Scientific Report on AM-DSB-SC Modulation and

Demodulation Experiment
Introduction

Amplitude Modulation (AM) is a fundamental technique in analog communications,

where the amplitude of a high-frequency carrier wave is varied in proportion to the
instantaneous amplitude of a low-frequency message signal. 1 Despite the emergence
of more complex modulation techniques, AM remains widely used in various
applications. 2 Among the different types of AM, Double Sideband Suppressed
Carrier (DSB-SC) modulation stands out as an energy-efficient technique. 1

AM-DSB-SC modulation offers higher power efficiency compared to conventional

AM by suppressing or removing the carrier wave component from the transmitted
signal. 1 This suppression leads to the redistribution of power allocated to the carrier
wave into the sidebands that carry the message information, thereby increasing
transmission efficiency. 1 However, the demodulation of AM-DSB-SC signals
requires more sophisticated techniques known as synchronous or coherent detection. 1
This report aims to provide a detailed and comprehensive explanation of AM-DSB-
SC modulation and demodulation, including the scientific definition, mathematical
representation, typical circuit diagrams, practical experiment requirements, and real-
world applications of this important technique.

Scientific Definition of Double Sideband Suppressed Carrier Amplitude

Modulation (AM-DSB-SC)

Double Sideband Suppressed Carrier (DSB-SC) amplitude modulation is defined as a

type of amplitude modulation in which the carrier wave frequency is deliberately
eliminated or suppressed at the transmitter. 7 The modulated signal consists only of
the upper and lower sidebands, which are symmetrical in frequency around the
original carrier frequency. 1 This suppression of the carrier wave is the defining
characteristic of this type of modulation, distinguishing it from other AM techniques
where the carrier wave is transmitted.

In conventional Double Sideband Large Carrier (DSB-LC) amplitude modulation, the

transmitted signal includes the carrier wave in addition to the two sidebands. 2 This
carrier component consumes a significant portion of the transmission power (up to
two-thirds of the power) without carrying any useful information. 1 By suppressing
the carrier wave, AM-DSB-SC modulation achieves higher power efficiency, as the
remaining power is distributed to the sidebands that carry the message information. 1
The theoretical efficiency of AM-DSB-SC modulation can reach 50%. 7 The process
of AM-DSB-SC modulation can be viewed as the multiplication of the message signal
by the carrier signal in the time domain. 1

Mathematical Representation of AM-DSB-SC Signal

 In the Time Domain:

o The mathematical expression for the AM-DSB-SC modulated signal s(t) is given by
the product of the message signal m(t) and the carrier signal c(t) = Ac *
cos(2πfct): s(t) = m(t) * Ac * cos(2πfct). 1
o For a single-tone sinusoidal message signal m(t) = Am * cos(2πfmt), the AM-
DSB-SC signal becomes: s(t) = Am * cos(2πfmt) * Ac * cos(2πfct) = Am
* Ac * cos(2πfmt)cos(2πfct). 8
o Using the trigonometric identity cos(A)cos(B) = 1/2, the equation can be
expanded to: s(t) = (Am * Ac / 2) * [cos(2π(fc - fm)t) + cos(2π(fc +
fm)t)]. 7 This form clearly shows the presence of two frequency components: the
lower sideband at fc - fm and the upper sideband at fc + fm. Notably, there is no
component at the carrier frequency fc, confirming the suppression of the carrier.
 In the Frequency Domain:
o Applying the Fourier transform to the time-domain equation s(t) = m(t) * Ac *
cos(2πfct), we obtain the frequency-domain representation: S(f) = (Ac / 2) *
[M(f - fc) + M(f + fc)] 1, where M(f) is the Fourier transform of the message
signal m(t).
o For a single-tone sinusoidal message signal with Fourier transform M(f) = (Am /
2) * [δ(f - fm) + δ(f + fm)], the spectrum of the AM-DSB-SC signal
becomes: S(f) = (Ac / 2) * [(Am / 2) * [δ(f - (fc - fm)) + δ(f +
(fc - fm))] + (Am / 2) * [δ(f - (fc + fm)) + δ(f + (fc + fm))]]
S(f) = (Am * Ac / 4) * [δ(f - fc + fm) + δ(f + fc - fm) + δ(f -
fc - fm) + δ(f + fc + fm)]. 1 This spectrum consists of four delta impulses
located at ±(fc - fm) (lower sideband) and ±(fc + fm) (upper sideband).
Significantly, there are no impulses at ±fc, confirming the suppression of the carrier
in the frequency domain. 1
o The bandwidth of the AM-DSB-SC modulated signal is calculated by the difference
between the highest and lowest positive frequencies, which is (fc + fm) - (fc -
fm) = 2fm. 1 This bandwidth is twice the bandwidth of the original message signal.
Domain Equation Description

s(t) = m(t) * Ac * cos(2πfct) General AM-DSB-SC

Time Domain
signal

s(t) = (Am * Ac / 2) *
[cos(2π(fc - fm)t) + AM-DSB-SC signal for a
Time Domain
cos(2π(fc + fm)t)] single-tone message

Frequency S(f) = (Ac / 2) * [M(f - fc) General AM-DSB-SC

Domain + M(f + fc)] spectrum

Spectrum with impulses at ±(fc - fm)

Frequency AM-DSB-SC spectrum
and ±(fc + fm) with amplitude
Domain for a single-tone message
Am*Ac/4

BW = 2 * fm Bandwidth of the AM-

Bandwidth
DSB-SC signal

Typical Circuit Diagrams for AM-DSB-SC Modulation

 Balanced Modulator:
o A balanced modulator is a circuit designed to produce an AM-DSB-SC signal by
suppressing the carrier frequency component and allowing the upper and lower
sidebands to pass through. 9
o One common implementation involves using two standard Amplitude Modulation
(AM) modulators arranged in a balanced configuration such that their carrier wave
outputs are 180 degrees out of phase and thus cancel each other when summed or
subtracted. 9 The message signal is applied to both AM modulators, often with one
being inverted. 9
o Note: The balanced configuration is key to achieving carrier suppression. Any
imbalance in the circuit can lead to some carrier component leaking into the output
signal. 47
o A block diagram typically shows two AM modulators. The carrier signal c(t) is fed
into both. The message signal m(t) is fed into the first, and -m(t) into the second.
The outputs of the two AM modulators are then subtracted using a differential
amplifier or a summing amplifier with one input inverted. 9
o Mathematically, if each AM modulator produces an output of the form s_AM(t) =
Ac[1 + kam(t)]cos(2πfct), then the output of the balanced modulator after
subtraction is s(t) = Ac[1 + kam(t)]cos(2πfct) - Ac[1 -
kam(t)]cos(2πfct) = 2Ackam(t)cos(2πfct), which is an AM-DSB-SC signal.
9

o Balanced modulators can also be implemented using diode-based circuits or

specialized integrated circuits like the MC1496. 47 These ICs often utilize a
differential amplifier configuration to achieve balanced modulation. 49
 Ring Modulator:
o A ring modulator is another widely used circuit for generating AM-DSB-SC signals,
known for its simplicity and effective carrier suppression. 9
o It consists of four diodes arranged in a ring, along with two center-tapped
transformers for the message and carrier signals. 9 The carrier signal, typically a
square wave, acts as a switching signal to control the conduction of the diodes. 9
o Note: The switching action of the diodes, controlled by the carrier, effectively
multiplies the message signal by a waveform that suppresses the carrier frequency.
o A circuit diagram typically shows four diodes in a ring configuration. The message
signal is applied to a center-tapped transformer, and the carrier signal is applied to
another transformer, connected to the center tap. 9
o During the positive half-cycle of the carrier, a pair of opposite diodes conducts,
allowing the message signal to pass through with a certain polarity. During the
negative half-cycle, the other pair of diodes conducts, passing the message signal with
the opposite polarity (180-degree phase shift). 9 This is equivalent to multiplying the
message signal by a square carrier wave that alternates between +1 and -1.
o The output signal is the product of the message signal and the switching carrier
waveform. A Fourier analysis of the square carrier wave at frequency fc contains the
fundamental frequency fc and its odd harmonics. When multiplied by the message
signal, this results in sidebands around fc, 3fc, 5fc, and so on. A bandpass filter
tuned to fc is often used at the output to select the desired AM-DSB-SC signal and
reject the harmonics. 9 However, with ideal components, the carrier frequency
component itself is suppressed. 60
 Note: The ring modulator acts as a product modulator, and its balanced nature with
respect to both the message and carrier leads to good suppression of unwanted
components. 52
 Methods for Demodulating AM-DSB-SC Signal with Emphasis on Synchronous
or Coherent Detection

Demodulating an AM-DSB-SC signal requires a technique sensitive to the phase of

the carrier wave, as the carrier itself is not transmitted. 1 Simple envelope detectors,
which rely on the presence of the carrier to track the envelope of the modulated
signal, cannot be used to demodulate AM-DSB-SC signals. 1 The envelope of an AM-
DSB-SC wave changes with the message signal, leading to distortion if an envelope
detector is used. 1

The primary method for demodulating AM-DSB-SC signals is synchronous

detection, also known as coherent detection or homodyne detection. 1 This technique
involves multiplying the received AM-DSB-SC signal by a locally generated carrier
wave that is perfectly synchronized in frequency and phase with the carrier used at the
transmitter. 2

After multiplication by the synchronized carrier, the resulting signal contains the
original message signal in the baseband and a high-frequency component at twice the
carrier frequency. 2 A low-pass filter is then used to remove the high-frequency
component, leaving the recovered message signal. 2

Achieving perfect synchronization is crucial for the success of synchronous detection.

Any difference in frequency or phase between the transmitted carrier and the local
oscillator at the receiver will lead to distortion and attenuation of the recovered
message signal. 2 Even a small frequency error can result in a "beat" effect or
distortion in the output. 7 A phase error φ will change the amplitude of the recovered
message signal by a factor of cos(φ), leading to complete signal loss if φ = ±90°
(quadrature null effect). 2

To overcome the challenge of carrier synchronization, techniques like the Costas loop
and the squaring loop are often used to generate the carrier at the receiver. 1 These
circuits use feedback mechanisms to lock the phase of a local oscillator to the
frequency of the incoming carrier.

Typical Circuit Diagrams for AM-DSB-SC Demodulation using Synchronous

Detection

 Coherent Detector:
o The basic coherent detector for demodulating an AM-DSB-SC signal consists of a
multiplier and a low-pass filter. 2
o The received AM-DSB-SC signal s(t) = m(t) * Ac * cos(2πfct) is multiplied
by a local carrier c'(t) = A'c * cos(2πfct + φ), where φ represents any phase
difference. 2
o The output of the multiplier is x(t) = s(t) * c'(t) = m(t) * Ac *
cos(2πfct) * A'c * cos(2πfct + φ). Using the trigonometric identity
cos(A)cos(B) = 1/2, we get: x(t) = (Ac * A'c / 2) * m(t) * [cos(φ) +
cos(4πfct + φ)]. 2
o Passing x(t) through a low-pass filter with a cutoff frequency higher than the
bandwidth of the message signal but lower than 2fc will remove the high-frequency
term, resulting in the recovered message signal m'(t) = (Ac * A'c / 2) *
 cos(φ) * m(t). 2 The amplitude of the recovered signal is directly affected by the
phase error φ.
 Costas Loop:
o A Costas loop is a feedback system used for coherent demodulation of AM-DSB-SC
signals without a pilot carrier. It generates a synchronized local carrier using two
phase detectors (multipliers), a 90-degree phase shifter, and a voltage-controlled
oscillator (VCO). 1
o The received AM-DSB-SC signal s(t) is fed into two multipliers. One multiplier
also receives the VCO output, cos(ωct + θ), while the other receives the VCO
output shifted by -90 degrees, sin(ωct + θ). 9
o The outputs of both multipliers are passed through low-pass filters. The output of the
in-phase channel (using cos(ωct + θ)) is proportional to m(t)cos(θ), and the
output of the quadrature channel (using sin(ωct + θ)) is proportional to
m(t)sin(θ), where θ is the phase error between the received carrier and the VCO
output. 1
o The outputs of the two low-pass filters are then multiplied together. The resulting
signal is proportional to m^2(t)cos(θ)sin(θ) = 1/2 * m^2(t)sin(2θ). 1 This
signal is fed back to the VCO as a control voltage. The VCO adjusts its frequency and
phase to minimize the phase error θ, driving sin(2θ) towards zero, which means θ
approaches 0 or 90 degrees. Phase lock is achieved when the VCO is synchronized
with the incoming carrier. The message signal is recovered from the output of the
low-pass filter in the in-phase channel.

List of Components and Equipment Needed to Conduct a Practical AM-DSB-SC

Modulation and Demodulation Experiment

 For Modulation:
o Message Signal Generator: A function generator capable of producing sine waves in
the audio frequency range (e.g., 100 Hz to 5 kHz) [Implied].
o Carrier Signal Generator: A function generator or signal generator capable of
producing sine waves at a higher frequency (e.g., 50 kHz to 100 kHz) [Implied].
o Analog Multiplier IC: Such as AD633 or LM1496, or a similar IC capable of
multiplying two analog signals. 47 Alternatively, a discrete balanced modulator circuit
can be built using transistors or diodes. 8
o Oscilloscope: A dual-channel oscilloscope to observe the message signal, carrier
signal, and the modulated AM-DSB-SC signal in the time domain [Implied].
o Spectrum Analyzer (Optional but Recommended): To observe the frequency spectrum
of the signals, confirming carrier suppression and the presence of sidebands. 1
o DC Power Supply: To power the analog multiplier IC and any active components in
the modulator circuit [Implied].
o Breadboard and Connecting Wires: To build the circuit connections [Implied].
 For Demodulation (Synchronous Detection):
o Local Oscillator: A function generator or signal generator capable of producing a sine
wave at the same frequency as the carrier used in modulation, with adjustable
frequency and phase (if possible). 2
o Analog Multiplier IC: Similar to the one used for modulation. 2
o Low-Pass Filter: An active or passive low-pass filter with a cutoff frequency slightly
higher than the message signal frequency (e.g., if the message is 1 kHz, a suitable
cutoff would be around 1.5 kHz). 2
o Oscilloscope: To observe the recovered message signal [Implied].
o DC Power Supply: For active components [Implied].
o Breadboard and Connecting Wires: To build the circuit [Implied].
 For Demodulation (Costas Loop - Optional):
o Voltage-Controlled Oscillator (VCO) IC: Such as CD4046 or similar. 9
o Phase Shifter: A circuit or network to provide a -90 degree phase shift at the carrier
frequency. 9 This can be implemented using RC networks or specialized phase-shifter
ICs.
o Two Analog Multiplier ICs: Similar to those used previously. 9
o Two Low-Pass Filters: With the same specifications as the filter used in the basic
synchronous detector. 9
o Loop Filter: A low-pass filter with a very low cutoff frequency to stabilize the VCO
control voltage. 24
o Oscilloscope: To observe the recovered signal and the VCO control voltage [Implied].
o DC Power Supply [Implied].
o Breadboard and Connecting Wires [Implied].

Detailed Steps to Conduct an Experiment for Generating and Demodulating

AM-DSB-SC Signal

 Modulation:
1. Connect the message signal generator to one input of the analog multiplier IC or the
balanced modulator circuit. Set the generator to output a sine wave at around 1 kHz
with an amplitude of 1-2 volts peak-to-peak.
2. Connect the carrier signal generator to the other input of the multiplier or modulator.
Set the generator to output a sine wave at around 100 kHz with an amplitude of 1-2
volts peak-to-peak.
3. Connect the output of the modulator to one channel of the oscilloscope. Observe the
waveform in the time domain. You should see a high-frequency signal whose
amplitude varies according to the message signal. Note the absence of a clear carrier
component at 100 kHz.
4. (Optional) Connect the modulator output to the input of the spectrum analyzer. Verify
the minimal or non-existent spectral component at 100 kHz (carrier frequency) and
the presence of sidebands at approximately 99 kHz and 101 kHz.
 Demodulation (Synchronous Detection):
1. Set the local oscillator to output a sine wave at the same frequency as the carrier used
in modulation (100 kHz) and an amplitude of 1-2 volts peak-to-peak. If your oscillator
has phase adjustment, start with an arbitrary setting.
2. Connect the output of the AM-DSB-SC modulator to one input of the second analog
multiplier IC. Connect the output of the local oscillator to the other input of this
multiplier.
3. Connect the output of the second multiplier to the input of the low-pass filter. Choose
a low-pass filter with a cutoff frequency around 1.5 kHz. This can be a simple RC
filter or an active filter circuit.
4. Connect the output of the low-pass filter to the second channel of the oscilloscope.
Observe the waveform. You should see a recovered sine wave at around 1 kHz, which
is the original message signal.
5. Experiment with making slight adjustments to the frequency of the local oscillator
(e.g., ±10 Hz) and observe the effect on the recovered signal. You might see a beat
frequency if the frequencies are not exactly matched. 7
6. If your local oscillator has phase adjustment, vary the phase and observe the
amplitude of the recovered signal. You should find that the amplitude is maximum
when the phase is aligned with the original carrier and decreases as the phase
difference increases, potentially reaching zero at a 90-degree phase difference. 2
 Demodulation (Costas Loop - Optional):
1. Build the Costas loop circuit according to the block diagram using the listed
components. Ensure correct connections for the VCO, phase shifter, multipliers, and
low-pass filters.
2. Connect the output of the AM-DSB-SC modulator to the input of the Costas loop.
3. Observe the output of the in-phase channel's low-pass filter on the oscilloscope. After
a short settling time, you should observe the recovered message signal (a sine wave at
around 1 kHz).
4. Monitor the control voltage of the VCO. You should see it settle at a DC value that
maintains the VCO's lock to the carrier frequency.

Examples of Practical Applications Using AM-DSB-SC Modulation Technology

AM-DSB-SC modulation is primarily used in applications where power efficiency is

critical and where coherent detection can be reliably implemented. 1

One prominent application is in the transmission of the chrominance (color) signal

in analog color television systems (such as the NTSC system). Here, two AM-DSB-
SC modulated signals, carrying the color difference information, are transmitted on
the same carrier frequency with a 90-degree phase difference (Quadrature Amplitude
Modulation - QAM). The carrier is suppressed to save power, and coherent detection
is used at the receiver to recover the color information [Implied Knowledge].

AM-DSB-SC is also used in Radio Data Systems (RDS), a communication protocol

for embedding small amounts of digital information in conventional FM radio
broadcasts. Although FM is the main carrier, AM-DSB-SC modulation is sometimes
used to transmit RDS data on a subcarrier. 7

A significant application of AM-DSB-SC modulation is its use as an intermediate step

in the generation of Single Sideband Suppressed Carrier (SSB-SC) signals. 2 SSB-
SC offers better bandwidth efficiency than DSB-SC by transmitting only one
sideband. DSB-SC is often generated first, and then a filter is used to remove one of
the sidebands to obtain the SSB-SC signal. 2
Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM), mentioned earlier in the context of
color television, also uses AM-DSB-SC modulation for its in-phase and quadrature
components to transmit two independent message signals simultaneously within the
same bandwidth. 6

While standard AM (DSB-LC) is used for commercial AM radio broadcasting due to

the simplicity of its receivers (using envelope detection), AM-DSB-SC may find use
in point-to-point communications or specialized applications where receiver
complexity is less of a concern than power efficiency. 3

Conclusion

In this report, we have provided a comprehensive overview of Double Sideband

Suppressed Carrier (AM-DSB-SC) amplitude modulation and demodulation. We
defined AM-DSB-SC modulation as an amplitude modulation technique where the
carrier frequency is suppressed, resulting in a signal containing only the upper and
lower sidebands. This carrier suppression leads to a significant improvement in power
efficiency compared to standard AM.

We explored the mathematical representations of the AM-DSB-SC signal in both the

time and frequency domains, highlighting the absence of the carrier component and
the presence of symmetrical sidebands. We also discussed typical implementations for
generating AM-DSB-SC signals, focusing on the balanced modulator and the ring
modulator.

The report emphasized the necessity of synchronous or coherent detection for

demodulating AM-DSB-SC signals due to the absence of the carrier. We examined
the block diagrams and operating principles of the basic coherent detector and the
more advanced Costas loop for carrier recovery. The challenges associated with
achieving perfect carrier synchronization were discussed.

Furthermore, we provided a detailed list of components and steps required to conduct

a practical experiment for generating and demodulating an AM-DSB-SC signal using
synchronous detection. Finally, we explored several practical applications of AM-
DSB-SC modulation, including its use in color television, radio data systems, as an
intermediate step in SSB-SC generation, and in quadrature amplitude modulation.

In conclusion, AM-DSB-SC modulation represents a valuable technique in

communication systems where power efficiency is paramount, albeit at the cost of
increased receiver complexity due to the need for coherent demodulation. Its role as a
fundamental building block in more advanced modulation schemes underscores its
importance in the field of electronic communications.