined into

a composite signal for transmission over a common channel.

13. What is the maximum value of modulation index, m for distortion-free

transmission?

Ideally, the maximum value of m is 1.

14. Why do we consider the RMS carrier voltage to calculate the carrier
power?

The RMS value determines the power dissipated in the antenna’s radiation resis-
tance.

15. How is the information transmitted using AM?

Information is transmitted by varying the amplitude of the carrier wave in pro-

portion to the instantaneous amplitude of the message signal.

8
Chapter 2: Amplitude Modulation

16. What is the other name of AM?

AM is also called Double Sideband Full Carrier (DSB-FC).

17. Why is an AM signal severely affected by noise?

Since the information is contained in the amplitude variations of an AM wave,

noise modifies the amplitude, leading to distortion of the information.

18. What is the difference between percent modulation and modulation

index?

Percent modulation is the modulation index expressed as a percentage.

19. Name different types of filters used in the filter method for SSB genera-
tion.

• LC filters
• Crystal filters
• Ceramic filters

20. Write down the expression for an AM wave.

s(t) = Ac (1 + m cos(ωm t)) cos(ωc t)

21. Write down the expression for carrier power.

A2c
Pc =
2R

22. Write the expression for sideband power in AM.

m2 Pc
PSB =
2

23. How do we vary the amplitude of sidebands?

9
Chapter 2: Amplitude Modulation

The sideband amplitude is proportional to the modulation index m.

24. Define the modulation index of an AM wave.

Am
m=
Ac
where Am is the peak amplitude of the modulating signal and Ac is the carrier am-
plitude.

25. For a trapezoidal pattern displayed on the CRO screen, what is the ex-
pression for the modulation index?

A−B
m=
A+B
where A and B are measured amplitudes from the trapezoidal pattern.

26. What is the bandwidth of an SSB signal?

B = fm

27. Express the total sideband power as a percentage of the carrier power
for 100% modulation.

28. State the advantages of AM.

• Simple and cost-effective transmission.

• Can travel long distances.
• Requires less bandwidth compared to FM.

29. Which frequency components in AM contain the message information?

Only the upper and lower sidebands contain the message information.

30. State the application areas of SSB.

SSB is used in:

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Chapter 2: Amplitude Modulation

• Land and air mobile communication

• Telemetry
• Military applications
• Navigation and amateur radio

31. Why should the carrier be a pure sine wave and not contain any har-
monics?

Harmonics of the carrier will interfere with existing stations at or near those fre-
quencies.

32. State applications of AM.

AM is used in:
• Radio broadcasting
• TV broadcasting (for video signals)

33. For AM with multiple sine wave modulating signals, how many side-
bands are generated?

The number of sidebands is twice the number of modulating signals.

34. Why is SSB preferred over DSBFC or DSBSC?

SSB is preferred due to:

• Power saving
• Reduced channel bandwidth
• Lower noise interference

35. State the principle of a balanced modulator.

A balanced modulator removes the carrier while allowing only the sidebands to
pass through.

36. Name the devices which possess nonlinear resistance.

11
Chapter 2: Amplitude Modulation

• Diodes
• Bipolar Junction Transistors (BJTs)

• Junction Field Effect Transistors (JFETs)

37. For an AM signal represented by:

e AM = 10(1 + 0.4 cos 6280t) cos(6.28 × 106 t)

Find the modulation index and carrier frequency.

• Modulation index: m = 0.4

• Carrier frequency: f c = 1 MHz

38. How to differentiate between DSB and AM?

DSB signal has a 180° phase shift at the zero-crossing points. AM does not show
any such phase shift.

39. For a carrier signal of 1 MHz and modulating signal of 2 kHz, what is
the frequency range occupied by the AM signal?

998 kHz to 1002 kHz.

40. If f 1 and f 2 are the input frequencies to an ideal balanced modulator,

what are the frequencies at its output?

The output frequencies are:

f1 + f2 and f1 − f2

41. Name different methods used for removing the unwanted sideband.

• Filter method
• Phase shift method

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Chapter 2: Amplitude Modulation

42. What is an AM signal without a carrier called?

It is called a Double Sideband Suppressed Carrier (DSB-SC) signal.

43. Why is SSB not used for broadcasting?

SSB is not used for broadcasting because:

• SSB transmitters and receivers require high-frequency stability.
• Designing a tunable local oscillator with high stability is difficult.

44. Why is modulation carried out at low frequency in the filter method?

To achieve sharp filter response, making it easier to attenuate unwanted side-

bands.

45. What do you understand by the term pilot carrier?

A pilot carrier is a weak carrier signal sent along with an SSB signal for synchro-
nization at the receiver.

46. What is the difference between SSB and ISB?

In ISB (Independent Sideband System), the sidebands are independent and can
carry different signals simultaneously.

47. Is the carrier fully suppressed in ISB?

No, it is partially suppressed.

48. What is the bandwidth of an ISB system?

B = fL + fH
where f L and f H are the lower and upper sideband frequencies.

49. What is the advantage of using VSB over SSB?

13
Chapter 2: Amplitude Modulation

The partial transmission of the unwanted sideband in VSB makes it easier to

design practical filters.

50. What is the function of the pilot carrier?

The pilot carrier acts as a reference signal to help the demodulation process in the
receiver.

51. What are the advantages of using VSB?

• Reduced bandwidth compared to DSB-FC.

• Practical filters can be used.

52. How do you differentiate between DSBFC and DSBSC signals dis-
played on the CRO?

In a DSB-SC signal, phase reversal is observed at zero crossings, whereas DSB-FC

does not show this effect.

53. State applications of VSB transmission.

VSB is mainly used in TV transmission.

54. Is VSB a type of AM, FM, or some other modulation?

VSB is a type of AM.

55. Can a simple resistive network act as a balanced modulator?

No, because a resistive network has linear transfer characteristics.

56. In the phase shift method, how is the upper sideband suppressed?

By applying modulating and carrier signals to the upper balanced modulator

without a phase shift, and applying both signals with a 90° phase shift to the lower
balanced modulator.

57. Why are linear amplifiers used in SSB and ISB transmitters?

14
Chapter 2: Amplitude Modulation

Linear amplifiers amplify the signal without distorting its shape.

58. Why is the amplitude of the sound carrier less than that of the picture
carrier in TV transmission?

If the sound carrier amplitude were comparable to the picture carrier, it would
cause visible disturbances due to interference. To prevent this, the sound carrier
amplitude is kept at about 10

59. In the diode ring modulator, the diodes act as...

Switches.

60. What are the technical names of SSB-RC (SSB with reduced carrier) and
SSB-SC (SSB with suppressed carrier)?

• SSB-RC: R3E
• SSB-SC: J3E

61. What is the output of an ideal balanced modulator?

A DSB signal.

62. The inputs to a balanced modulator are a modulating signal and a carrier
of 2 MHz. What are the output frequencies?

The output frequencies are 1 MHz and 3 MHz (LSB and USB).

63. What is frequency translation performed with?

A mixer circuit.

64. What is the process of frequency translation called?

Heterodyning.

65. During modulation, the information signal is called as...

Modulating signal and carrier.

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Chapter 2: Amplitude Modulation

66. The carrier frequency is usually ... the modulating frequency.

Higher.

67. The outline of the peaks of the carrier signal is called ...

Envelope, modulating signal.

68. The carrier frequency in AM is ...

Constant.

69. The depth of modulation is given by ...

m × 100%.

70. How is plate modulator superior to the grid modulator?

It does not produce distortion, has higher efficiency, and provides higher output
power.

71. Why is grid leak bias used in plate modulated class C amplifier?

For controlling the grid current.

72. To achieve 50 percent modulation with carrier ec = 20 cos(ωc t), the mod-
ulating signal amplitude Am should be ...

10V.

73. The ideal value of m for maximum amplitude of modulating signal is ...

1.

74. A signal whose amplitude is displayed with respect to time is called as

...

Time domain display.

16
Chapter 2: Amplitude Modulation

75. A signal whose amplitude is displayed with respect to frequency is

called as ...

Frequency domain display.

76. The total transmitted power in AM is the sum of ... and ...

Carrier power and total sideband power.

77. An AM signal with a carrier of 1 kW has 100 W power in each sideband.

What is the total transmitted power?

Pt = Pc + 2PSB = 1kW + 2(100W ) = 1.2kW.

78. Expression for AM with nonsinusoidal modulating signal is given by ...

s(t) = Ac [1 + mx (t)] cos(ωc t)

79. Disadvantages of AM are ...

• Susceptibility to noise.
• Inefficient power utilization.
• Requires large bandwidth.

80. What is the difference between high and low-level modulation?

• Low-level modulation: Modulation occurs at low power, and the signal is am-
plified later.
• High-level modulation: The signal is amplified first and then modulated.

81. What type of amplifier is used for collector modulator?

Class C amplifier.

82. What type of modulation is used in TV transmission?

17
Chapter 2: Amplitude Modulation

AM with Vestigial Sideband (VSB) for picture, FM for sound.

83. Where is the operating point of class C amplifier located?

Below cutoff.

84. Name different linear amplifiers.

Class A, Class B, Class AB amplifiers.

85. Why is class C amplifier used in high-level modulator?

Class C amplifiers have high efficiency (greater than 95%), making them suitable
for high-power applications.

86. In collector modulation, how do you obtain the AM wave across the
tank circuit from unidirectional collector current pulses?

The tank circuit produces damped oscillations, where the amplitude follows the
modulation signal, generating AM.

87. What type of modulation is used in TV for picture and sound transmis-
sion?

AM with Vestigial Sideband (VSB) for picture and FM for sound.

88. What type of propagation is used for Medium Wave (MW) band radio
transmission?

Ground wave propagation.

89. How much is the conduction angle of collector current of the class C
amplifier?

Less than 180◦ (operates in pulses).

90. What type of propagation is used for satellite communication?

Space wave propagation.

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Chapter 2: Amplitude Modulation

91. Which vacuum tube is used for the plate modulated and grid modulated
Class C amplifier?

Triode.

92. What are the advantages of a grid modulator?

• Requires low modulating power.

93. State the disadvantages of a grid modulator.

• Low efficiency.

• Low power output.

• Generates harmonics due to nonlinear transfer characteristics.

2.2 Suggested Questions

1. What is meant by the term amplitude modulation?
2. Define the term modulation index for AM.
3. Derive an expression for a single-tone amplitude-modulated wave.

4. Draw the single-sided frequency spectrum for a single-tone amplitude-modulated

signal.
5. Derive the power relations for a single-tone amplitude-modulated wave.
6. Derive the current relations for a single-tone amplitude-modulated wave.

7. Derive an expression for the transmission efficiency of an AM wave.

8. Explain the low-level and high-level AM modulation methods with help of
figures.
9. Explain the square-law diode modulation method for AM generation.

10. Draw the block diagram of the filter method for generating an SSB signal for
an audio baseband signal. What are the frequency requirements of the filter?

19
Chapter 2: Amplitude Modulation

11. Draw the block diagram of the phase-shift method for generating an SSB sig-
nal. What happens when the carrier phase shift network produces a phase shift
that differs from 90◦ by a small angle α?
12. What is a DSB-SC modulator? Explain how the ring modulator for generation
of a DSB-SC wave acts as a demodulator.
13. Prove that a balanced modulator produces an output consisting only of side-
bands, with the carrier removed.
14. What are the different kinds of AM? Why can’t suppressed carrier SSB signals
be used for ”compatible” AM broadcasting? What form of SSB could be used?
15. Describe vestigial sideband transmission. Give its application.
16. Prove that the balanced modulator produces an output consisting of sidebands
only, with the carrier removed.
17. Explain the phase-shift method of SSB generation. List its advantages and dis-
advantages with respect to other methods.
18. Write a detailed short note on vestigial sideband transmission.
19. Sketch and explain the working of a ring modulator.
20. Why is VSB modulation used in TV transmission?
21. Give the classification of AM systems.
22. Define the term ”modulation” and explain the concept of amplitude modula-
tion.
23. For a non-sinusoidal modulating signal x (t), derive the expression for an AM
wave.
24. Define amplitude sensitivity.
25. Write a short note on overmodulation and its effects.
26. Derive the mathematical expression for the spectrum of an AM wave and plot
it.
27. What is the transmission bandwidth of AM?
28. Derive the following expression for modulation index:

Emax − Emin
m=
Emax + Emin

20
Chapter 2: Amplitude Modulation

29. For single-tone AM, derive the expression for total transmitted power Pt in
terms of Pc and m.
30. Define transmission efficiency and state its relation with AM parameters.
31. Find the expression for modulation index when more than one AF signal si-
multaneously modulates the same carrier.
32. Explain the operation of a square-law modulator that generates an AM wave.
Prove with the help of derivation that it generates AM at its output.
33. With the help of neat diagrams, explain the operation of a switching modulator.
34. Prove that an AM wave is obtained at the output of a switching modulator.
35. State the types of detectors used for AM.
36. With the help of a neat circuit diagram, explain the operation of a square-law
detector.
37. Draw the waveforms at input and output of an envelope detector circuit.
38. Explain the importance of RC time constants for the envelope detector circuit.
39. State the advantages, disadvantages, and applications of AM.
40. What is FDM? Where is it used?
41. When would you prefer FDM to TDM?
42. Draw the spectrum of an FDM signal.
43. What are the advantages and disadvantages of an FDM system?

2.3 Numerical Questions

1. The carrier amplitude after AM varies between 4 volts and 1 volt. Calculate
the depth of modulation.
2. The carrier wave is represented by the equation ec (t) = 10 sin ωt. Draw the
waveform of an AM wave for m = 0.5.
3. A sinusoidal carrier has an amplitude of 10 V and frequency 30 kHz. It is
amplitude modulated by a sinusoidal signal of amplitude 3V and frequency 1
kHz. Modulated voltage is developed across a 50 Ω resistance. Determine:
(a) The modulation index and percentage modulation.

21
Chapter 2: Amplitude Modulation

(b) The total power in the modulated wave.

(c) The power in the carrier and each sideband.
(d) The bandwidth of the modulated signal.

4. For an AM DSBFC envelope with Vmax = 20V and Vmin = 4V, determine the
following:

(a) Peak amplitude of the carrier.

(b) Modulation coefficient and percentage modulation.
(c) Peak amplitude of the upper and lower side frequencies.

5. The tuned circuit of the oscillator in an AM transmitter uses a 50 µH coil and a

1 nF capacitor. If the oscillator output is modulated by audio frequencies up to
8 kHz, find the frequency range occupied by the sidebands.

6. A modulating signal 10 sin(2π × 103 t) is used to modulate a carrier signal

20 sin(2π × 104 t). Determine:

(a) The modulation index and percentage modulation.

(b) Frequencies of the sideband components.
(c) Amplitudes of the sidebands.
(d) Bandwidth of the modulated signal.

7. A 400-watt carrier is modulated to a depth of 75 percent. Find the total power

in the amplitude-modulated wave.
8. An AM broadcast radio transmitter radiates 10 kW of power if the modulation
percentage is 60. Calculate how much of this is the carrier power.
9. The antenna current of an AM transmitter is 8 A if only the carrier is sent, but
it increases to 8.93 A if the carrier is modulated by a single sinusoidal wave.
Determine the percentage modulation. Also, find the antenna current if the
percent of modulation changes to 0.8.

10. The antenna current of an AM transmitter is 10 amperes when it is modulated

to a depth of 30% by an audio signal. It increases to 11 amperes when another
signal modulates the carrier. What will be the modulation index due to the
second signal?

11. The carrier wave is represented by the equation v(t) = 10 sin ωt. Draw the
waveform of an AM wave for m = 0.5.

22
Chapter 2: Amplitude Modulation

12. Prove that in amplitude modulation, the maximum average power transmitted
by an antenna is 1.5 times the carrier power.
13. The carrier amplitude after AM varies between 4 volts and 1 volt. Calculate
the depth of modulation.
14. The antenna current of an AM broadcast transmitter modulated to a depth of
40% by an audio sine wave is 11 Amp. It increases to 12 Amp. as a result of
simultaneous modulation by another audio sine wave. What is the modulation
index due to this second wave?
15. A certain transmitter radiates 10 kW with the carrier unmodulated and 12 kW
when the carrier is sinusoidally modulated. Calculate the modulation index.
If another sine wave corresponding to 50% modulation is transmitted simulta-
neously, determine the total radiated power.
16. An AM transmitter radiates 9 kW of power when the carrier is unmodulated
and 10.125 kW when the carrier is sinusoidally modulated. Find the modula-
tion index, percentage modulation. Now, if another sine wave corresponding
to 40 percent modulation is transmitted simultaneously, calculate the total ra-
diated power.
17. An SSB transmission contains 10 kW. This transmission is to be replaced by
a standard amplitude-modulated signal with the same power content. Deter-
mine the power content of the carrier and each of the sidebands when the per-
cent modulation is 80%.
18. Evaluate the effect of a phase error in the local oscillator on synchronous DSB
demodulation.
19. A given AM broadcast station transmits a total power of 50 kW when the car-
rier is modulated by a sinusoidal signal with a modulation index of 0.707. Cal-
culate:
(a) The carrier power.
(b) The transmission efficiency.
(c) The peak amplitude of the carrier assuming the antenna to be represented
by a (60 + j0)Ω load.
20. The efficiency η of ordinary AM is defined as the percentage of the total power
carried by the sidebands:
(a) Find η for m = 0.5 (50 percent modulation).
(b) Show that for a single-tone AM, ηmax is 33.3% at m = 1.

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Chapter 2: Amplitude Modulation

21. An AM voltage is represented by the expression:

VAM = 5[1 + 0.6 cos(6280t)] sin(2π × 104 t) volts

Calculate:
(a) Modulation Depth
(b) Modulating frequency
(c) Period of the Carrier wave
(d) The peak instantaneous value of the AM wave
(e) Expand the expression and calculate the rms voltage of the lower side
frequency component. The modulated wave is applied across a resistance
of 1 kΩ, what is the power dissipated?
22. Derive the expression for total transmitted power in an AM wave in terms of
the carrier power. A 400 W carrier is modulated to a depth of 75%. Calculate
the total power in the modulated wave.

23. An AM voltage is represented by the expression:

VAM = 5[1 + 0.6 cos(6280t)] sin(2π × 104 t) volts

Calculate:
(a) The minimum and maximum amplitude of the AM wave.
(b) The frequency components contained in the modulated wave and the am-
plitude of each component.

24. The output to an AM DSBFC modulator is an 800 kHz carrier with an am-
plitude of 40V. The input is a 25 kHz modulating signal whose amplitude is
sufficient to produce a ±10V change in the amplitude of the envelope. Calcu-
late:

(a) Upper and lower sideband frequencies.

(b) Modulation coefficient and percentage modulation.
(c) Maximum and minimum positive amplitude of the envelope.
(d) Draw the output frequency spectrum.

24
Chapter 2: Amplitude Modulation

2.4 MCQ
1. The main advantage of DSB and SSB is:
(a) More carrier power
(b) Double the sideband power
(c) Higher power can be put into sidebands
(d) None of the above
2. In an SSB-RC system, the carrier is:
(a) Completely suppressed
(b) Not suppressed
(c) Partially suppressed
(d) None of the above
3. For modulation index m = 1, if the carrier and one sideband are completely
suppressed, the amount of power transmitted is:
(a) 16.66%
(b) 83.33%
(c) 50%
(d) None of the above
4. The outline of the peaks of the carrier signal is called:
(a) Frequency spectrum
(b) Phase envelope
(c) Envelope
(d) None of the above
5. The carrier frequency in AM is:
(a) Constant
(b) Variable
(c) Increasing with modulation
(d) Decreasing with modulation
6. The depth of modulation is given by:
(a) m + 100%

25
Chapter 2: Amplitude Modulation

(b) m × 100%
(c) m − 100%
(d) m × 10%
7. The ideal value of modulation index m for maximum amplitude of modulating
signal is:
(a) 1
(b) 0.5
(c) 2
(d) None of the above
8. A signal whose amplitude is displayed with respect to time is called:
(a) Frequency domain display
(b) Phase display
(c) Time domain display
(d) None of the above
9. A signal whose amplitude is displayed with respect to frequency is called:
(a) Frequency domain display
(b) Phase display
(c) Time domain display
(d) None of the above
10. The total transmitted power in AM is the sum of:
(a) Carrier power and total sideband power
(b) Carrier power only
(c) Sideband power only
(d) None of the above
11. An AM signal with a carrier of 1 kW has 100 W power in each sideband. What
is the total transmitted power?
(a) 1.0 kW
(b) 1.1 kW
(c) 1.2 kW
(d) 1.5 kW

26
Chapter 2: Amplitude Modulation

12. Expression for AM with a non-sinusoidal modulating signal is given by:

(a) s(t) = Ec [1 + mx (t)] cos(ωc t)
(b) s(t) = Ec cos(ωc t)
(c) s(t) = mx (t)
(d) None of the above
13. What type of modulation is used in TV for picture transmission?
(a) Frequency modulation
(b) Vestigial sideband modulation
(c) Phase modulation
(d) Pulse code modulation
14. The conduction angle of collector current in a class C amplifier is:

(a) > 180◦

(b) = 180◦
(c) < 180◦
(d) None of the above

15. What type of propagation is used for satellite communication?

(a) Ground wave propagation
(b) Space wave propagation
(c) Sky wave propagation
(d) None of the above
16. The primary advantage of using Single Sideband (SSB) over AM is:
(a) Higher transmission power
(b) Reduced bandwidth and power efficiency
(c) Lower noise immunity
(d) None of the above

27
Chapter 2: Amplitude Modulation

Answer Key
1. (c) Higher power can be put into sidebands
2. (c) Partially suppressed
3. (c) 50%

4. (c) Envelope
5. (a) Constant
6. (b) m × 100%
7. (a) 1

8. (c) Time domain display

9. (a) Frequency domain display
10. (a) Carrier power and total sideband power

11. (c) 1.2 kW

12. (a) s(t) = Ec [1 + mx (t)] cos(ωc t)
13. (b) Vestigial sideband modulation
14. (c) < 180◦

15. (b) Space wave propagation

16. (b) Reduced bandwidth and power efficiency

28
Chapter 3

Frequency modulation

3.1 Short answer questions

1. What do you mean by angle modulation?

Angle modulation may be defined as the process in which the total phase angle
of a carrier wave is varied in accordance with the instantaneous value of the modu-
lating or message signal while keeping the amplitude of the carrier constant.

2. What are the types of angle modulation?

There are two types of angle modulation: (i) Phase Modulation (PM) (ii) Fre-
quency Modulation (FM)

3. Define phase modulation.

Phase modulation (PM) is a type of angle modulation in which the phase angle
is varied linearly with a baseband or modulating signal x (t) about an unmodulated
phase angle (ωc t + ϕ). This means that in PM, the instantaneous phase is given by:

θ ( t ) = ωc t + ϕ + k p x ( t )

where k p is the phase sensitivity constant.

4. Define frequency modulation.

29
Chapter 3: Frequency modulation

Frequency modulation (FM) is a type of angle modulation in which the instanta-

neous frequency ωi is varied linearly with a message or baseband signal x (t) about
an unmodulated carrier frequency ωc . The instantaneous frequency is given by:

ωi = ω c + k f x ( t )

where k f is the frequency sensitivity constant.

5. What is frequency deviation?

The instantaneous frequency of an FM signal varies with time around the carrier
frequency ωc . The maximum change in instantaneous frequency from the average
frequency ωc is called frequency deviation.

6. Define the term deviation in context with frequency modulation.

Deviation ∆ f is the amount of change in carrier frequency from its unmodulated

value. It is given by:
∆ f = max(|ωi − ωc |)

7. What is a carrier signal?

A carrier signal is a high-frequency sinusoidal signal used to carry the informa-

tion in a communication system. It is generally represented as:

c(t) = Ac cos(ωc t + ϕ)

where Ac is the amplitude, ωc is the angular frequency, and ϕ is the phase.

8. What is carrier swing?

The total variation in frequency from the lowest to the highest point in FM is
called carrier swing. It is given by:

Carrier Swing = 2 × ∆ f

where ∆ f is the frequency deviation.

9. What is the role of modulating frequency in frequency modulation?

30
Chapter 3: Frequency modulation

The rate at which the carrier frequency varies from its center value is equal to the
modulating frequency f m . An increase in f m , while keeping the amplitude constant,
results in the same frequency deviation at a faster rate.

10. What is sideband FM?

When the modulation index m f is large in FM, a large number of sidebands are
produced, resulting in a sufficiently large bandwidth. This type of FM system is
known as wideband FM.

11. What is transmission bandwidth for FM?

For n sidebands, the bandwidth of an FM wave is given by:

BW = 2n f m

where f m is the modulating frequency.

12. Express the FM signal mathematically.

The FM wave is represented as:

 
s(t) = Ac sin ωc t + m f sin(ωm t)

where m f is the modulation index, and ωm is the modulating signal frequency.

13. How to vary the deviation?

Deviation is proportional to the instantaneous value of the modulating voltage.

By changing the amplitude of the modulating signal, it is possible to change the
deviation.

14. What is the difference between direct and indirect methods of FM gen-
eration?

In the direct method, the reactance of a device (such as a transistor or varactor

diode) is varied according to the modulating signal, which directly changes the os-
cillator frequency to generate FM. In the indirect method (Armstrong method), phase
modulation is first generated and then converted into frequency modulation using
frequency multipliers and mixers.

31
Chapter 3: Frequency modulation

15. Explain the working of a balanced frequency discriminator for FM de-

modulation.

A balanced frequency discriminator consists of two slope detector circuits ar-

ranged in a balanced manner. The frequency variations in the received FM signal
cause differential output voltages in the two circuits, and their combination results
in the demodulated signal. It provides better linearity and reduced distortion com-
pared to a simple slope detector.

16. What is carrier swing?

Carrier swing is the total variation in frequency from the lowest to the highest
frequency in an FM signal. It is given by:
Carrier Swing = 2 × ∆ f
where ∆ f is the frequency deviation.

17. What are the disadvantages of FM?

1. FM requires a larger bandwidth (typically 200 kHz for FM broadcasting com-

pared to 10 kHz for AM). 2. FM transmitters and receivers are more complex and
expensive. 3. The range of FM is limited due to line-of-sight propagation.

18. What is percent modulation for FM?

The percent modulation M for FM is defined as:

∆ f actual
 
M= × 100
∆ f max
where ∆ f actual is the actual frequency deviation, and ∆ f max is the maximum allow-
able frequency deviation.

19. What is the role of modulating frequency in frequency modulation?

The rate at which the carrier frequency varies from its center value is equal to the
modulating frequency. With an increase in f m while keeping the amplitude constant,
the frequency deviation remains the same, but the rate of change increases.

20. What is sideband FM?

32
Chapter 3: Frequency modulation

When the modulation index m f is large, FM produces multiple sidebands, mak-

ing the bandwidth significantly large. This type of FM is known as wideband FM.

21. What is the transmission bandwidth for FM?

The bandwidth of an FM wave is given by Carson’s rule:

BW = 2(∆ f + f m )
where ∆ f is the maximum frequency deviation, and f m is the highest modulating
frequency.

22. Express the FM signal mathematically.

The FM wave is represented as:

 
s(t) = Ac sin ωc t + m f sin(ωm t)

where Ac is the carrier amplitude, ωc is the carrier frequency, m f is the modulation

index, and ωm is the modulating frequency.

23. How to vary the deviation?

Deviation is proportional to the instantaneous value of the modulating voltage.

By changing the amplitude of the modulating signal, it is possible to change the
deviation.

24. Ideally, how many sidebands are present in the spectrum of an FM

wave?

Ideally, an FM wave has infinite sidebands.

25. What is Carson’s rule?

Carson’s rule provides an approximate formula for calculating the bandwidth of

an FM signal:
BW = 2(∆ f + f m )
where ∆ f is the peak frequency deviation, and f m is the highest modulating fre-
quency.

26. Define modulation index for FM. How is it different from AM?

33
Chapter 3: Frequency modulation

The modulation index for FM is given by:

∆f
mf =
fm

where ∆ f is the frequency deviation, and f m is the modulating frequency. - In AM,

the modulation index is a ratio of amplitudes, while in FM, it is a ratio of frequencies.
- The value of m f in FM can be greater than 1, whereas in AM, it is usually less than
or equal to 1.

27. Why is FM called a type of angle modulation?

In FM, along with frequency, the phase angle of the carrier also changes with the
instantaneous amplitude of the modulating signal.

28. Justify why the total transmitted power in FM always remains constant.

The peak amplitude Ac of an FM wave always remains constant. The transmitted

power is given by:
A2
P= c
2R
Since Ac remains constant, the transmitted power remains constant regardless of
modulation.

29. What is the ideal bandwidth of an FM wave?

Ideally, the bandwidth of an FM wave is infinite due to the presence of an infinite

number of sidebands.

30. State Carson’s rule for bandwidth of an FM wave.

Carson’s rule states that the bandwidth of an FM wave is given by:

BW = 2(∆ f + f m )

where ∆ f is the frequency deviation, and f m is the highest modulating frequency.

31. What is the effect of modulation index on the bandwidth of FM?

As the modulation index m f increases, the number of significant sidebands also

increases, which in turn increases the bandwidth of the FM signal.

34
Chapter 3: Frequency modulation

32. Why is FM called a constant bandwidth system?

The bandwidth of FM changes only slightly even when the modulating frequency
changes significantly, making FM a constant bandwidth system.

33. How to calculate the amplitudes of various sidebands in the spectrum

of FM?

The amplitudes of FM sidebands depend on Bessel coefficients Jn (m f ), which in

turn depend on the modulation index m f .

34. Deviation ratio in FM is defined as...

Maximum allowable deviation

Deviation ratio =
Maximum modulating frequency

35. What is the difference between FM and PM?

- FM: Frequency deviation is proportional to the amplitude of the modulating

signal. - PM: Phase deviation is proportional to the amplitude of the modulating
signal. - FM and PM appear identical at a constant modulating frequency, but with
a change in modulating frequency, m f changes in FM but remains constant in PM.

36. What is the main disadvantage of FM?

The primary disadvantage of FM is its large bandwidth requirement. For FM

broadcasting, the required bandwidth is approximately 200 kHz, which is signifi-
cantly higher than AM broadcasting, which requires only 10 kHz.

37. The amount of frequency deviation at the output of a phase modulator

is proportional to?

The frequency deviation at the output of a phase modulator is proportional to

both the modulating voltage and the modulating frequency.

38. For an FM signal, the maximum deviation occurs at which point of the
modulating signal?

35
Chapter 3: Frequency modulation

The maximum deviation occurs at the positive and negative peaks of the modu-
lating signal.

39. In PM, the carrier frequency deviation is not proportional to?

The carrier frequency deviation in PM is not proportional to the phase of the

modulating signal.

40. The FM produced by PM is called as?

FM produced using phase modulation is called indirect FM.

41. If the amplitude of the modulating signal applied to a phase modulator

is constant, then the output will be?

The output will be a constant carrier frequency.

42. The Pre-emphasis is compensated for at the receiver by?

A low-pass filter called a de-emphasis circuit.

43. The maximum allowed deviation of an FM sound signal in TV is 50 kHz.

If the actual deviation is 30 kHz, then the percentage modulation is?

 
30
Percent modulation = × 100 = 60%
50

44. For FM broadcast applications, which type of FM is used?

Wideband FM is used for FM broadcast applications.

45. FM waves propagate using which type of propagation?

FM waves propagate using space wave propagation.

46. To obtain the same SNR at the same distance from the transmitter, FM
transmitter has to transmit how much power compared to AM?

36
Chapter 3: Frequency modulation

FM transmitters require less power compared to AM transmitters for the same

signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).

47. The process of frequency up-conversion is used for?

The process of frequency up-conversion is used for increasing the carrier fre-
quency.

48. Carrier frequency and frequency deviation can be increased by using

which device after the modulator?

A frequency multiplier is used to increase both the carrier frequency and fre-
quency deviation after modulation.

49. Why is FM not used for picture transmission?

FM is not used for picture transmission due to its large bandwidth requirement
and the fact that multipath reception of FM signals causes more annoying distortions
on TV screens.

50. Why is FM used for sound transmission in TV?

FM is used for sound transmission in TV to ensure that the sound and picture
carriers do not interfere with each other. The sound power output can be lower
than the picture power output without sacrificing the transmission range, which is
achieved using FM.

51. Why are frequency modulation transmitters more efficient?

FM transmitters are more efficient because they can use Class C amplifiers, which
are more power-efficient compared to linear amplifiers used in AM transmission.

52. What is wideband FM? Where is it used?

Wideband FM has a modulation index greater than 1, with a maximum deviation

of 75 kHz. It is used in entertainment broadcasting, such as FM radio and TV sound
transmission.

37
Chapter 3: Frequency modulation

53. What is the principle of a variable reactance modulator used for FM

generation?

A voltage-controlled reactance, when placed across a tank circuit, varies the fre-
quency of oscillation in proportion to the modulating signal, thereby generating FM.

54. Varactor diode is used in which mode: forward or reverse biased?

Varactor diodes are used in reverse-biased mode.

55. State true or false: For highly stable carrier generators, LC oscillators are
preferred over crystal oscillators.

False. Crystal oscillators are preferred for highly stable carrier generation because
they offer better frequency stability compared to LC oscillators.

56. Name the method of FM generation that uses PM.

The Armstrong method is an indirect method of FM generation that uses phase

modulation (PM) to generate FM signals.

57. Which devices can be used as variable reactance devices to generate FM?

Field-effect transistors (FETs), bipolar junction transistors (BJTs), and varactor

diodes can be used as variable reactance devices to generate FM.

58. Increasing the reverse voltage across a varactor diode will cause its ca-
pacitance to?

Increasing the reverse voltage will decrease the capacitance of the varactor diode.

59. A positive-going modulating signal in the frequency modulator using a

varactor diode will have what effect on capacitance and frequency?

A positive-going modulating signal will decrease the capacitance and increase

the frequency.

38
Chapter 3: Frequency modulation

60. What is the effect of mixing (heterodyning) on the modulation index

and deviation in FM?

Mixing (heterodyning) changes the center frequency of the FM signal but has no
effect on the modulation index or frequency deviation.

61. Another name for a varactor diode is?

Voltage-variable capacitance (VVC) diode.

62. Why is the indirect method of FM generation preferred over the direct
method?

The indirect method provides very high frequency stability, whereas direct meth-
ods cannot achieve such high stability.

63. What is the cutoff frequency of pre-emphasis and de-emphasis circuits?

The standard cutoff frequency of pre-emphasis and de-emphasis circuits is 2122

Hz.

64. What type of FM is used for police wireless communication?

Narrowband FM (NBFM) is used for police wireless communication.

65. What is the effect of modulating frequency on noise immunity in FM?

Noise immunity improves with a reduction in modulating frequency. At higher

values of modulating frequency, the noise immunity of FM decreases.

66. Is pre-emphasis similar to high-pass filtering or low-pass filtering?

Pre-emphasis is similar to high-pass filtering because it boosts higher frequency

components of the modulating signal.

67. How to improve the noise immunity of an FM wave?

Noise immunity can be improved by increasing the modulation index, which can
be achieved by increasing the frequency deviation while keeping the modulating

39
Chapter 3: Frequency modulation

frequency constant.

68. What is pre-emphasis?

Pre-emphasis is the process of artificially boosting the amplitudes of high-frequency

components in the modulating signal to improve the signal-to-noise ratio.

69. What is the effect of pre-emphasis?

Due to the boosting of high-frequency components, the deviation and modu-

lation index increase, improving the noise immunity of FM at higher modulating
frequencies.

70. What is the standard value of pre-emphasis in FM transmission and

sound transmission in TV?

The standard pre-emphasis time constant is 75 microseconds.

71. Why is de-emphasis used?

De-emphasis is used to bring the artificially boosted high-frequency components

back to their original amplitudes. It acts as a low-pass filter.

72. What is the operating principle of an FM receiver?

FM receivers operate on the principle of superheterodyning, where the received

FM signal is converted to an intermediate frequency (IF), amplified, and then de-
modulated using an FM detector to recover the original modulating signal.

73. What can you say about the range covered by FM transmission compared
to AM transmission with the same output power?

The range covered by FM transmission is generally larger than that of AM trans-

mission due to better noise immunity and the use of frequency modulation tech-
niques. However, FM is limited by line-of-sight propagation.

74. Why is the phase discriminator practically preferred?

The phase discriminator is preferred because it provides better linearity and eas-
ier alignment compared to other FM detectors, such as the slope detector.

40
Chapter 3: Frequency modulation

75. Why is the linearity of the phase discriminator better?

The linearity of the phase discriminator is better because its operation depends on
the phase relation between the primary and secondary circuits rather than amplitude
variations, making it more stable and accurate.

76. Why is a simple slope detector not used practically?

A simple slope detector is not used practically due to its non-linearity, critical
tuning requirements, and poor amplitude limiting characteristics, which result in
signal distortion.

77. For broadcasting applications, what type of FM is used?

Wideband FM is used for broadcasting applications.

78. A crystal oscillator whose frequency can be changed by an input voltage

is called?

A voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO).

79. What is the tuning range and intermediate frequency (IF) for an FM
receiver?

The tuning range for an FM receiver is 88 MHz to 108 MHz, and the standard
intermediate frequency (IF) is 10.7 MHz.

80. What is the use of a limiter circuit?

A limiter circuit is used in FM receivers to remove unwanted amplitude varia-

tions (noise) from the received signal before demodulation, ensuring that only fre-
quency variations are processed.

81. Where will you include the limiter circuit in an FM receiver?

The limiter circuit is placed before the FM detector in the receiver chain to sup-
press amplitude variations before demodulation.

41
Chapter 3: Frequency modulation

82. The phenomenon of a strong FM signal dominating a weaker signal on

a common frequency is called?

Capture effect.

83. What is the operating principle of a slope detector?

A slope detector works on the principle that a frequency-selective network con-

verts frequency variations of the FM signal into amplitude variations, which are then
detected using an envelope detector.

84. What is the operating principle of a balanced slope detector?

A balanced slope detector consists of two slope detector circuits connected in a

push-pull configuration. The output is taken as the difference between the individ-
ual detector outputs, improving linearity and reducing distortion.

85. What are the demerits of a balanced slope detector?

1. Difficult to tune, as three circuits must be tuned to different frequencies. 2.

Linearity is not perfect. 3. No amplitude limiting, making it sensitive to noise and
amplitude variations.

86. Which discriminator averages pulses in a low-pass filter (LPF)?

Quadrature detector.

87. Where is the quadrature detector used? Why?

Quadrature detectors are widely used in modern FM receivers because they can
be fabricated as integrated circuits (ICs), making them compact and efficient.

88. In the Foster-Seeley discriminator and ratio detector circuits, an input

frequency variation produces a... which causes the variation in output volt-
age.

Phase shift.

42
Chapter 3: Frequency modulation

89. What is the effect of multiplication on the modulation index and devia-
tion in FM?

Both the modulation index and frequency deviation increase by the multiplica-
tion factor N when an FM signal is passed through a frequency multiplier.

3.2 MCQ

1. The rate at which frequency changes take place is equal to?

(a) Carrier frequency (b) Modulating frequency (c) Modulating voltage (d)
None

2. In PM, the information is transmitted using?

(a) Change in frequency (b) Change in amplitude (c) Change in phase of the
carrier (d) None

3. The equation of the FM signal is 10 sin[2π × 106 t + 5 sin(2π × 103 t)]. The
modulating frequency is?

(a) 106 Hz (b) 103 Hz (c) 109 Hz (d) None

4. If the deviation is 75 kHz and the maximum modulating frequency is 5

kHz, what is the bandwidth of an FM wave?

(a) 80 kHz (b) 160 kHz (c) 40 kHz (d) 320 kHz

5. With an increase in the modulation index of an FM wave, the number of

sidebands having significant amplitude will?

(a) Increase (b) Decrease (c) Remain same (d) None

6. With a change in modulating frequency f m , the modulation index m f of a

phase-modulated signal will?

(a) Increase (b) Decrease (c) Remain constant (d) None

43
Chapter 3: Frequency modulation

7. Which of the following systems is called a constant bandwidth system?

(a) AM (b) PM (c) FM (d) None

8. Noise immunity of PM is?

(a) Better than AM and FM (b) Worse than AM and FM (c) Better than AM
but worse than FM (d) None

9. FM can be generated using PM by?

(a) Passing the modulating signal through a low-pass filter (b) Passing the
modulating signal through a high-pass filter (c) Using pre-emphasis (d) Using
de-emphasis

10. Amplitude of a PM wave?

(a) Remains constant (b) Changes in proportion with the modulating voltage
(c) Changes in proportion with the modulating frequency (d) None

11. The frequency deviation in PM is proportional to?

(a) Modulating voltage (b) Modulating frequency (c) Modulating frequency

and voltage (d) None

12. The transmitted power in an FM system is?

(a) Dependent on the number of sidebands (b) Dependent on the carrier power
and sidebands (c) Always constant (d) None

13. The modulation index of a wideband FM system is?

(a) Greater than 1 (b) Less than 1 (c) Equal to 1 (d) None of these

14. The deviation in a narrowband FM system is?

(a) Greater than 10 kHz (b) Less than 10 kHz (c) Less than 5 kHz (d) Less
than 1 kHz

44
Chapter 3: Frequency modulation

15. For broadcasting applications, which type of FM is used?

(a) Broadband FM (b) Narrowband FM (c) PM (d) None

16. The frequency deviation in a wideband FM system is?

(a) 25 kHz (b) 75 kHz (c) 30 Hz to 15 kHz (d) Greater than 15 kHz

17. The suitable range of modulating frequencies for a wideband FM sys-

tem is?

(a) 0 - 3 kHz (b) 0 - 6 kHz (c) 30 Hz to 15 kHz (d) None

18. The equation for a modulated PM wave is given by?

(a) 5 sin(2π × 106 t) (b) 5 sin(2π × 106 t + 10 sin 6280t) (c) 5 sin(2π × 106 t −
10 sin 6280t) (d) None of these

19. In FM, when the modulating frequency is 1000 Hz and AF voltage is 2V,
the deviation is 4 kHz. If the modulating voltage is increased to 3V, the new
deviation is?

(a) 2 kHz (b) 4 kHz (c) 6 kHz (d) 10 kHz

20. Which of the following is capable of greater frequency deviation?

(a) Crystal oscillator (b) LC oscillator (c) Diode ring modulator (d) None

21. Which of the following methods is not used for FM generation?

(a) Reactance modulator using FET (b) Transistor reactance modulator (c)
Varactor diode modulator (d) None

22. Crystal oscillators are used for?

(a) Increasing frequency stability (b) Reducing frequency deviation (c) In-
creasing modulation index (d) None of these

45
Chapter 3: Frequency modulation

23. The Armstrong method is?

(a) A direct method to generate FM (b) An indirect method to generate FM

(c) An indirect method to generate PM (d) None of these

24. Indirect method of generating FM works on which principle?

(a) Transconductance is varied to vary the frequency (b) AF modulating signal

is passed through an LPF and then PM is used (c) β of a transistor is used to vary
the frequency (d) None of these

25. From the noise triangle, we conclude that?

(a) Noise amplitude modulates the carrier (b) Noise frequency modulates the
carrier (c) Noise phase modulates the carrier (d) None of these

26. The effect of noise on FM is predominant at?

(a) Lower values of modulating frequency (b) Higher values of modulating

frequency (c) Higher values of the carrier frequency (d) None of these

27. With an increase in the modulation index, the effect of noise on FM will
be?

(a) Increased (b) Reduced (c) Remain constant (d) None

28. De-emphasis circuit is basically?

(a) A low-pass filter (b) A high-pass filter (c) A band-pass filter (d) None

29. The standard cutoff frequency of a de-emphasis circuit is?

(a) 2100 Hz (b) 2122 Hz (c) 2175 Hz (d) 100 kHz

30. The standard slope of the pre-emphasis characteristic is?

(a) 8 dB/octave (b) 6 dB/octave (c) 8 dB/decade (d) -6 dB/octave

46
Chapter 3: Frequency modulation

31. The RF amplifier used in an FM receiver is?

(a) Grounded source FET amplifier (b) Grounded drain FET amplifier (c)
Grounded gate FET amplifier (d) None

32. The grounded gate (or base) amplifier is used as an RF amplifier be-
cause?

(a) It has low input impedance (b) It has high input impedance (c) It has low
output impedance (d) None

33. The standard bandwidth of an FM signal is?

(a) 75 kHz (b) 200 kHz (c) 15 kHz (d) None

34. In a simple slope detector circuit for FM detection?

(a) Only one tuned circuit is used (b) Two tuned circuits are used (c) Three
tuned circuits are used (d) None

35. In the balanced slope detector?

(a) The primary and secondary tuned circuits are tuned to the same frequencies
(b) The primary is tuned to the center frequency, and the secondaries are tuned to
f c + ∆ f and f c − ∆ f (c) The primary is tuned to the center frequency, and both
secondaries are tuned to f c + ∆ f (d) None

36. The output voltage of the balanced slope detector is?

(a) Sum of the individual output voltages (V1 + V2 ) (b) Subtraction of the in-
dividual output voltages (V1 − V2 ) (c) Square of the sum of individual voltages
(d) None

37. In a phase discriminator, all the tuned circuits are tuned to?

(a) f c (b) f c + ∆ f (c) f c − ∆ f (d) None

38. The phase discriminator operates on which principle?

47
Chapter 3: Frequency modulation

(a) Frequency relation between primary and secondary (b) Phase relation be-
tween primary and secondary (c) Voltage relation between primary and secondary
(d) None

39. The advantage of the ratio detector is that?

(a) It provides phase limiting along with FM detection (b) It provides ampli-
tude limiting action (c) It provides automatic frequency control (AFC) action (d)
None

40. A large capacitor is used for amplitude limiting in?

(a) Frequency discriminator (b) Balanced modulator (c) Ratio detector (d)
None

41. The technique of FM detection used in IC form is?

(a) Balanced slope detector (b) Ratio detector (c) Foster-Seeley discriminator
(d) Quadrature detector

42. The automatic frequency control (AFC) is used for?

(a) Keeping the phase shift constant (b) Keeping the amplitude variations un-
der control (c) Keeping the local oscillator frequency constant (d) None

43. The RF amplifier is used to?

(a) Increase the signal-to-noise ratio and match the antenna impedance (b) In-
crease the selectivity of the receiver (c) Increase the sensitivity of the receiver (d)
None

44. The linearity of output characteristics is the best in?

(a) Balanced slope detector (b) Phase discriminator (c) Ratio detector (d)
None

45. In FM receivers, the demodulators are primarily used for?

48
Chapter 3: Frequency modulation

(a) Converting phase changes into amplitude changes (b) Converting frequency
changes into amplitude changes (c) Suppressing the amplitude variations (d)
Suppressing the frequency variations

49